“I first flew the F-100 in 1959. After completion of training, I was assigned to the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing flying the F-100 in the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Follow-on assignments were the 1st Air Commando Wing, flying the T-28, with two 6-month tours in Thailand. Then came two years of study at North Carolina State University, graduating with a Masters Degree in Mathematics. Then back to the F-100 and a tour at Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the F-100 and it was with mixed emotions that I left it to teach mathematics at the Air Force Academy.”
For more information about Jack Bujalski, go to http://www.hshedd.com/1958g2/pages/textbujalskijackpetermilitary.html
Jack P. Bujalski, Col USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on June 4, 2024.
“Born and raised in North Dakota, son of a Polish immigrant railroad station agent and a German-Irish farm girl, Jack benefited from the Roman Catholic beliefs of his parents and the rural values of America. He never heard of West Point until his senior year of high school, and he sought an appointment simply because nobody he knew had ever gone there. The challenge was irresistible and also, it was a free education. Five months before his departure for West Point, he met the love of his life, Rachel Dhuyvetter.
Jack was commissioned on 4 June 1958 and, one day later, he and Rachel were married at the Cadet Catholic Chapel. After pilot training, Jack underwent F-100 Combat Crew Training and was then assigned to Kadena AB, Okinawa. Subsequent assignments took them to Hurlburt Field, FL and the Air Commandos, North Carolina State University for a master’s degree, Phan Rang, Vietnam (unaccompanied), USAF Academy to teach math, Maxwell AFB (AL), Nellis AFB (NV), the Pentagon, Greeley, CO for ROTC duty and, their last tour, NAS Keflavik, Iceland.
Jack did not embark on a second career, wanting to devote more time to Rachel and their family. He believed it was payback time for the sacrifices they made during his thirty-year career. He taught math part-time at the community college level and they traveled extensively. They moved to Air Force Village II (now Blue Skies of Texas, West) in January 1995.
Jack is survived by his wife of 66 years, their three children, Shawn, Blane and Shelli, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. In 2006, at age 71, Jack told Rachel that if he were to die that day, the only regret he would have was that he was leaving her alone. He was content with his life and at peace with himself.” (1)
Jack’s wife Rachel told us of his passing and said “He was so happy to be a Super Sabre member.”
A Memorial Rosary and Mass were held on July 12, 2024, at Blue Skies of Texas High Flight Chapel. Jack’s final resting place will be at West Point Cemetery.
He will be missed.
Sources: Rachel Bujalski and https://www.porterloring.com/obituaries/Col-Jack-Peter-Bujalski-USAF-Ret?obId=31776112
