LtCol Gary M. Sanders “completed pilot training in 1970 and saw combat service in the Republic of Viet Nam flying the F-100D Super Sabre. On his return from Southeast Asia, Gary transitioned to the A-7D Corsair II and served as an instructor pilot at Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, AZ. In 1976 he was selected to be among the early cadre of instructor pilots in the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter at Luke AFB, AZ.
Gary left active duty in 1978 to work as a production flight test pilot for Learjet in Tucson. In 1983, Gary returned to active military duty as an instructor in the AT-38B at Holloman AFB, NM. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Sue. In 1989, Gary was selected to fly the ten top-secret F-117 Stealth Fighter. His final Air Force assignment was as an operations staff officer for the 602 Tactical Air Control Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB where he retired culminating 20 years of service to his country.” (1)
Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/gary-sanders-obituary?id=24847136
Gary M. Sanders, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on December 27, 2007.
Lt. Col. Gary M. Sanders USAF, retired Gary Sanders, devoted husband, father, and friend passed away December 27, 2007 at Tucson Medical Center. Born in Los Angeles, California and raised in San Marcos, Texas, Gary graduated with a degree in engineering from the University of Texas. After working briefly in the aerospace industry, Gary joined the Air Force and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in March 1969.
He completed pilot training in 1970 and saw combat service in the Republic of Viet Nam flying the F-100D Super Sabre. On his return from Southeast Asia, Gary transitioned to the A-7D Corsair II and served as an instructor pilot at Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, AZ. In 1976 he was selected to be among the early cadre of instructor pilots in the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter at Luke AFB, AZ.
Gary left active duty in 1978 to work as a production flight test pilot for Learjet in Tucson. In 1983, Gary returned to active military duty as an instructor in the AT-38B at Holloman AFB, NM. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Sue. In 1989, Gary was selected to fly the ten top-secret F-117 Stealth Fighter. His final Air Force assignment was as an operations staff officer for the 602 Tactical Air Control Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB where he retired culminating 20 years of service to his country.
Following his retirement, Gary returned to Bombardier Learjet as a production flight test pilot flying all models of the Learjet and Challenger 300 and 604 series aircraft. Gary attended the National Test Pilot School, was a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and was an FAA Flight Test and Flight Analysis Designated Engineering Representative.
He was involved in the community serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pima Air and Space Museum, and was active in the Friends of Western Art, Quiet Birdmen, and the Mountain Oyster Club. Gary is survived by his wife Susan; son, Matthew; daughters, Kathryn, Elke, and Ulrika; and three grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned for 9:00 A.M. January 3, 2008 at the Pima Air and Space Museum, Hangar 4, 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Southern Arizona Veteran’s Cemetery, Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista, AZ. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Pima Air and Space Museum or the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are being handle by HUDGEL’S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.
Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tucson/name/gary-sanders-obituary?id=24847136
