“After high school, near the end of WWII, Randy enlisted in the U. S. Navy. Randy loved flying, so after the Navy he obtained his private pilot’s license. He was later commissioned an officer in the United States Air Force following graduation from Cadet School in Las Vegas, NV. Randy was a veteran of WWII and a highly decorated veteran of Korea and Vietnam. He flew 100 missions over Korea and 312 over Vietnam. During his military career he amassed more than 3,000 flying hours and was affectionately known as “The World’s Greatest Fighter Pilot.” Randy maintained treasured friendships with his military family through visits, correspondence, annual reunions and membership in various organizations.”(1)
Source:(1) Hartford Courant, https://www.courant.com/2009/12/13/steffens-randall-l/
Randall L. Steffens, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on December 7, 2009.
Lt. Col. Randall L. Steffens, USAF, RET, 82, of Windsor, passed away unexpectedly Monday, (December 7, 2009). Born in Rock Falls, Illinois on June 13th, 1927 and raised in Iowa, he was the son of Henry and Katherine (Albers) Steffens.
After high school, near the end of WWII, Randy enlisted in the U. S. Navy. Randy loved flying, so after the Navy he obtained his private pilot’s license. He was later commissioned an officer in the United States Air Force following graduation from Cadet School in Las Vegas, NV. Randy was a veteran of WWII and a highly decorated veteran of Korea and Vietnam. He flew 100 missions over Korea and 312 over Vietnam. During his military career he amassed more than 3,000 flying hours and was affectionately known as “The World’s Greatest Fighter Pilot.” Randy maintained treasured friendships with his military family through visits, correspondence, annual reunions and membership in various organizations.
Following retirement from the Air Force Randy was a local realtor for a number of years. He was a volunteer at the New England Air Museum and greatly enjoyed interacting with visitors of all ages. Randy was also pleased to be one of the veterans honored last month during a Veteran’s Day ceremony at Windsor High School.
Randall was an active member of the Anciente & Secret Order of the Quiet Birdmen Hartford Hangar for 36 years. Surviving are his loving wife, Doreen Hardy Steffens; his brother, Robert L. Steffens (Lore); nieces, Linda Wiseman (Randy), Sandy Baumeier, and Ruth Jones; nephews, Donald Steffens (Charie), Robert (Deb) Benson, Larry (Betty) Benson, John (Michele) Hardy and James (Colleen) Hardy; and sister-in-law Audrey Welsh. Randy was predeceased by beloved sons, Gregory and Kent; his sister, Arletta (Clarence) Benson; and his mother-in-law, Toni Butz.
Family and friends [were] invited to attend a memorial service, Wednesday, December 16th , 5:30 p.m. at the New England Air Museum at Bradley International Airport, 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks. Guests will be greeted beginning at 4:30 p. m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the New England Air Museum or to your local food bank.
