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Welcome to the memorial page for
Vernon Walter Akers
November 9, 1941 ~ May 13, 2016 (age 74) 74 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Eric and Judy Jenkins
May 19, 2016 3:10 PM
Connie and family our deepest condolences in Vern's passing. We have enjoyed our annual block party and spending time with you all over the years. We will miss Vern and his beautiful historical car. May God keep you close as you mourn over Vern's death.
Warmest regards,
Eric and Judy Jenkins
Warmest regards,
Eric and Judy Jenkins
Message from Cleve Greeson
May 19, 2016 2:43 PM
Vernon was one of my best friends. We were together during some trying and exciting times during our military career. We have kept in touch for over 40 years. I am going to miss him very much. Farewell Vern.
Message from Alberta Pellecchia
May 18, 2016 10:05 PM
To Connie and Family I send my deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. I will always remember Vern walking down the hall at Bldg 213 with a great smile and a happy greeting.....such a pleasant, kind person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Message from Jim Spencer
May 18, 2016 2:38 PM
My wife and I will miss Vern- a lot. He was one of the truly good-guys that we met at the 548th. Vern, Jerry Monroe and I spent hundreds of hours deep sea fishing for the "Big Ones" from the base boat. We even represented the Air Force at the 1st Ahi tournament out of Waianae Bay. One time Vern took a photograph of my father and I catching a big marlin. I am thankful because it was the last time I got to fish with my dad. The picture hangs in my den. Vern was a special kind of leader and a friend. Our condolences to Connie and his family. Hopefully there are fish where he is now - big ones that are easier to catch. RIP my friend!
Message from Roger E. Doss
May 18, 2016 12:58 AM
I first met Vern at the Photo-Radar Interpretation School at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX, in 1959 October or November. We were both slick sleeves – Airman Basics. He was in the class behind me. I guess because of that, we did not hang out together. We both stuck with our own classmates. And we both did our best at the school. We met next at Offutt AFB, NE in 1960 May or June; we both were in the 544th RTG. He in Edit (of maps) and I in the Cartographic Branch as a map-type PI. I remember that we hung out once and he said that he went somewhere north on leave. I thought to myself, “Why would you want to go to somewhere colder than Offutt?”. He said he met with a really nice girl. I thought, again to myself, “Well, at least your heart got warm.” Oh, that girl’s name was Connie.
I left Offutt AFB in 1961 July and went to the 67th RTS, Yokota AB. I do not know where Vern went. I think that the next time we met was eight years later at the 67th RTS – my 2nd tour there and Vern’s 1st. We had a short overlap; he went elsewhere soon, in a month or two.
We next met at the 548th RTG, Hickam AFB, HI. He worked on the first floor, while I worked on the second floor. There were some significant changes in the organization of the 548th RTG in the early part of 1973 which effected both of us. The Third Phase/Detailed Readout Team was formed. Vern became the first NCOIC of this team, while I became the first OIC of the team. Vern was such an outstanding NCOIC that I did not have anything to do. So while he did his thing, I researched POL pipelines in Vietnam, doing real PI work. That was fun for me. I remember that one weekend, we were called into work to check out what the North Vietnamese said was a bombing of a hospital in Hanoi. So we checked it out and discovered that the US did not bomb the hospital; it was undamaged. We concluded that the crater next to it was probably caused by a SA-2 missile falling down from the sky. After working a couple of hours, Vern said, “Well, its time to go home. I’ve enjoyed all I can today.” Definitely, this was a memorable remark to me. Vern was unique. May he Rest In Peace (RIP), or better yet, Rejoice In Paradise (RIP).
I left Offutt AFB in 1961 July and went to the 67th RTS, Yokota AB. I do not know where Vern went. I think that the next time we met was eight years later at the 67th RTS – my 2nd tour there and Vern’s 1st. We had a short overlap; he went elsewhere soon, in a month or two.
We next met at the 548th RTG, Hickam AFB, HI. He worked on the first floor, while I worked on the second floor. There were some significant changes in the organization of the 548th RTG in the early part of 1973 which effected both of us. The Third Phase/Detailed Readout Team was formed. Vern became the first NCOIC of this team, while I became the first OIC of the team. Vern was such an outstanding NCOIC that I did not have anything to do. So while he did his thing, I researched POL pipelines in Vietnam, doing real PI work. That was fun for me. I remember that one weekend, we were called into work to check out what the North Vietnamese said was a bombing of a hospital in Hanoi. So we checked it out and discovered that the US did not bomb the hospital; it was undamaged. We concluded that the crater next to it was probably caused by a SA-2 missile falling down from the sky. After working a couple of hours, Vern said, “Well, its time to go home. I’ve enjoyed all I can today.” Definitely, this was a memorable remark to me. Vern was unique. May he Rest In Peace (RIP), or better yet, Rejoice In Paradise (RIP).
Message from Hans Svane
May 17, 2016 10:48 PM
We are all going to miss Vern. I had met Vern at Bunker Hill many years before he joined the East Coast Drifters. He always had that ease about his manner and speech and that little grin, too. We talked always little about the Air Force, cars and his love for Blue Grass. He always invited me to go and watch them pick and play but I never seem to be able to make it. But I can invasion him riding his 34' and taking the man up stairs for a ride to listen to some Blue Grass music.......Keep smiling & grinnin Vern God Bless WE'LL MISS YOU Hans Pres. East Coast Drifter
Message from Kenneth & Beverly Kelly
May 17, 2016 8:10 PM
To Connie & Family:
We have lost one of the finest. It was always a pleasure to deal with Vern on both a personal and professional basis. Keep us posted. I would be honored to contribute to whoever prepares a eulogy. I can probably gather comments from others. Connie you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ken and Bev Kelly
We have lost one of the finest. It was always a pleasure to deal with Vern on both a personal and professional basis. Keep us posted. I would be honored to contribute to whoever prepares a eulogy. I can probably gather comments from others. Connie you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ken and Bev Kelly
Message from Greg Olson
May 17, 2016 6:11 PM
I am sorry to hear of Vern's passing. My condolences to his wife and family. I was a colleague of Vern's when we both worked for DIA. I worked closely with and for Vern and the Pentagon at NOC-P in 1997-98. Vern selected me to be one of his team chiefs. He always treated me well; his easy going manner and sense of humor working in a time-sensitive environment really helped us get our jobs done.
Message from K. Nichols
May 17, 2016 1:07 PM
Please accept my sincerest sympathy. I know first-hand the feeling of losing loved ones unexpectantly and suddenly. What comforted me during those stressful times were the words of Jesus Christ who promises a resurrection of all those in the memorial tombs (John 5:28, 29). Perhaps his promise can bring you a measure of comfort as well.
Message from Dan and Mary Jo Fellner
May 17, 2016 12:47 PM
As the members of the East-Coast Drifters car club arrived for Monday night's meeting, tears came to their eyes as a Bud Lite Draft was noticed at the corner of the bar in Vern's normal spot. In honor of a good friend and the soft-spoken man with a big heart who certainly touched the lives of everyone there. What an absolute pleasure it was to know his outgoing personality and his humor. Vern was truly an impressive man and it will be an immense challenge to get along in life without him, especially for those who shared his enthusiasm for cars. Connie, may you find comfort in knowing we loved this man and share your sadness. May Vern forever enjoy Heaven's open roads. RIP dear friend
Message from 548th and 67th Reconnaissance Association
May 17, 2016 12:46 PM
The men and women of the 548th and 67th Reconnaissance association wish to express our condolences to Vern's Family. Vern was a close friend to many of us, at both the 67th RTS and the 548th, as well as other assignments. We were glad to see both Vern and Connie at our 2014 reunion. He will be missed.
Message from Elton Stokes
May 17, 2016 12:21 PM
Vern always represented the best of humanity. He was the type of person that you could relate to with comfort. Vern taught me that a great supervisor should focus on the person first and the job later. He was an exceptional military leader who inspired and pushed you to do your best. I first served with Vern as a budding intelligence officer (Photo Analyst) in the 548th Recce Tech Gp, Hawaii, later in the Def Intel Agency on the Washington Navy Yard and finally as fellow managers in the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Vern was my mentor, superb supervisor and a life-long friend. I’ll miss the great parties and card games we had at Jeff Durcher’s home after our retirement and repeatedly getting lost on our way back home on dark (and now unfamiliar) roads using questionable GPS apps. RIP my friend and know that your memory will always bring a smile to my face and a glow in my heart.
Message from Lora
May 17, 2016 11:21 AM
Death breaks into our lives with such force and deprives us of our dear loved ones. The grief that Vernon's death has caused is indescribable. No wonder the Bible calls death an enemy. (1Corinthians 15:26) Jesus tell us not to be amazed when those in the memorial tombs hear his voice and come out. (John 5:28) This is a comforting hope to help sustain you during this difficult time. When we see our loved ones again we will all have the opportunity to live forever when God makes all things new. In the meantime may the memories of Vernon comfort you and may God grant you the ability to endure
Message from Norman Lee
May 17, 2016 11:00 AM
First met Vern in 1965 at 67RTS in Japan, again in Vietnam, and later in the DC area. Last saw him at the NGA Alumni luncheon May 2015. He was a true friend and will be missed.
Message from Art Gomes
May 17, 2016 10:57 AM
Vern: Thanks for your many years of service with DIA. I can't help but remember the number of times your analysis on the Middle Est countries you worked made a significant contribution to the analytical questions we were trying to respond to in a very timely manner.
God bless you and your family. Once again, thanks so very much.
God bless you and your family. Once again, thanks so very much.
Message from Gary Taylor
May 17, 2016 10:29 AM
I'm so sorry to hear of Vern's passing. He was an excellent example of an NCO. I worked with him, indirectly, at the 548th at Hickam. Vern was always very sensible, thoughtful and encouraging. He loved his work and appreciated all those he came in contact with. He was one of the few positive, calming individuals we could relate with at the 548th. When changes were announced that were unsettling, he had a way of calming everyone in his surroundings. A very great colleague. He will be missed. I hope to attend the ceremony at Arlington, unfortunately I can't come to the funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with Vern's family. God Bless you all as you remember Vern.
Message from Alton Matherne
May 17, 2016 4:02 AM
Vern was my first boss when I arrived at 67RTS in Japan in 1968 fresh from Tech School. His enthusiasm, concern and superb PI abilities helped me along to become good at the job. His attitude was one of a friend rather than a boss and we shared many laughs along the years at Yokota and in Vietnam where we both ended up on the next assignment. I was invited to visit Vern & Connie several times and we enjoyed a bit of Louisiana Cajun cooking which I was rubbish at but there was always good times and a warm family welcome which I very much enjoyed. My sincere condolences to Connie and the family. Vern was a treasure and I am sure will be sadly missed. Remember the joy of sharing your life with him and relish in that memory, he was a very special man!
Message from Dick Curley
May 17, 2016 12:03 AM
Vern and I were stationed together in Japan for a couple years. Always found him to be a dedicated photo interpreter and outstanding NCO.
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