Edward Apodaca

CMSgt. Edward (Ed) Alphonso Apodaca passed away early Monday, October 2, 2023, at the age of 77 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Linda Apodaca (Cooksey) and his three siblings, Robert Apodaca, Eleanor Martinez, and Kathleen Apodaca. Together Ed and Linda have 6 children: Edward Apodaca, April Apodaca, Bucky Bowling, Wally Bowling, Danny Bowling, and Steven Bowling, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

Ed was one of four children, born August 20, 1946, to Oscar and Ruth Apodaca in Los Angeles, CA.  He graduated from St. Paul High School, Santa Fe Springs, CA in 1964 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Management) from California State University, Los Angeles in 1978. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer and Noncommissioned Officer Academies as well as the Community College of the Air Force.

Ed enlisted in the Air Force in November of 1965 and proudly served his country for 37 years.  His Air Force career included duty stations from California to Washington DC and temporary assignments throughout the world.  Because of Ed’s ability to effectively lead others he continued to rise through the ranks over the course of his career, ultimately being promoted to a Chief Master Sergeant in April of 1988.  His last assignment was with Headquarters Air Force Pentagon as the Superintendent of the Active Guard and Reserve Management where he was responsible for over 2400 enlisted personnel.   During this assignment he and his personnel participated in the search and rescue of victims of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon.   At the conclusion of his Air Force career July 2003, Ed had been awarded several Medals which included the Meritorious Service and Air Force Commendation medals.

During the early part of his Air Force career, Ed was successful in the private sector.  Ed and his family ran a successful furniture business in East Los Angeles, and he later moved to larger retail stores.   After his retirement from the Air Force, Ed volunteered as an Ombudsman for the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserves.  In this role, his mission was to support our troops that were coming home which mirrored his 37 years of service supporting his troops.  In addition, Ed, together with his wife Linda, owned and operated Clermont Office Suites, an Executive Office Suites Building in Historic Downtown Clermont Florida for ten years.

Although he had a distinguished career, he will be remembered by those who knew him as a loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with prayers at 5:00 p.m. at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home in La Plata, MD.   Burial will be at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Air Force Aid Society https://portal.afas.org/donate/.

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