Alva W. Reid

Alva W. Reid, USAF CMSgt (Ret)

Al was born on November 25, 1933, in Fort Meade, FL and passed away peacefully on Monday, January 31, 2022, in Green Valley, AZ. He joined the US Air Force on September 14, 1954, and became a Tactical Instructor at Lackland AFB, TX, training recruits. In September1956, he cross-trained and became an Aircraft Loadmaster for the next 22 years, logging over 11,000 hours on 10 different aircraft. He spent 17 years in Air Rescue, where he crewed on many missions, including 74 combat missions in Vietnam. Al retired on November 30, 1982, after serving as the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Rescue Training Wing at Kirtland AFB, NM.

Al was awarded18 medals during his service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Citation. Al literally traveled around the world during his 28 years. He loved the Air Force and continued to miss it all through his retirement.
Al was predeceased by his parents, Alva Leon and Gladys T. Reid; his sister, Betty Jo; his first wife, Diane, and his son, Kirk.

Al is survived by his wife of 12 years, Wilma; daughter, Lisa (Jim); sons, Scott (Maryanne) and Chris (Nic); his daughter-in-law, Evette; stepdaughter, Amber (Bob); and stepson, Butch (Erin). He is also survived by his brother, Earl (Penne) and sister, Pennie, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., FRENCH - Westside. Al will be buried with his first wife, Diane, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The family would like you to view the visitation which will be live streamed and available for viewing by clicking on the link below.