Michael was a Colonel when he retired with 25 years of service. Within three weeks of retirement, Michael started his next career, flying for Southwest Airlines. Going to Southwest was almost like old home week, so many of his fellow classmates were already there. During his 10 years at Southwest, Michael realized there was a need for a comfortable Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headset, so he designed the perfect answer and his company, UFlyMike, was founded. UFlyMike has grown into a successful family run business and its products are the popular choice of commercial pilots. UFlyMike will always be Michael’s legacy. Once Michael’s flying careers were done, his need for speed turned to auto racing. He joined the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) in the Rocky Mountain region and before long he was an instructor. His love of racing was enhanced by both of his sons joining him in this endeavor, spending many evenings and weekends building, maintaining and racing their two American Muscle race cars. Michael is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debra Lackey; his children Shawn Lackey (Amanda) and Brandon Lackey (Rachel); his mother, Berniece Lackey; his sister Karen Oliver, and two grandchildren. (Michael’s loving family)
John F. Farrell, ’80 (Editor’s note: The photograph accompanying this obituary in the last magazine, although it was the only photograph in his cadet file and was labeled with his name and squadron, is not the image of Dr. (Major, Ret) John Farrell. The AOG and obituary editor sincerely apologize for the error to his family, friends, classmates and fellow graduates. Apologies also to Michael R. Watson, ’80, whose photo was misfiled, mislabeled and published in error.) Dr. (Maj. Ret) John Farrell was killed in a traffic accident near his home in Wetumpka, Ala. He was born in Portland, Ore., the fourth child of Fred and Jean Farrell. John excelled as a student and athlete, playing varsity football and running track. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1980 and became an officer and pilot, flying C-130s in Asia and the U.S. for 24 years. John met his wife, Liberty (Libay) Galang, in the Philippines, where they married in 1984. They had a daughter, Joanna Rae, in 1987. As a military family they moved often, living on or near bases in the Philippines, Tokyo, Hawaii, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Alabama. Wherever they moved, they made friends quickly and their home was often filled with Americans and Filipinos enjoying great food and karaoke. John and Libay traveled to visit family and friends and explore historic and natural sites throughout the U.S. and Asia. John Farrell After Joanna graduated from the University of Portland in 2009, they visited her in Kyrgyzstan, where she served in the Peace Corp for three years. When he wasn’t flying, John was a student, teacher and scholar of military history and Asian studies. He received his master’s degree from the University of the Philippines and earned his Doctorate from the University of Southern California. He served two tours as an associate professor at the Air Force Academy. John retired from the Air Force in 2004 in Little Rock, Ark. After retirement he taught at New Mexico Military Institute and was an Associate Professor at Squadron Officers College at Maxwell Air Force Base at the time of his death. John is survived by his wife, Libay, and daughter Joanna of Wetumpka; three sisters: Jo Ann Farrell (Bob Gaido), Janet Farrell (Len Walker), Patty Farrell (Bob Watkins); two brothers: Bill Farrell and Tom (Anne) Farrell; one niece, Libby Watkins, and two nephews, David Preston and Will Watkins. Visitation was on Nov. 3, 2013, at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass was offered at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church on
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November 4, 2013. Burial was at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Ala. (Janet Farrell, John’s sister)
James David Byerly, ’86 Colonel James David Byerly, 49, vice commander, 166th Airlift Wing, New Castle Air National Guard Base, Delaware, died on Feb. 4, 2014 at his home. He was a command pilot with more than 5,000 flight hours, including combat hours in Operations Just Cause, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Colonel Byerly entered the Air Force in 1986, graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He earned his pilot wings in 1987 and served on active duty for eight years. He then joined the Air Force Reserve where he served for 13 years before joining the Delaware ANG. During that time he earned his Juris Doctor degree and practiced law with Campbell Trial Lawyers for 15 years before retiring to accept his current position. He has flown C-130 aircraft throughout his entire career and has served as an expeditionary squadron commander on two separate occasions. Colonel Mike Feeley, a friend and colleague of Dave’s at New Castle Air Guard Base, made the following remarks concerning Dave: “Dave absolutely loved Dave Byerly his wife, Jess. He loved his children – his entire family. He loved his friends and neighbors. He constantly talked about what you guys did. “Dave also loved the Guard. He loved it as an institution. The lawyer in him loved its legal precedence, founded in our Constitution. He loved the idea of the Guard: Ordinary people defending their Country. Citizens, neighbors, helping each other in a time of need. . . “For me personally, Dave and I always tried to balance each other. We were both constantly pulling each other off the cliff, because, as many of you know, we tended to be a little impatient, trying to accomplish things perhaps a little too quickly. I will miss his balance. . .” Dave was a kind, generous, loving friend, husband and father. His passions included flying, woodworking, furniture making, reading and spending time with his family. Dave also enjoyed a good bourbon and spending time with his many friends especially when “the garage door was open.” Dave is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Jessica; his son Hank, 15; his daughter Lake, 12; step-children Sydney Nelson, 25, and Reed Nelson, 20; his brother Will of Annapolis, Md. (wife Cathy, daughter Jennifer); and sister Shelley Heijerman of Martin, Mich. (husband, Mark, daughters Laura Beth and Pamela, son Thomas (wife, Sara). He will be deeply missed by his family, many friends and colleagues both in his military and civilian life. A memorial service was held at the New Castle Air National Guard Base on Feb 7. 2014. Donations can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or the Delaware Food Bank. (Dave’s loving family)
Daniel M. Wuchenich, ’88 Lt. Col. (Ret) Dan Wuchenich, a great leader, mentor, and friend, departed our Air Force Family much too early on Jan. 6, 2014. Dan’s boundless spirit and generosity impacted his family and friends throughout his Air Force career and beyond. One could not find a better husband, father, and friend—he will always be an inspiration to us all. Dan graduated from Upper St. Claire High School, in Pittsburgh, Pa. and entered the Academy in July 1984. While focused on academics and military training and spending time at the hockey rink, he served with the prestigious Wings of Blue team, completing over 350 military freefall jumps, 454 total jumps, and numerous competitions. Dan graduated from CS-03 and made a lasting name for himself. After graduation, Dan began pilot training, where he suffered an unfortunate accident that took him off the pilot track. Doctors treating his injuries said they could not medically understand his remarkable recovery. One doctor told Dan’s father that if he had read about Dan’s recovery in a medical journal, he would have doubted the story. His positive attitude never wavered—he cracked jokes and was always ready to encourage others facing life challenges. 111