Sunday, June 20th is Father’s Day in 2021
A Son’s Tribute to his Father and One of America’s Fallen Warriors
On Sunday, last Father’s Day, at 11 a.m., Robert Apodaca was our guest speaker at a very special Father’s Day Service in our church. He paid a special tribute to his father who is one of America’s fallen warriors. Robert’s father, Major Victor J. Apodaca, USAF, was shot down over North Vietnam. On September 11, 2001, his remains were returned to American soil to be buried at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Robert will be sharing with us the events that surrounded the return of his father’s remains and his burial on one of the most tragic days in American History. This was a moving tribute to one of America’s fallen warriors.
Robert, himself, is a former Air Force Officer commanding and controlling GPS satellites. During his time of active duty, he served as the Chief of Mission Operations for the Flight Test branch of the USAF Weapons Laboratory. Robert was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Aerial Achievement Medal for his actions in service to his country. Following his separation from active service, Robert worked for Dynetics Corporation supporting the Defense Intelligence Agency. He is currently the Senior Staff Systems Engineer with the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. He is married to the former Christy McCormick and they have three children, Jelisa, who is a Captain in the USAF; Grant who is a computer systems engineer in Austin, TX; and Sarah, who lives in Ft. Collins, CO, where she received her degree in Health and Exercise Science from
Colorado State University
Short Bio - Robert A. Apodaca
Early in his career, Robert Apodaca served as an Air Force Officer commanding and controlling GPS satellites. He went on to become the Chief of Mission Operations for the Flight Test branch of the United States Air Force Weapons Laboratory. During his brief active duty career in the Air Force, Robert was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Aerial Achievement Medal for his actions in his service to his country.
After Robert separated from Active Duty service in the Air Force, he moved back to Alabama, where he worked for Dynetics Corporation supporting the Defense Intelligence Agency.
After several years in Huntsville, Robert moved to Orlando, Florida to start his career with Lockheed Martin in their Electronics and Missiles Division. He has worked on the F-22 and the F-35; he was the lead Flight Test Engineer for the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, and has worked on many different research and development programs for Lockheed Martin over the past 23 years. He is married to Christy McCormick Apodaca and they have three children, Jelisa who is a Captain in the Air Force; Grant, a Computer Systems Engineer in Austin, TX; and Sarah, who lives in Ft Collins, where she got her degree in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University.
Robert A. Apodaca
Sr. Staff Systems Engineer,
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
We will be wearing masks, and we will require those who attend to do so. We will also be practicing Social Distancing. Masks will be available for those who do not have one.
We look forward to seeing you again this year to honor our fathers and those who have fathered us by a heartfelt example in our liveson this Father’s Day. Grace and Peace.