Robert C. Birkett

Born September 4, 1931, Bob was raised on a farm near Burlington, WI with four brothers and a sister. He entered the United States Air Force (USAF) as a private during the Korean War. He was a crew chief, Aviation Cadet, B-47 pilot, U-2 pilot (both AF and CIA), operations officer, and U-2 squadron commander. He retired as the Director of Special Projects at USAF Headquarters, which included the U-2, SR-71, and other secret programs in August of 1979.

After retiring from the USAF he worked for several construction companies as an estimator, foreman, superintendent, and project manager. He was an active member and past president of the Southern Arizona Rescue Association and a charter member in the Pantano Rotary Club.

Bob was the recipient of many awards including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Pantano Rotary Club Centennial Award.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Betty, of 56 years, sons Michael (wife Janet), John and grandsons Andrew and Daniel.

Services will be held at East Lawn Palms on Saturday, August, 3, 2013, at 10:00A.M. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Southern Arizona Rescue Association or the Pantano Rotary Foundation Fund.