David Donald Doherty

Colonel David Donald Patrick Doherty, U.S.A.F. retired, died October 14, 2011 in Austin, Texas surrounded by his loving family. Born June 20, 1936 in Charleston, South Carolina to Raymond and Elizabeth Doherty, he was a son of the South, graduating in 1954 from Bishop England High School. In October 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and while assigned to Spain's Torrejon A.F.B., he met Victoria Velasco, whom he fondly called, "Vicky." She would become his companion, wife, mother of his children and the love of his life for more than 52 years.

After achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, David went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska and then received an appointment to the U.S.A.F. Officer Training School where he earned the rank of Wing Commander, the post reserved for the number one cadet in the class. He graduated OTS as a 2nd Lieutenant and went on to earn a Master's Degree from New Mexico State University and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel at Bergstrom Air Force Base after 34 years of decorated military service to his country. Upon retirement, President Ronald Reagan personally wrote to him, "You have played a critical role in the preservation of America's security and freedom, and I am proud to speak for all Americans in thanking you for your dedicated service."

During his distinguished career, Colonel Doherty completed two tours of duty in Viet Nam, one in Thailand and another in Grenada. David's dedication and patriotic service earned him a distinguished military career decorated with The Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 bronze oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal with 2 bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster and two bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

David's three children, Vicki Ann, Donald and Brenda were the apples of his eye. Each adored and was extremely proud of the man they called "Dad." In his final hours, surrounded by his beloved Vicky, Brenda, Vicki Ann and her husband Tim, Donald and his wife, D'Layne, and his grandchildren John Marshall, Reagan, Landon, Alison, and Chad (in spirit) he listened to old football game recordings of his beloved University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish which brought a smile to his face. He left this world, the Notre Dame Fight Song playing and the leprechaun leading a jig all the way to the

Pearly Gates. David was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda and is survived by his brother Raymond, sister Libby and many nieces and nephews.

Through David's 75-year life, he made many, many life-long friends. As family members spoke with those learning of his passing, the comments were always the same – "Your father was one of the best men I ever had the privilege of knowing." He was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather; a trusted friend and Golden Glove boxer; an honorable soldier and a self-made man who came from nothing yet achieved the pinnacle of success both professionally and personally. The world is a better and safer place because of him and the void his passing leaves in so many hearts can only be filled with wonderful memories of a truly remarkable man. For much of his life - a warrior. For all of his life - a gentleman.

A celebration of his life will be held in Austin at St. John Neumann Catholic Church at 5455 Bee Cave Road in Austin, Texas, on Monday, October 24 at 5:00 PM followed by a true Irish celebration at the Lion and Rose Pub on Loop 360 South at Bee Caves Rd. Together, David's family will carry his ashes to the Notre Dame vs. Maryland football game in November and Interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery with the full military honors befitting such an honorable patriot.