Melba Marie Mickie Col. Gillane

Mickie was born in Galveston, Texas.

She graduated from Ball High School, received her BSN from the University of Texas, her MPH from Tulane University and several hours toward her PhD from Texas A&M University.

Mickie was a retired USAF Colonel and one of the few remaining Aerospace Nurses. She flew multiple air evacuation missions over Vietnam as a medical crew member, airlifting many of the wounded out of the war zone. Colonel Gillane had a variety of assignments in the Air Force ranging from ward nurse initially, to Master Instructor at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, to her final assignment prior to retirement as Chief of Environmental Health at Headquarters, Strategic Air Command, Omaha, Nebraska.

While at the School of Aerospace Medicine, Colonel Gillane was instrumental in establishing a Masters in Public Health Degree through the Air Force Institute of Technology and the University of Texas for students in the Air Force Environmental Health Nurse Program.

During her Air Force career, Colonel Gillane was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, various Vietnam Service Medals, the AF Commendation Medal and various other medals, most with oak leaf clusters. She also received the Air Force Medical Association's Flight Nurse of the Year Award as well as the Air Force Association's Nurse of the Year Award. Upon retirement she became Director of Health Services for Sea World of Texas and subsequently retired for good to travel, read and play golf.

Colonel Gillane was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas A. and Bessie H. Gillane; and sister, Patricia J. Sheppard.

She is survived by her dearest friend and caregiver throughout her bout with cancer, Phyllis N. Goins; by her beloved family: brother, Thomas P. Gillane and wife, Doris; brother, Daniel A. Gillane and wife, Susan; adopted brother, Howard Goins and wife, Juanita; nephews, Timothy P. Gillane and wife, Jennifer; Daniel Sheppard and wife, Hope; Jim Gillane and wife, Mary; Michael J. Sheppard and wife, Julie; and John Gillane; nieces, Kristin Morrow and husband, Ryan; Heather Simms and husband, Derek; great nephews, Joseph Gillane, Daniel Gillane, Kevin Gillane, Kolby Taylor Simms, and Tanner Ryan Morrow; great nieces, April Klearner and husband, Jessie; Bridget Gillane, Lauren Sheppard, Kelly Gillane, Madison Marie Morrow, Kelsey Morgan Simms, and Cheyenne Gillane; great great niece, Kaylee Novine Klearner; dear friends, Carmelita Cedillo and family, Fernando and Hilda Vela and family, Sue and Dick Ferguson of Spring Branch, and Othillo and Yolanda Aguerra of College Station. Honorary Pallbearers: Tim Gillane, Jimmy Gillane, John Gillane, Daniel Sheppard, Michael Sheppard, Joey Gillane, Daniel Gillane, and Kevin Gillane.

VIEWING AND SERVICE

MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2010

1:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Women In Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc. Dept. 560, Washington, DC 20042-0560.