USAF Cecil Thomas Jenkins Brig Gen

Cecil was born in Lott, Texas March 2, 1921. After graduating from Chilton High School in 1940, he attended Southwest Texas State College. After his service during WW II, he returned to complete his education in 1948.

Cecil entered active military service in November 1942 as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps. After graduating from pilot training at Foster Field, Texas; he completed fighter pilot training at Ft. Sumner, NH, as well as Greenville and Galveston, TX, flying P-40 and P-47aircraft. Assigned to the 50th Air Force in 1945, he served in New Guinea, the Philippines and Okinawa with the 69th Fighter Squadron, flying the P-47 Thunderbolt.

After the war, he served with the occupation forces in Japan.

Released from active duty in 1946, he remained in the Air Force Reserve until recalled to active duty in 1951, during the Korean conflict serving as a ferry pilot and flight commander with the 1738th Ferry Squadron, Long Beach, California ferrying aircraft worldwide including Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and Central and South America.

Following the Pueblo Incident, then Col. Jenkins was activated in Jan. 1968 for over 16 months as Deputy Cdr., for Operations, 921st Military Airlift Group. In October of 1968, still on active duty, Col. Jenkins was selected to fill the position of Director of Operations & Training, 433d Military Airlift Wing (Alamo Wing), and assumed those duties on June 2, 1969, at Kelly AFB, Texas.

He assumed command of the 937th Military Airlift Group at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma in July 1970. On July 20, 1971 he was named to command the 94th Military Airlift Wing at L.G. Hanscom Field, Bedford, Mass. In July of 1972 he transferred to Dobbins AFB, GA., as wing commander.

In December of 1975, General Jenkins became acting commander of the Eastern Air Force Reserve Region at Dobbins AFB.

Cecil was awarded the First Oak Leaf Cluster to the AF Commendation Medal in Jan. 1972 for Outstanding Service as commander, 937th Military Airlift Group, Tinker AFB, OK. In May 1972 at the Pentagon, he accepted the Dept. of Defense Annual Community Relations/Domestic Action Program Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community support and Domestic Action, 1971.

In June of 1976 he was assigned to the Alamo Wing where he served as wing commander to the 433rd Tactical Airlift Wing. He retired in 1978, completing a 35-year military career. The general was decorated with the Air Force Legion of Merit.

He was a proud member of the Order of Daedalians for many years. Two memorable events during his tenure with the Alamo Wing were sending "aerial firefighters" to California in August of 1977 and flights to snowbound northeastern cities in February 1978.

He was married for almost 60 years to Army Nurse, Eleanor Barbato, whom he met in the South Pacific in 1946.

After retiring from the military, he and his son, Thomas, started Jenkins and Associates, a builder of fine custom homes.

Cecil was a faithful member of Bethany Congregational Church.

Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Barbato, his parents Claud and Abbie Jenkins, and his sister Claudine Jenkins.

He is survived by son Thomas L. Jenkins and (Lynn); daughters, Patricia Jenkins and Kathleen (Ken) Null; grandsons, Cameron Kurth, Brian Kurth and (Cori) and great granddaughter Olivia Kurth, and step-grandson, Kenneth L. Null, Jr. (Julia). As well as, one brother, Marshal Jenkins (Winnie); three sisters Juanita Mortimer, Janice Lane, Betty Jo Nix (John) as well as friends, nieces, and nephews, all dearly loved.

The family wishes to thank his loving and dedicated caregivers, especially Olga Flores as well as Allyssa Gallegos, Jose Martinez, and Magda Lopez.

The family also wishes to thank Odyssey Hospice who cared for him the last few months.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, August 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary 1101 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, Texas.

FUNERAL SERVICE

FRIDAY

AUGUST 9, 2013

12:00/NOON

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

Interment at 1:30 p.m. in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial donations may be made to the Fisher House, Inc. 7323 W. Highway 90, Suite 107 San Antonio, TX 78227-3562 or a charity of your choice.