Ret. Lt. Col. Alan L. Girod

Ret. Lt. Col. Alan L. Girod June 17, 1938 – August 19, 2010 Mill City, Oregon Alan L. Girod was born in Salem, OR to Lloyd D. and Elsie M. (Rose) Girod.  The family lived in the Fruitland area and attended school there.  After several moves the family eventually settled in Idanha in 1946 living in a tent house before moving to the CCC Camp.   In 1950 Stayton became home and he graduated from Stayton High School in 1955.  Awarded his Bachelor Degree from Willamette University in 1960, he joined the U.S. Air Force and his interest in flying garnered him his Pilot’s Wings in 1962.  Not one to shy away from challenges, Alan flew B50’s with the Hurricane Hunters into the Bermuda weather systems.  He transferred to photo mapping in Atlanta, GA and was also assigned temporary duties in New Guinea, Columbia, Brazil and American Samoa.  By 1964 Alan entered Squadron Officers School.  Trained at Dover Air Force Base in 1966 he flew the MAC Line C133A.  Many missions took him to Vietnam carrying cargo.  Flying school for Caribou was his next adventure in 1968 eventually clocked over 1000 combat hours in Vietnam.  Alan received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.  In 1970 he married Ann Stewart and they later divorced.  Whatever was asked of him from his Country he did from being an instructor pilot for 133 B’s, Naval Command War College, Senior Controller and Trouble shooter for distressed airlift aircraft to Aircraft Commander.  He retired from his Military career in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel.   Returning to his roots he settled into civilian life in Mill City, Oregon where he managed a Sports Center and then purchased the business in 1984.  He found joy in playing poker, hunting and fishing and as a #1 Trailblazer fan.  He is survived by his family, Cherie Girod, Jim Girod and Fred Girod all of Mill City, Niece, Jill Girod of Stayton , Nephew,  Jeff Girod of Morrison, Colorado and five great Nieces.  Graveside Services will be Tuesday, August 24, 2010 2:00 P.M.  at Willamette National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.  Contributions; Canyon Crisis Center or VFW Post of Stayton.   Alan considered it an honor to serve his country!   Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services