Brian H. Eckler

MSGT Brian H. Eckler USAF (retired) age 69 AF COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE and USAF SECURITY SERVICE On April 23 2013 Brian lost his long battle against leiomysarcoma. Brian died at home, in San Antonio, Tx, with his wife of 44 years, Lora and his cat, Ms Bootsie. He served in the USAF for 26 years. What many don't know is that Brian was a disabled veteran who could have retired long before he did. Brian grew up in Johnstown, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents George Britcher Eckler and Helen Mary Eckler of Johnstown, NY. Started his lifetime love of reading and knowledge at the Johnstown Public Library. He was a graduate of the Johnstown HS class of 61. Brian received a NY Regents scholarship but did not know what he wanted to do so he joined the USAF. And see the world he did. He spent the first part of his career in AFCS After training and tech school Brian was stationed at RAF Sculthorpe, Norfolk, England, UK. Next was Diyarbakir, Turkey, then 2045 COMMSQ Davidsonville Transmitter Site, Andrews AFB, Md. He was transferred to the Presidential Aeronautical Station on Andrews AFB. While in DC he met and married his wife Lora Devlon Kartchner at Chapel #2 on Andrews AFB After his marriage, he was transferred to Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo, Tx for school and into USAFSS. After school, they went to Karamursel CDI, Turkey for 3 years. Fort George G. Meade, Md. at the National Security Agency with the 6970 ESG. for 4 years. Then Corry Naval Station, Pensacola Fl. for more training. Where he developed a lifelong loving of pink flamingos and found out his wife was a Parrot Head. Then on to the 6920 ESG at Misawa AFB, Japan. The Ecklers volunteered as teachers in a program with the Hachinohe, Japan Board of Education instructing local Japanese English teachers in conversational English and customs. After four wonderful years in Japan he came to the Air Force Cryptologic Support Center, Kelly AFB, Tx. Next was a remote to 2146th Com Group, Osan Air Base, Korea in May 1983. He was assigned to the Quality Control section which enabled him to visit every mountain top in Korea at least once. In May 1984 he returned to The Air Force Cryptologic Support Center at Kelly AFB until he retired in 1987. Brian joined a specially trained team of security experts dispatched to Moscow for the new embassy building. Armed with machines that could inspect construction elements without destroying them and cold-weather gear from Eddie Bauer, they invented inspection procedures as they went along. The specialists were trained rock-climbers who worked through Moscow's winter nights in temperatures that fell to 40 degrees below zero, hanging off the side of the building to get from floor to floor. After fighting the Air Force regulations over his weight and mustache for years he enjoyed eating and growing a beard as well. Kids often thought they had spotted Santa. After enjoying some of his retirement Brian also worked at West Telemarking as security on night shifts. Bri was a foodie all his life. As a child he often made lunch or dinner. Bri loved trying all the local food wherever he was stationed, be it from a cart or a four star restaurant, sometimes living on peanut butter to do that. Taste was a must read to check out the local food scene. He often spent hours fixing a meal, ordering food stuff from Japan, Europe and around the world. Brian was known for his cars. The green Chevy II with racing engine and crosses over the wheel wells his first tour in DC, followed by his 72 Silver Chevelle 454 with hood locks during his second tour there to his beloved 79 orange over brown VW Bus with its changing bumper stickers in San Antonio. Brian was also known for his colorful Tshirts that caused many a second glance, smile or started a conversion. Brian spent his days on the computer, researching, cooking, reading, and watching some tv shows. A great reader he never stopped exploring, seeking, learning, and chasing down new facts and events. Brian loved working with feral cats and kittens. Brian will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors.