Jerry Thomas Dennis
April 30th 1942 ~ March 9th, 2008

Jerry was born in El Centro, California, April 30th, 1942 to Loren and Thelma Dennis.  He died Sunday, March 9th, 2008 of a heart attack while in Ventura, CA. He had a younger brother, Byron, whose family lives in Bakersfield, CA.  In 1960, Jerry graduated from South High School and later that year, enlisted in the Air Force to pursue his dream of flying jets.  In 1961, Jerry was accepted into the Air Force Academy where he graduated in 1965.  Due to a serious knee injury, Jerry had to leave the Air Force.  However, that did not deter his passion for aviation.  In 1965, he enlisted in the Army to become a helicopter pilot.

In May 1966, Jerry married Hannelore “Lory” Padilla. In September, he was sent to Vietnam for his first tour.  After he returned to the states in 1967, he was selected for Rotary Wing Flight School where Jerry graduated with honors and first in his class in December 1967.  The following year, Jerry served his second tour in Vietnam, this time as a helicopter pilot and aircraft commander.  He was later stationed in Ft. Rucker, AL as an aircraft accident investigator, which launched his career in aviation safety.  In 1974, Major Dennis left the US Army and from 1975 to 1985, he remained in the Army Reserves 1898th AVN CO at Ft. Richardson, AK.  Jerry proudly served his country for more than 25 years.
 
In 1974, the National Transportation Safety Board hired Jerry to investigate aviation accidents in Alaska due to his knowledge and experience with safety in aviation.  In the 1990’s, Jerry continued his work in aviation for insurance companies in New York and Washington, DC.  In 2001, Jerry wrote the basic business plan for the Medallion Foundation, launching a unique aviation safety program in Alaska.  His expertise and foresight brought change to the culture of aviation and to save lives. This program has been viewed nationally and internationally as one of the best programs worldwide. 

Jerry’s adventures were just beginning on his recent move to California to be a consultant to the aviation industry until his death.  Jerry should be remembered for serving his country and for his significant contribution to aviation safety through awareness, education, and training.  We know he is up in the heavens directing angels on how to fly safely!

Jerry is survived by his daughter Nicola Barnes, Reno Nevada; grandson, Christopher Barnes, Anchorage, Alaska; two great-grandchildren, Bianca and Rebel, Anchorage, AK; and brother Bryon, Bakersfield, CA. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 21, 2008 at 1:00 p.m., at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery, AK.
Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 51810, Sparks, NV 89435.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:
Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust - http://www.dav.org/cst/
or
Jerry Dennis Aviation Safety Scholarship
University of Alaska Anchorage
Aviation Technology Program
2811 Merrill Field Drive, Rm 131
Anchorage, AK 99501
Attn Leonard Kirk