Philip James Greeley

COL.USAF (RET). Philip James Greeley SR. was born on 6/21/1939 in Fresno Cal passed away on 8/21/2016 after a brave battle with Cancer. He is survived by a son Philip Greeley Jr, and a Grandchild Sophia Greeley as well his Sister Janis Loney. He graduated from Merced High School in 1957. He graduated San Jose State with a B.S. In Mechanical Engineering with Distinction. He went on in the Air Force to earn a Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology and a Master's in Business administration, Golden Gate University-honors.
He joined the United States Air Force in 1962 rising through the ranks to Full Colonel. As a Captain he flew AC-47 "Spooky" gunships in Vietnam 1969-1970 winning the Distinguished Flying Cross among many other medals. He spent much of his career flying C-141's all over the world based out of Travis Air Force Base.
He was appointed Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation, American Embassy, Denmark (1984-1988)
He retired from the Air Force in 1988 after 26 years of service to his country. Among his many loves was hiking in Sierra Mountains, climbing mountains including Mount Blanc in the Alps, the Volcano Popo in Mexico as well as Mount Shasta. He also enjoyed jogging completing several marathons as well as cycling.
He will be interred at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery with full military honors on 9/30/2016 at 11:30 am. A small gathering will take place after the service.