Rescue commander remembered

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Leslie Forshaw
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Air Force Reserve suffered a great loss this week with the death of Col. Glenn Schumacher.

He was the Chief of Operations, Plans and Readiness at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. and was set to assume command of the 920th Rescue Wing's Operations Group later this month.

He died as a result of a heart attack Sept. 10.

The colonel is survived by his wife and two children and was a vital part of the Rescue Family for many years.

"Col. Schumacher was absolutely the primary guy to go to for all rescue questions at the command - that's why he was chosen as the Operations Group Commander for the 920th RQW," said Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, Jr., Commander, Air Force Reserve Command. "He will be remembered as a consummate aviator, a staff officer and family man. He knew how to balance them all."

Schumacher flew HH-60G Pave Hawk combat-search-and-rescue helicopters at the 943rd Rescue Group, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base prior to departing for the staff position at AFRC Headquarters in late 2004.

Col. Schumacher had just returned to the U.S in July after a six-month deployment as the Deputy Group Commander at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

"Colonel Schumacher and I have worked together for about 25 years. Over those years our paths have crossed multiple times and we've been deployed together multiple times," said Col. Jeffrey L. Macrander, 920th RQW Commander.

"I was looking forward to continued work with him here. The Reserve family has suffered a great loss," said Colonel Macrander.

"Col. Schumacher was a true patriot, selfless servant, and a friend who will be greatly missed - the rescue community is devastated by the sudden loss of one of our combat warriors - but his legacy of service to our great nation will not be quickly forgotten," said Col. Harold Maxwell, 943rd Rescue Group Commander, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

A memorial service is being held Monday, Sept. 19th at 2 p.m. at the base chapel, Robbins Air Force Base, Ga. Military members are required to be in service dress for the memorial ceremony. For more information please call, 321-494-2218.