George Steele

With much blessing we are praying your strength in the lord with deepest sympathy

Phil and I are so sorry for your loss. I (Edwina) deeply regret in my heart that I never told my uncle George how much I love him. My prayer is that I see him again on that great morning when God calls all the saints together. Ruby we love you; our thoughts and prayers are with you. God is able to comfort you even now. Trust Him! Edwina & Phil

Dear Ruby and family: I can’t adequately express the sadness I feel about George’s passing. I had both the pleasure and honor of knowing George for 10 ½ years during three separate assignments in the Military Airlift Command… two of them on the Headquarters MAC/SP staff where we interacted daily (1981-'84 and again 1998-'91; and indirectly, but often, when I was the Security Police commander at Andrews AFB for 4 1/2 years in between the HQ assignments. I felt I knew George even before we met when I arrived for my first staff assignment in 1981, for he had earned a sterling reputation that extended well beyond MAC. I was looking forward to meeting this man I'd heard so much about. I almost expected he'd be eight feet tall. Well, of course, he wasn’t. But, this was indeed a giant of man in so many other ways, as I soon found for myself. He was a wealth of knowledge and his recall was uncommonly amazing. Besides being the “corporate knowledge” repository for MAC/SP, he was the ultimate “utility player”...the complete package who could do it all…statistician, strategist, visionary, logistician, teacher, you name it. And not only could he do it all, he could do it all well! While countless Security Police men and women would have cycled through the command during George’s long tenure at MAC/SP, few would have had the pleasure of knowing him, or even hearing his name, but many would have benefitted from something George had a hand in along the way; his fingerprints were all over the place, and all in the name of “mission accomplishment” and for the benefit of the people who made it happen. I, like so many others, learned so much from George. He was a tremendous inspiration to me. I had enormous respect for this man and was proud to call him “friend”. MAC/SP had a solid reputation around the Air Force during George’s time, and that was due in no small part to the dedication to duty and many significant accomplishments of George Steele. Ruby and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. George, rest peacefully, my friend. I love you; until we meet again~

George and Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Bill Mohr St. Louis, MO

Words can not express or convey the impact George --"Mr. Steele" -- had on our world. His principled life and his credibility has touched thousands upon thousands and will continue forever. I was blessed -- and lucky-- to work for him at MAC. I'm a better man for it, my sons are better men for it, and their children and their children's children will be as well. I've never known a more selfless leader, and there's never been and never will be a better "boss". Our thoughts and prayers are with you, as is our thanks for sharing him with us. Matt and Marianne Branigan

Dear Ruby & Family: I was also one of those young officers that George mentored. He was great man and a great legend that did wonders for the Security Police career field. He was a wizard in getting money for the most needed projects. He was kind and patient man that always had words of wisdom for all of us. I am grateful to have known him. My prayers are with you.

Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM 888-767-6738) for you. The NARFE Service Center is located in the Civilian Personnel Office, building 50, 201 W Winter St, Scott AFB. You may visit the Service Center on Tuesdays, 10AM to 2PM or call 618-256-9350. You may leave a voice mail message at other times and we will return your call the following Tuesday. You may also call either of our Service Officers, Dean Hemmer at 618 233-3819 or Gene Wiggins at 618 566-7980, for immediate assistance if required.

Dear Ruby and Family, It was sad news to hear of George's passing, so our deepest sympathies to you in the family As I have expressed to you in a previous message during George's last days in the hospital, he was one of my real heroes and giants in the Seurity Police career field i the Air Force. His personal guidance and support to me as a young USAF officer during my 11 years in Military Airlift Command were without equal. He was an expert in his field, well respected as a leader as an NCO and senior civilian employee in Military Airlift Command. MSgt/"Mr Steele will be missed by his many friends and leaders in the Air Force. May God bless him, his family and his many friends. He was a giant in the Air Force.

And Now We Say Goodbye Great sadness fills our hearts today as pipes and drums, in slow march play. A comrade’s fallen by the way, And now we say goodbye. This hero to the very end Was more than just a casual friend, Who would a stranger’s life defend, And now we say goodbye But we shall cherish, all our days, The character this life portrayed With sacrifice so freely made, And now we say goodbye. The hand salute, o’er Stars and Stripes, And distant skirl of highland pipes, Give last farewell with hero’s rights, And now we say goodbye. While here on Earth, you gave your best. Now in the Master’s arms you rest. T’is by your memory we are blessed. And now we say goodbye. Howard Garrison Yates @ July 2006

I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Steele was a legend in the security police career field. He was one of the greatest bosses I ever had in my career. It was an honor to know him and learn from him during my time on the MAC/Security Police staff. He was tough-minded, innovative, forward-thinking and totally dedicated to the mission of the security police across MAC/AMC and the world. I

I first met George at Bien HOA AB, RVN. George was the munitions area Site Supervisor. I know George had a Guardian Angel, because he survived the infamous bomb dump explosion without a scratch. A few years later I had the distinct honor of serving with George at the Hq MAC/SP staff for three years. I often traveled with George on staff assistance visits to AF Reserve and AF National Guard units. Needless to say I learned a lot from George, which was invaluable to my eventual 29 year career. George was a good teacher and friend-a Vietnam brother. My deepest condolences to Ruby and family for their loss. I love you George and who knows, might see you soon. May Almighty God have mercy on your soul brother.