Ralph S. Hartman

LTC Ralph S. Hartman
(USAF, Ret.)

LTC Ralph S. Hartman, (USAF, Ret.), age 65, died tragically on Saturday, June 30, 2012 near Monument, Colorado. He was a loving husband, brother, and uncle who was on the staff of the United States Air Force Academy’s Center for Character and Leadership Development.

Ralph Sidney Hartman was born on January 25, 1947 in Washington, Pennsylvania to the late Wilbert and Georgia (Burns) Hartman. He was a 1964 graduate of Canon McMillin High School, graduated from the University of Maryland, and earned a Masters Degree from Vanderbilt University. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in April of 1966 and retired in December of 1998 after 32 years of dedicated service to the USAF and to the nation. A decorated Vietnam Veteran, Col. Hartman profoundly touched literally thousands of lives during his long and distinguished career. Most notable was his commitment to USAF Academy cadets as they developed into leaders of character.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish in Monument, Colorado and also served on numerous boards in the Woodmoor and Monument communities. He married Thomaseen Marie Fisher on February 26, 1977 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He is survived by his wife, Tommie of Monument; his sister: Deborah (husband, Ashok) Chaddah of Indiana, Pennsylvania; his niece: Priya Chaddah; and his nephew Stephen Chaddah, both attending college in Indiana. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Mr. Gilbert Millstine.

A memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2012 at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Catholic Chapel. (Please arrive early and use the North Gate.)

Memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation, 550 C St. West, Suite 37, Randolph AFB, Texas 78150, The Vietnam Veteran’s Association, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, or the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 8000 East Maplewood Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 80111.

“He had a thousand friends and none to spare…”