Ronald "Ron" Bridegam

Ronald "Ron" Bridegam passed away peacefully with family by his side December 21, 2022. He was born on March 22, 1944, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Henry and Hilda (Dellos) Bridegam Jr. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Sandra "Sandy" (Bellich) Bridegam; in laws Fred and Norma Bellich; brothers-in-law: Gary Broman, Richard Schenaman, Leroy Hergenrader, and Tom Day; and sister-in-law Sharon (Bellich) Robinson. He leaves to cherish his memory, son Scott Bridegam and wife, Cristen; daughter Shannon Fennell and husband, Tommy; sisters: Donna Day, Becky Schenaman, and Sandy Broman; brother: Dallas Bridegam; brothers-in-law: Steve Bellich and wife, Suzanne, and Mike Robinson; granddaughters: Caitlin Bridegam, Kori Bridegam, and Kenzie (Fennell) Enterline and husband, Travis; grandson Zach Fennell; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; and his faithful dog, Rocky. Ron and Sandy met in Junior High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, and their love for each other lasted forever. Ron had an outstanding athletic career at Lincoln High School where he was a three-time

District and two-time State Champion in wrestling, the first to achieve back-to-back state wrestling titles in school history. He also ran cross-country for the Links and wrestled for the University of Nebraska AAU team. In 1962, he was selected as the "L" Club Athlete of the Year and as the Captain of the Inter-City League Team. In 1988, he was inducted into the Lincoln High School Hall of Fame. Ron and Sandy married October 27th, 1962. Shortly after, Ron joined the U.S. Air Force and they, along with their two children, enjoyed a rewarding career living in Florida,

Mississippi, Washington, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Early in his career, Ron deployed to the Philippines where he did four combat deployments in Vietnam over 18 months. Among his many achievements as an Airman, Ron was selected as the first Computer Display Maintenance Technician (CMDT) for the Air Force's new early warning airborne aircraft, the E-3A AWACS, helping Boeing design and conduct initial testing for the airborne early warning radar capabilities of the aircraft. He also crewed and delivered the first E-3A in the Air Force inventory. Ron flew over 2,000 hours as an E-3A air crew member and flew hundreds of missions that had a significant impact in the defense of our nation including being forward deployed to Iceland during the cold war helping to monitor the former Soviet Union's movements between the North Atlantic and Cuba. Ron authored many of the technical manuals developed for the E-3A and served as the Chief, Standards and Evaluations NCO for all CMDTs in the Air Force. He was also selected as the CEM Maintenance Manager of the year in 1975. Ron attained the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant at eighteen years of service and finished his nearly 24-year career at Air Defense Tactical Air Command, Langley AFB where he and Sandy settled in Hampton, Virginia. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Ron led a successful 23-year career as a computer repair field engineer for two different companies in the mid-Atlantic area. Along with his wife, Ron wanted the best for their children emphasizing education and competitive excellence throughout their lives. Through his work ethic and example, all excelled academically, athletically, and in the arts becoming the first in their family to graduate from college and to obtain graduate degrees. His son and daughter started families of their own and have carried on his legacy with his grandchildren. Ron enjoyed being a Grandpa to his grandchildren who have all gone on to receive their college degree and start successful careers of their own which made him extremely proud. Ron cared deeply about animals raising dogs, cats, fish, ducks, and parakeets with his wife in their home over the years donating to many animal shelters throughout his life. Ron's favorite pastimes were fishing, going to garage sales with his wife, and watching Nebraska football as a lifelong fan. Ron was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and developed Pulmonary Fibrosis and Multiple Myeloma because of that exposure. He received a lung transplant and survived well beyond the average lifespan of an organ recipient. He was so grateful for all the caregivers, social

workers, medical personnel and staff, and his organ donor and family that gave him a wonderful extra decade-plus of life. Ron encourages everyone who is able, to become a registered organ donor. The family will hold a graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined where he will be interred with full military honors and laid to rest with his wife. If you'd like to share memories or comments about Ron,

please send them to his son for inclusion at his service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in his name to your local no-kill animal shelter, Vietnam Veterans' organization, or organ donor organization. www. milwardfuneral.com