Douglas Noel Kahler

Air Force

Doug joined the Air Force in 1973, becoming a Flight Engineer on T-39s at Shaw AFB.

He married his bride, Leigh, in 1974. Together with their son, Jamie moved to Hahn AB Germany, where Doug became an F-4 Phantom Crew Chief. From there, he transitioned to the F-15 and was stationed at Holloman AFB then Bitburg AB Germany, then back to Holloman, and finally to Tyndall AFB. He retired from Active Duty in 1996.

During his career, his duties included: Crew Chief, flight control rigging, weight and balance, Quality Assurance, Expediter, and he was qualified to ground handle/service; every fighter jet in NATO. His last assignment was Quality Manager, 2d FS, Tyndall. After retirement, he worked for Wal-Mart, Lockheed Martin, Defence Support Services, and was a contractor with Boeing for the Singapore Air Force.

He loved Golf, Football, and all things Aerospace. In October 2018, Doug and Leigh's home was destroyed by Hurricane Michael. Not wanting to rebuild, they decided to move back out to the Holloman AFB area and were having a home built for them. This was their dream, and with Doug's sudden passing, Leigh now wishes to be closer to family.

A memorial service was held in Dothan, AL with military honors, and Doug was cremated as per his wishes. His wife Leigh and son Jamie wish to express their gratitude to all the men and women who served and worked with Doug, and to all those currently in uniform who keep 'em flying.