Command Chief Master Sergeant Fredrick Joseph Schoettler (USAF Ret.) of San Antonio, Tex., passed away on Nov. 4, 2021.
Fred was born April 3, 1956 in Tomahawk, Wis., to Francis Joseph “Joe” and Arlene Denzin Schoettler. After graduating from Tomahawk High School in 1974, Fred began his military service as an enlisted member in the United States Air Force as a Conventional Munitions Specialist (AMMO). Fred met his wife, Julie, on the island of Guam, where they were both stationed. They were married on July 7, 1989 in Great Falls, Mont.
During his 30 years of active duty, Fred had 15 different change of station locations worldwide. He had extensive knowledge and experience as a Munitions Supervisor, ICBM Launch Control Facilities Superintendent, Munitions Flight Chief, Wing Nuclear Weapons Chief, and selected as the 21st Space Wing Command Chief for the Air Force’s largest operational and geographically separated wing. He managed acquisition, sustainment, and retirement of conventional and nuclear weapon system programs. He retired from active duty in July 2004. In May 2005, he started his USAF Civil Service career as the 75th Maintenance Group Resource Advisor for Manpower and Financial Management. He was responsible for supporting two OO-ALC Depot Munitions Squadrons and the USAF successful STAMP/STRAPP Airlift Munitions Programs. He was later assigned to the 75th ABW Plans and Program Flight as a War Planner and Program Analyst. He ended his civil service career in Sept. 2015 while assigned to the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Group, Civilian Deputy, at Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Ariz. Fred held a Master of Science in Aviation Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as completed the USAF Command/Staff and Air War Colleges as a Senior Civilian Leader. His military and civilian decorations include Meritorious Service Medals (one as a civilian), USAF Commendation Medals, and Outstanding Unit Awards. He was a life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Life Member of Air Force Sergeant’s Association, Life Member of AMMO Chief’s Association and a past Board Member of the Armed Forces YMCA. Fred enjoyed traveling the world, fishing, hunting, and visiting family and friends.
Fred is survived by his wife Julie Valderas, his daughter Jenny (Scott) Symonds, step-son Justin Murphy, and mother Arlene Denzin Schoettler. He has two sisters, Jean (Louie) Cordova, Cindy (Bob) Steele, and one brother, Thomas Schoettler. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren: Wyatt (Brooklyn), Reed (Ruth), Lena, Tait, Truly, Foster, Jubilee, and one great granddaughter Ashlyn Symonds.
Gravesite service and burial will be conducted with full Military Honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Tex.