Al was associated with the military all his life. He was the first child of Col (USAF, ret) and the late Louise Thompson. Al used to say, "I was born in the white house! He was born in Casa Blanca, Morocco on 04 Apr 44 and passed away on 03 Jul 07.

Al joined the USA in Jun 65 and served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. After being shot-down he decided all future missions would be flown under the cover of the planes dropping AGENT ORANGE. He was very proud of the fact he was mentioned in the book "Khaki Mafia" as he was the unnamed pilot who flew a Col. to a meeting. Retirement from active duty came in May 81 and about a year later he began his civilian career on Fort Bliss. The vast majority of his civilian career was spent in the Directorate of Combat Development (DCD). 

Al leaves behind his wife, Denise, and his children Ashley and Michael (Alma). His grandchildren are Thalia, Athena, Marco, Samara, and Ana Lisa. Other survivors include his father, Ken, stepmother, Bobbi, brother, Jim, and sisters Judy and Nicki. Also surviving Al are numerous aunts/uncles/cousins/nieces/nephews and friends. 

I, Denise, would like to extend my heartfelt and sincere thanks to the ICU @ WBAMC for their dedication and outstanding care of my husband. The WBAMC Oncology staff became part of our family and it is THE BEST ONCOLOGY STAFF IN EL PASO!! General Lennox should be extremely proud of Col Cohen, Mike Cochran, Major Nieto, Dan Silva and the rest of the DCD staff for being here for me (Denise) and orchestrating the "over the top" memorial service that was held on 12 Jul. 

Request donations in Al's memory be made to: Bethel Family Ministries - 6301 Alabama - El Paso, TX 79904, or Fisher House Bldg 7360-Fort Bliss, TX 79930 or M.D. Anderson Leukemia Dept, 1515 Holcombe, Houston, TX 77030.