Stephen Anthony Hamer

COLONEL STEPHEN ANTHONY HAMER
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Born in Teaneck and raised in Hohokus, New Jersey, Stephen "Steve" Anthony Hamer's lifelong dedication to his country began on the ground. Prior to entering the halls of the Air Force Academy, he served a two-year enlistment in the United States Army. This foundational military experience paved the way for his historic appointment to the inaugural class of the United States Air Force Academy. Arriving at the temporary campus at Lowry Air Force Base, Steve became a proud member of Cadet Squadron 8. Upon graduation in 1959, he made history as the Academy's 50th graduate, embarking on an exceptional 32-year career in military aviation.

MILITARY SERVICE AND AVIATION CAREER
Colonel Hamer’s career spanned over three decades of dynamic, front-line aviation leadership. Following his pilot training at Graham and Vance Air Force Bases, he piloted early warning aircraft with the 961st AEW&C Squadron at Otis Air Force Base.

As the conflict in Southeast Asia intensified, Steve served two tours in Vietnam. Notably, he flew as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) out of Bien Hoa Air Base. His courage and skill under fire earned him an impressive 13 Air Medals.

Steve's career was marked by its incredible versatility, flying everything from interceptors to heavy bombers. One of the primary highlights of his service was a prestigious exchange tour with the Royal Air Force (RAF), flying the supersonic English Electric Lightning with No. 29 Squadron at RAF Wattisham in the United Kingdom. Upon returning to the U.S., he transitioned to the B-52 Stratofortress, flying with the 416th Bomb Wing at Griffiss Air Force Base.

In the latter half of his career, Colonel Hamer transitioned into high-level command, operations, and analysis roles. He served as the Chief of the AWACS Operations Division at Headquarters ADCOM, Deputy Commander of Operations at Kadena Air Base in Japan, and Vice Commander of the 24th Air Division. He concluded his highly decorated service at the Joint Staff (OJCS) at Headquarters USAF, specializing in tactical connectivity.

A MIRACULOUS RECOVERY AND CONTINUED PASSION
Years ago, Steve miraculously survived a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Demonstrating the same resilience that defined his combat service, he bounced back completely and continued to live an incredibly vibrant, active, and productive life.

Following his retirement from active duty, his deep love for the skies could not be grounded. Steve spent more than a decade as a commercial captain for Atlantic Coast Airlines out of Dulles International Airport, guiding civilian passengers with the same steady hands that had flown combat missions.

FAITH, FAMILY, AND LEGACY
Beyond his uniform, Steve was a man of profound faith and immense love for his family. Alongside his beloved late wife of 59 years, Mary Patricia "Patty" Hamer, he was deeply involved in his local Catholic parish and school communities. Together, they volunteered tirelessly to ensure their children received a strong spiritual and educational foundation.

Steve was preceded in death by Patty and their son, Daniel A. Hamer. Later in life, he was blessed to find love again, spending three joyful and inspiring years with his second wife, Jacquie.

Colonel Hamer passed away peacefully on July 5, 2023, in Haymarket, Virginia—just two days shy of his 89th birthday. He leaves behind an expansive, proud legacy including his sister Sheila, seven surviving sons, 23 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. On July 25, 2023, he was laid to rest with full military honors at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, returning home to where his historic journey began.


EDUCATION
• United States Air Force Academy – B.S., 1959 (50th Graduate)
• Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) – Graduate Student (RS), 1973

MEDALS AND AWARDS
• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Air Medal (with 12 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Air Force Commendation Medal

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Years Duty / Assignment Location
1959–1960 Pilot Training Graham AFB, TX / Vance AFB, OK
1960–1964 Pilot, EC-121 Warning Star 961st AEW&C Squadron, Otis AFB, MA
1964–1965 Pilot / Forward Air Controller (FAC) 19th TASS, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam
1966–1967 Pilot, F-106 Delta Dart 539th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, McGuire AFB, NJ
1967–1969 Pilot, English Electric Lightning (RAF Exchange) No. 29 Squadron, RAF Wattisham, United Kingdom
1969–1972 Pilot, B-52 Stratofortress 416th Bomb Wing, Griffiss AFB, NY
1973 AFIT Student Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1974–1976 Director of Operations, Interceptor Division Assistant Chief of Staff Studies & Analysis, HQ USAF
1977–1980 Chief, AWACS Operations Division Headquarters ADCOM, Peterson AFB, CO
1980–1981 Deputy Commander for Operations Det 1, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff, Kadena AB, Japan
1981–1983 Director, Command & Control Requirements Headquarters TAC, Langley AFB, VA
1983–1984 Vice Commander 24th Air Division, Griffiss AFB, NY
1984–1987 Chief, Tactical Connectivity Division / Exec Asst Dir Joint Staff OJCS, Headquarters USAF, Washington D.C.
1989–2000s Commercial Airline Captain Atlantic Coast Airlines, Dulles International Airport