Dean Chase Wood

COLONEL DEAN CHASE WOOD
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Dean Chase Wood was born in1933, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, to Malcolm and Alice Wood. Appointed as a member of the United States Air Force Academy’s pioneer inaugural Class of 1959 on July 11, 1955, Dean was assigned to Cadet Squadron 07 (CS-07).

During his time at the Academy, Dean distinguished himself as an exceptional leader, culminating in his selection as Cadet Wing Commander for the Spring 1959 semester. He graduated with the historical first class on June 3, 1959, earning his commission in the United States Air Force. At the time of his passing in October 2015, Colonel Wood held the distinction of being the oldest living graduate of the USAFA Class of 1959.

MILITARY CAREER & COMBAT SERVICE

Following graduation, Colonel Wood entered Primary and Basic Pilot Training at Moore Air Base and Laredo Air Force Base, Texas (1959–1960). His early operational flying assignments included serving as a pilot with the 376th Bomb Wing at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio (1961–1964) and the 804th Combat Support Group at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota (1964–1966).

In 1967, he transitioned to fighter aircraft, assignment with the 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at McConnell AFB, Kansas. In 1968, Col. Wood deployed to Southeast Asia as an F-105 Thunderchief fighter pilot with the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing at Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, flying combat missions over Vietnam. For his valor and exemplary service during combat operations, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, 11 Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Following his combat tour, Col. Wood served at Headquarters USAF in Washington, D.C. as Deputy Director of Force Development (1968–1972). During this time, he pursued post-graduate studies and earned a Master of Science degree in International Affairs from George Washington University in 1973. He subsequently served in Policy & Plans within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and HQ USAF (1973–1976). Col. Wood capped his 23-year active-duty military career serving as the Base Commander at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas (1976–1978).

After retiring from active military duty in 1978, Col. Wood made San Antonio his home. He transitioned into the civilian sector, working as a salesman for Tiffany Stone & Brick (1978–1983) and later as a professional estimator for NPC from 1983 until his retirement in 2009.

Beyond his career, Dean was an avid outdoorsman, bird watcher, hunter, fisherman, and expert pool player. One of his unique passions was raising show chickens, a hobby he delighted in sharing with his grandchildren. Classmates, friends, and fellow service members remembered Dean as a loyal friend with an outstanding sense of humor and a steadfast positive outlook, even under challenging circumstances.

Dean was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Cotton Wood; daughters Deborah Bassel and Theresa Wood Ochs (husband Brian); son Thomas Harnitchek; son-in-law Bob Cotton and wife Ellen Dean Cotton; and eight beloved grandchildren: McKenna Bassel, Hunter Bassel, Haley Harnitchek, Nola Ochs, Sarah Ellen Payer, William Cotton, Jonathan Cotton, and Harrison Cotton.

Colonel Wood passed away peacefully surrounded by family in 2015, in San Antonio, Texas. He was honored with full military honors in services held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in San Antonio and Grace Episcopal Church in Port Lavaca, Texas.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science United States Air Force Academy (CS-07) 1959
Primary & Basic Pilot Training Moore AB / Laredo AFB, TX 1959–1960
Master of Science (International Affairs) George Washington University 1973

MEDALS & MILITARY AWARDS

Distinguished Flying Cross 1
Meritorious Service Medal 1
Air Medal 11
Air Force Commendation Medal 1

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

1959–1960 Pilot Training Moore AB / Laredo AFB, TX
1961–1964 Pilot 376th Bomb Wing, Lockbourne AFB, OH
1964–1966 Pilot 804th Combat Support Group, Grand Forks AFB, ND
1967 Pilot 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS
1968 F-105 Combat Pilot 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand
1968–1972 Deputy Director of Force Development Headquarters USAF, Washington, D.C.
1973 Post-Graduate Student George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
1973–1974 Policy & Plans Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)
1974–1976 Policy & Plans OSD / Headquarters USAF
1976–1978 Base Commander Randolph AFB, San Antonio, TX
1978–1983 Salesman (Civilian) Tiffany Stone & Brick, San Antonio, TX
1983–2009 Estimator (Civilian) NPC, San Antonio, TX