Obituary of LTC Scott Coleman Ward, USAF

Lt. Col. Scott Coleman Ward was tragically killed in a bizarre highway accident on the northern border of Georgia, heading to work as a test pilot for Gulfstream in Savannah, Georgia last Monday.Scott was born to George and Shirley Ward of Vail, Colorado on March 24, 1968 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. He attended Red Sandstone Elementary School in Vail, Patrick Henry Elementary School in Colorado Springs, Minturn Middle School, and graduated in 1986 at Battle Mountain High School in Eagle-Vail. Scott excelled in sports. He was quarterback of the Battle Mountain Huskies in 1985, and led the team to the Colorado State Finals for the first time in Battle Mountain history. Throughout his life, he was the ultimate Bronco fan.Scott was accepted to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management. He received an MBA in Administration at Troy State University in Montgomery, Alabama in 1997 and earned a Master of Military Operational Arts and Sciences at the Air Command and Staff College in 2005 at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.His professional military education took him to various air bases around the United States, including Laughlin AFB in Texas, Maxwell AFB in Alabama, Kirtland AFB in New Mexico, McGuire AFB in New Jersey and Offutt AFB in Nebraska.His flight history began in 1994, when assigned to the 54th Airlift Squadron, and throughout his time there, he was Check Airman, Instructor and Chief of Training and Safety . He provided upgrade and continuation training on C-21 VIP transport missions. In 1997, he commanded KC-10 air refueling missions worldwide out of McGuire AFB and instructed training at the KC-10 formal schoolhouse, as part of the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron. His KC-10 was the first refueling jet over Manhattan on 9-11. At Offutt AFB in 2002, Scott was responsible for the Squadron Flying and Ground Safety Program. He ensured a safe working environment for 200 squadron members, and commanded B-747 on worldwide missions, supporting the President and Secretary of Defense.At the Pentagon in Washington D.C. in 2005, he was the Directorate of Manpower and Organization as Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel and served as Chief Analyst of the US Air Force Undergraduate Flying Training Program. He analyzed Air Force Programs in order to develop resource allocation strategies that meshed with the Air Force total budget.In 2008, he was assigned to the 99th Airlift Squadron/89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland as the Chief of Wing Safety and Instructor Pilot on G-550, G-V, and G-III. He was responsible for flying and ground safety of 1000+ personnel. He was key advisor to Commander on safety issues, investigated and briefed mishaps for safety awareness and prevention. He was captain and instructor pilot on missions for Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the First Lady.In 2012 he was assigned to the Presidential Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, MD as Air Force One Pilot/B-747 Captain/ G-550, G-V, G-III Check Airman/Chief of Safety & Training/Director of Operations. He was 1 of 10 pilots hand-selected to fly the President of the United States. He was responsible for the flying/ground safety of over 300 personnel at Andrews and managed the flying and ground training for 70+ personnel.Scott is survived by his wife, Jennet, and their three sons, Cole (12), Jake (11) and Zach (9), and his canine buddy, Desmond. A Funeral Service will be held, 10:00AM, Friday August 21, 2015 at the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, burial will follow at the Air Force Academy Cemetery. Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Friday, August 21, 2015 12:00AM US Air Force Academy Cemetery 2168 Field House Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80840 Phone: 719-328-1793 Service Friday, August 21, 2015 10:00AM U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel U.S. Air Force Academy, CO Phone: 719-328-1793