Robert Joseph Friedman, CMSgt, USAF (Ret) passed away on July 12, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. Born in Staten Island, NY on January 7, 1941, Bob Friedman joined the Air Force at age 17.In 1969, he volunteered to go to Thailand during the Vietnam War. As part of the 553rdReconnaissance Squadron (BATCATS) he served as a crew member and ACICO onboard the EC-121 reconnaissance aircraft, the 'Connie', where he logged more than 1000 combat hours over 93 missions while earningfour air medals.
In 1974, he was selected as one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Among his other notable achievements; he was the chief instructor, in full charge of Curriculum Development at the SAC NCO Academy at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana; Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) for the 86th TAC Fighter Wing at Ramstein AFB in Germany as well as the S.E.A. for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service World Headquarters in Dallas, Texas.
During his time as SEA, in both positions, he stood up for the unheard, the little guy, the spouses and their families, implementing many programs to have their voices heard, explicitly asking for their input, and advocating for their participation, in many cases for the first time ever; for example, instituting the first ever Senior NCO Wives Conference for AAFES, HQ, and inviting the spouses to accompany their husbands in the Molders (Sister-Squadron for the 86th TAC Ftr Wing) Enlisted Exchange Program in West Germany.
During his extraordinary career, Chief Friedman was awarded three Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Medals, and three Air Force Commendation Medals.He received his last medal at age 70, the Conspicuous Service Cross from the state of New York based on his exemplary military record.
While serving his country he went to night school and earned a Bachelor's degree in American history from the University of Nebraska.He was very involved with the Jaycees organization for several years, serving as Vice President and President, during which time they successfully raised funds for, and completed construction of, a public library in La Vista, Nebraska.
After a 27 year military career Bob Friedman retired from the USAF and pursued a business career in Philately, first in Stamps and then in First-Day-Covers and Postal History. As in all things, he was deeply involved in this community as well, educating the public about Stamps and Postal History and, on a local level, serving in several officer positions in the Texas Stamp Dealers Association, culminating as President.
On the national level, he served as vice-president for the American Stamp Dealers Association, and volunteered for many years in that most delicate of positions, head of the Ethics Committee, ensuring the integrity of the members and mediating many disputes. This was his S.O.P., mediation, education and ethics, standing up for the unheard and overlooked, and holding his peers to a higher standard; to 'Walk the Talk'.
On Sept. 3rd, 2019, the 39th anniversary of his marriage to his wife Kathleen, previously a Gold-Star Widow whose first husband, Marine SSGT William Bacon was KIA in Viet Nam, he was laid to rest at the Dallas National Cemetery with full military honors.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Friedman, his daughters, Kim Lewis, Laura Thompson, and Elizabeth Bacon as well as his sons, Mike Friedman, Bob Bacon, Tom Bacon, Fred Bacon, John Bacon, and ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert (Bobby) Friedman.

Memorials in support of his widow may be made to Robert J Friedman Memorial Fund.

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