Verne A. Pedro

Retired Major Verne Anselmo Pedro, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away on March 17, 2024. Verne was born December 1935 in St. Thomas, V.I., into a large family and enjoyed a wonderful childhood. He excelled in school, was athletic, and a strong swimmer. Growing up Verne had a special relationship with his brother Austin, and they both joined the military. Verne joined the Air Force, and his brother chose the Army. Enlistment brought Verne to the mainland U.S. While serving he earned bachelor’s and master's degrees from his beloved Oklahoma University. He married the love of his life, Mavis, who was also from St. Thomas. They were married for 64 years and enjoyed the blessings of two sons, Maurice, their first born, and Verne. Military service took Verne and his family to numerous overseas assignments, including posts in Japan, Libya and Turkey, and stateside posts in New York, California (where he learned to speak Turkish fluently), Minnesota, Mississippi and New Jersey, to name a few. Verne served with distinction throughout his 30 years of active duty, becoming an accomplished and decorated Major. His extensive list of commendations and citations underscore his unwavering devotion to the Air Force and his country. He received the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. While his medals, awards, and commendations could fill pages, two such occasions are noteworthy:  As Commander in Chief at Duluth International Airport and as Maintenance Office, Verne was offered the opportunity to supervise an annual budget and be responsible for morale and wellbeing of personnel and their families. He was recognized for exercising independent judgment on work schedules, maintenance policies and expenditure of funds.  While serving in NATO, Turkey, Verne provided technical and managerial direction to Turkish technicians to improve systems reliability, efficiency, and maintain ability. He was recognized for making daily decisions that had great impact on mission accomplishment. Verne retired from the Air Force in May 1981. After retirement, he used his decades of experience in command-and-control, communications management, planning, developing and implementing organizational policies/procedures as a consultant in the private defense industry. He also held the highest transferable government special intelligence security rating. Verne is truly an all-American hero to his country and his loving family. He is preceded in death by his wife. Verne is survived by his son Verne and daughter-in-law; grandson and grand-daughter-in law; two great-grandchildren; his life-long friend, her son, and grand-daughter; and many extended relatives and friends.

Verne A. Pedro

December 14, 1935 - March 17, 2024