Obituary of Gerald Edwin Sohan

Nov 14, 1960 – Oct 25, 2023

Gerry passed away at home Oct 25, 2023, after a long, hard-fought battle against cancer.  He was surrounded by his loving wife and beloved family members.

Gerry left his mark on everyone who knew him.  He had a special brand of humor, with excellent Dad jokes and a quick & hilarious wit. He had a sharp, analytical mind and was well known for his mentorship and for inspiring others to ‘Aim High.’  He was loved by many who knew his big heart, his supportive nature, and the smile he shared with everyone he met.  Gerry had an exuberance for life and a profound love of travel and an adventurous spirit to explore new places which he enjoyed with his wife, family, and good friends.  

At the time of his passing, Gerry was Deputy Division Chief for Strategic Competition, HQ, Dept of Air Force, Pentagon, VA.  He was responsible for standing up a new office to coordinate, integrate, synchronize, and execute the Air Force re-focus on Long Term Strategic Competition.

He began his career in public service upon graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy and his Commissioning in June 1982.  Gerry was selected for Pilot training at Vance AFB, OK., Oct 1982 – Sept 1983; then from Oct 1983-May 1984 a student, C-130 Hercules Aircraft, Little Rock AFB, AR and Pope AFB, NC.  Gerry “Slowman” went on as Instructor Aircraft Commander & Chief, Flight Safety, Dyess AFB, TX.

Gerry excelled academically and received his Master of Science (1991) and PhD (1996), Economics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.   From 1996-1999, he was Assistance Professor of Economics, USAF Academy, CO.  From July 1999 – July 2000, he was Airlift Advisor to the Royal Saudi Air Force, U.S. Military Training Mission, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  He served as Deputy Department Head of Economics at the USAF Academy, July 2000 – August 2003.  In 2003, Dr Sohan moved east to be closer to family and served as Commander, Middle East Liaison Region at Andrews AFB, MD; then as Chief Current Operations Division, HQ AFDW, Bolling AFB, DC.  After numerous and varied assignments, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, as a Command Pilot with over 4500 flying hours.  Dr Sohan began the second chapter of his public service as a U.S. Government civilian in June 2008.

Gerry concurrently served as an Emeritus Trustee of the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) and served as Director for the American Investment Services (AIS), Great Barrington, MA. Dr. Sohan was passionate about his contributions to this organization on educating people on the value of personal freedom, free enterprise, property rights, limited government, and sound money.  He was a voting member since 2008 and became a Trustee of AIER in June 2014.  He was serving as Trustee of AIER and Director of AIS, at the time of his passing.

Dr Sohan is survived by his devoted wife, Michelle,  his two beloved children, Jamie L. Sohan  and Ian G. Sohan, from previous marriages,  his parents, Gertrud & Donald Sohan; his sister Barb Sohan Foster& brother-in-law, Ernie, two nieces Emily & Sarah; two nephews, John & Daniel.   Gerry’s family grew upon meeting his wife, Michelle.  He gained three loving adult children, Elizabeth, Tim, & Meghan and their spouses.  He also was welcomed with open arms by Michelle's large, extented family and loved by them all.  Gerry shared the great joy of his growing family in welcoming five grandchildren over the years: Landon, Stella & Brody, and  Avery & Cameron. "Grandpa" Gerry was a big presence in their lives from their births and they adored him and he loved them dearly in return.  He was a beloved and cherished member of the family.  Gerry was truly loved and adored by everyone who knew him and he will be desperately missed. 

Interment of urn at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.