Obituary of Stephen Collins Yednock

Colonel, USAFR Retired, Stephen C. Yednock, 90, passed away peacefully at Great Falls Assisted Living Friday, December 28, 2012. Born June 3, 1922 in Youngwood, Pa. he was the son of Joseph and Anna Frederick Yednock, both deceased. He was preceded in death by his beloved Wife of 66 years Jean M. Yednock, one daughter Jean. M. Martin, four brothers, Joseph Yednock, John Yednock, George Day, Robert Yednock, and three sisters, Ann Grimm, Kaye Seibly, and Pauline Johns. He is survived by two sons, Stephen C. Yednock Jr. and wife Peggy of Seabrook, Md and Frederick Yednock and wife Oneida of Ashburn, Va., three daughters, Mary Foster and husband Bob of Mechanicsburg, Pa, Linda Elstad and husband Victor of Herndon, Va, and Catherine Wood and husband Tom of Charles Town, WV. Nine Grandchildren, Denise, Dennis, Michael, Stephen, MegAnn, Victor B., Joshua, Becky and Stephanie. Four Great Grandchildren. Three brothers Albert Yednock, Don Martin, Bernard Yednock, and one sister Ellen Zeman. He had a long and distinguished Military career in the U.S Air Force, including service in three wars, 17 Military decorations, and 32 years as an Active Reserve Officer. His love of flying led him to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps 45th Fighter Squadron as a combat fighter pilot during World War II. He flew 27 combat missions in P-51 Mustangs over the Japanese mainland from Iwo Jima. He served as an Intelligence Officer during the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, he served as an Air National Guardsman, Command Pilot, and Chief of Plans, stationed at Olmsted AFB in Middletown, PA. He served as Squadron and State (PA) President for the Air Force Association. From 1965 through his retirement in 1979, he worked for the U.S. Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs in Washington, D.C. He received many civilian awards, including Honorary Admiral in the South Carolina Navy and the Nebraska State Navy. He attended the University of Cincinnati and Ohio State University (Engineering), Georgetown University (Foreign Relations). He was a graduate of the Randolph Field Pilot School, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He was a longtime member of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Herndon, VA. He was a Little League baseball manager. He loved the outdoors, and especially hunting, trout fishing, camping, and gardening. He was an avid Washington Pro sports fan of the Nationals, Capitals, and Redskins. But above all he loved spending time with his family. Family will receive friends on Thursday January 3, 2012, from 7-9PM at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., Herndon, VA 20170. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, 750 Peachtree St., Herndon, VA at 11:00am Interment with Military Honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 750 Peachtree St. Herndon VA, or to Capital Caring Hospice 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church VA. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.adamsgreen.com.