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Matt Kern posted a condolence
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Captain Bill Shafer was Squadron Commander of Squadron 502 Civil Air Patrol. My tenure was 1975 to 1977. I was a member of the Ranger Team, doing wilderness search and rescue.
My longest remaining friend, c. Col. Larry Trick was Cadet Squadron Commander. My brother in law JJ Warthman was also a cadet Col. We all served under Bill Shafer.
I enlisted in the USAF in 1977, as Bill Shafer had done before me. I worked for SAC, as he had done. I worked in Electronic Warfare, as he had done.
Bill Shafer improved our lives and provided a place where we learned and grew. He did this for hundreds of teenagers. I am proud to have known him. He was a great man.
May heaven provide him with an honor guard when he arrives.
J
Jason Balliet uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, November 19, 2023
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I met Bill Shafer as a cadet in the Binghamton Squadron (NY 292). His charisma made learning about leadership, search and rescue, and radios fun and entertaining. Those lessons and the example he set for me have really stuck with me, and I try to pass that energy on to the cadets I teach so they can develop the same passion. I also became good friends with Bill outside of CAP. It started off as a visit to get the "green bugs" out of his computer. He had us all in stitches when he came to the squadron meeting one evening screaming about the green bugs that were in his computer. I think he was really stressed out about it, but the rest of us thought it was hilarious. That started a bit of a tradition of me periodically fixing or upgrading his computer in exchange for a delicious dinner afterward, and of course some good stories. I am just one of the countless lives touched by Bill Shafer's long service history, and I know he'll be greatly missed.
J
John Sekula uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 18, 2023
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Meadville Pa airport SARCAP training camp.1978-79
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John Sekula uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 18, 2023
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I served under Bill Shafer as a cadet search and rescue team member from 1976-1985 Erie Pennsylvania Composite Squadron 502. “SHAFE” as we affectionately called him was like a second father to many of us. The skills he taught both about life and search and rescue helped build me into the man I am today, thank you! You will always be in my heart. Rest easy “SHAFE”
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warren s eddy posted a condolence
Friday, November 17, 2023
It was a pleasure to have Bill Shafer as a neighbor. He flew three flags daily, and was utterly correct with USA flag etiquette. He spoke for many when he flew the Ukrainian flag, and frequently shared thoughts, whether in his back yard or living room; soft drinks offered and enjoyed. We learned a bit about each other, and those times of conversation will be remembered and missed. Bill helped preserve our nation, for his/our generation and those coming He will be missed.
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The family of William A. Shafer II uploaded a photo
Monday, November 13, 2023
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