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<p><em>Jose Jesus Olvera</em> was born on June 24, 1935 in Pittsburgh, CA, the son of hardworking Mexican immigrants Joe and Jennie Olvera. He grew up in Richmond, CA, and after graduating from high school with honors he obtained a congressional appointment to West Point. He entered the Academy with the Class of 1957 and was assigned to Company A-2. As a first generation Mexican American, an appointment to West Point was the American Dream come true. His parents were overjoyed with pride. He did well academically, played a great saxophone and was a member of the Cadet Glee Club and the Catholic Chapel Choir for four years.</p>
<p>Upon graduation in 1957, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force, married Eva Martini, and entered pilot training at Moore Air Force Base (AFB), TX. He received his Pilot Wings in 1959 at Webb AFB, TX. He attended the basic instructor course at Laredo, TX and then was assigned to the Air Training Command at Williams AFB, AZ to complete the instructor training course. He later attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering. In 1964, he was assigned to the Air Force Special Air Warfare Center (AFSAWC), Eglin AFB, FL, for training as squadron pilot and forward air controller (FAC), all in preparation for his future deployment to Vietnam. </p>
<p>Jose served two tours in Vietnam. In 1965, he served as adviser to the Vietnamese Air Force and as a FAC. As an adviser, his job was to give flight instruction to young Vietnamese men. As a FAC, flying an 88-knot Cessna aircraft, Jose’s mission was to locate and call in weapons to neutralize enemy pockets in the Mekong Delta and to protect friendly troops in movement. He flew more than 250 combat missions. Jose was presented multiple awards, including the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was then assigned to the AFSAWC for additional training. In 1969, Jose was deployed to Vietnam again, but this time he returned as a pilot in F-105 fighter aircraft based in Thailand. He flew 124 combat interdiction missions against Viet Cong troops infiltrating through the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He earned multiple awards from this tour, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, nine Air Medals and the Air Force Commendation Medal.</p>
<p>Jose’s senior officer-level assignments were in support of allied military forces. He was assigned to the Inter-American Defense Board in Washington, DC. He served as the board deputy secretary for liaison, protocol and public relations. His tact, diplomacy, professional knowledge, and bilingual proficiency contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the board’s mission. For his exemplary performance of duty, he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. By this time career responsibilities had played havoc with normal family life and, after 20 year of marriage, he and Eva divorced.</p>
<p>After his assignment as base chief of personnel with the 57th Tactical Training Wing Command at Nellis AFB, NV, Jose returned to Washington, DC in 1978 to attend the Inter-American Defense College. The following year he was promoted to full colonel and was assigned to Buenos Aires, Argentina as an adviser to the Argentine Air Force. During this tour he met Dianne Foster, a teacher at the Lincoln American School in Argentina. They married in 1979. His foreign service assignments continued as an Air Force attaché to the Mexican Air Force. In this assignment Jose fully utilized his vast knowledge of Latin America military-political affairs and, along with his outstanding bilingual communication skills, was able to advise and further improve the relationship between the two country’s air forces. His outstanding performance of duty was recognized with the award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.</p>
<p>In 1984 Jose returned to Tucson, AZ to retire. After working in private industry for a while, he decided to return to his home state of California and settled in Arroyo Grande. His personality and sense of humor attracted those around him, and he was always ready to arrange a social gathering on short notice. Jose taught math at Mission Prep High School and later worked as a substitute teacher at San Luis Obispo High School and surrounding schools. He got much satisfaction advising the young students, always encouraging them to be good citizens. He was a great role model and mentor. He also assisted the local West Point Admissions rep in identifying prospective candidates. </p>
<p>Regretfully, as years went by, his health deteriorated. Dementia started to take its toll on his ability to maintain focus. He and Dianne relocated to Aurora, CO. He moved into the Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons, Aurora, CO. Living near the facility, Dianne was able to see him and oversee his care. He contracted COVID-19, recovered from it, and was able to spend his last days at home in his own bed. He died peacefully on June 2, 2020 with his wife Dianne and son David at his side. His interment was at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO. He is survived by his wife Dianne; his six children: Elizabeth, John, Rick, Steve, Chris, and David; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, as well as his sisters Elsie Allen and Linda Olvera.</p>
<p>Jose was a fine officer, an accomplished pilot, a loving father, and a wonderful friend to all those who had the privilege to know him. He will be greatly missed. As his course on earth has run, it certainly may be said of Jose, “Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.”</p>
<p><em>— Family and classmates</em></p>
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