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Major General John Oblinger

Major General John Oblinger (ret.) and his wife, Edy, served as grand marshals for the Cleves-based American Legion Miller Stockum Post 485’s annual Memorial Day parade.

Oblinger, a 1949 Taylor High School graduate, served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Now living in Tucson, Arizona, the Taylor High School Athletic Hall of Fame member is returned to his hometown to serve as grand marshal, according to Donnie Bennett, post commander.

The parade began at 9:30 a.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. It started at Taylor High School, 36 E. Harrison Ave. in North Bend, then headed down Miami Avenue and through Cleves. It concluded at Cooper Avenue, where those in attendance could board a bus to Maple Grove Cemetery, where ceremonies were held at memorials for the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War. During those ceremonies, Lt. Commander Doug Carlson of the U.S. Navy, a Taylor High School graduate, spoke; the Taylor High School band performed and a 21-gun salute was given; and Taylor Middle School students recited the Gettysburg Address and read poetry.

Following those services, a 21-gun  was given at the American Legion Miller Stockum Post 485, 29 E. State Road in Cleves, and names of members who’ve died in the last year was read. Afterward, a community picnic, with food and drinks available for purchase, was offered at the post. 

At West Point

With General Omar Bradley

American Legion Post 485 of Cleves/Miami Township is proud to have produced General Benjamin Chidlaw who served the U.S. Air Force. (See more information on page 1) More recently General John Oblinger served with the United States Army information on this page. The Museum in Cleves, located in the Old Miami Township Hall, has lots of awards and photos regarding General Oblingers accomplishments.

John B Oblinger has passed on...

John B Oblinger Obituary - written by his loving wife, Edy. "Major General John B Oblinger, Jr. slipped the surly bonds of earth in Boulder, Colorado and with all the gentle grace and dignity with which he lived his amazing life, he reached out his hand and touched the face of God on December 26th, 2016. John was born March 27, 1931 in Cincinnati, Ohio to John and Hazel Oblinger. When he was a teenager, he enjoyed being active in all the sports his high school had to offer and he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track each year. His senior year the school won the baseball championship for the state of Ohio. Not only did he excel in sports, but also in academics. He graduated from Taylor High in North Bend, Ohio in 1949. In the high school yearbook they had beside his picture, " There are children lucky from dawn to dusk, but never a child so fortunate." Upon graduation he received an appointment to West Point Military Academy and joined the Long Gray Line. At the Academy, he had no problems with cadet life. He held the rank of Cadet Lieutenant and Battalion Adjutant and was Captain of the baseball team his first class year. Before reporting to his first duty station in Fort Bliss as a Second Lieutenant in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery, he married his childhood sweetheart, Edy Nugent. The wedding took place in North Bend, Ohio on June 7, 1953. After completing the Officers Basic Course at Fort Bliss, he joined the 11th Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. On August 29, 1954 his first son Mark arrived. There couldn't have been a prouder dad. In October 1954 he joined the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Japan. When he returned to the United States his next assignment was the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On October 23, 1956 his second son Michael arrived to join the family while John was attending another course at Fort Bliss. He was overjoyed to have another boy to play sports with him! In 1957 he served as a battery officer and battery commander in the Nike Hercules defense of the Washington-Baltimore area. In 1961 he completed the Artillery and Anti-Aircraft Advance Course. He then went to Vietnam where he served as Aide-de-Camp to the Chief, Military Assistance Advisory Group. He returned to the United States to study Nuclear Physics at Tulane University, receiving a Masters of Science degree in 1964. He was later assigned to Test Command, Defense Atomic Support Agency, Sandia Base, New Mexico. Next, he completed the United Kingdom Joint Services Staff College in Latimer, England. He travelled from England to Germany in 1969 where he commanded the 5th Battalion 1st Air Defense Artillery in Wiesbaden. He continued to always be diligent, hard working, and a responsible officer in everything he did. His next assignment was on the Department of the Army Staff in the Air Defense Directorate, Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development. After two years there, he attended and graduated in 1973 from the United States Army War College. From the War College, he returned to Germany to command the 94th Air Defense Artillery Group. In February 1975, he was assigned again to the Department of Army Staff as Chief, Missiles and Air Defense Systems Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Acquisition. In July 1975, he was promoted to Brigadier General and assumed command of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Osan, Korea. In July 1976, he was assigned as Assistant Commandant of the United States Army Air Defense School at Ft. Bliss, an assignment he held until he assumed command of the US Army Air Defense Center and Fort Bliss. He also served as the Commandant of the US Army Air Defense School and Chief of Air Defense Artillery. He was promoted to Major General at a special ceremony at Memorial Circle, Fort Bliss. General of the Army Omar N. Bradley presented him with his two star flag. John gave the authority to hold the first Amigo Air Show at Biggs Army Air Field, pioneered the Fort Bliss Armed Services YMCA, made the decision to cover the Replica Aquatic Center (which was finished after his departure) and converted old Kelly Park Housing area into a recreation area. He moved the Junior Enlisted Center from a one-room facility to a much larger building to handle the tremendous success of the ever-growing program. John gave his full support to the Allied Host Family program and the Protestant Men of the Chapel. He established the Fort Bliss Housing Association Mayors Program and the Fort Bliss Tennis Association. He arranged to obtain a building on Fort Bliss for the United States Horse Cavalry Association to hold their meetings and store their artifacts. He guided the building of the Omar N. Bradley softball complex on Fort Bliss. In their six years at Fort Bliss, he and his wife Edy hosted numerous events and visitors from the military, both foreign and American, and civilians from all walks of life. One of his most treasured was a visit from Jordan's King Hussein. He was always so proud to have General of the Army Omar N. Bradley as a part of Fort Bliss when he was the Commanding General. General Bradley once said to John's wife Edy, "If I have to go to war again, I will take John with me. He has my true respect. He would give any mission I gave him his best effort, earning the unquestioning trust of his soldiers, both junior and senior." To Edy that was the supreme compliment from "A Soldier's Soldier," the last living five-star general. When John left Fort Bliss, the El Paso Herald Post asked him to write an article for the paper. The final paragraph of that article was: "As Edy and I depart Fort Bliss, I would like to express our personal thanks to the citizens of El Paso for their support, their cooperation, and most importantly, their friendship. We will miss El Paso because of the people we leave behind. We will leave as we came, thankful that the Lord gave us time in our lives to be here and with gratitude for the opportunity to serve. We know in our hearts we are El Pasoans, and we intend to return to El Paso." Upon leaving Fort Bliss, he and Edy were given the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award for their service to all people. From July 1982 to July 1983, John was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Combat Development, Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, VA. In 1983 he became the Director of Development, Engineering and Acquisition at Army Material Command in Alexandria, VA. During all his days as an officer in the United States Army he always kept his gentle way, great strength of character and an unassuming easy way of just "being." His patience and clarity in explaining things to the most junior or to the most senior people he met was truly a gift. He was to many a hero because of the way he lived his life - unpretentious, with humor, strength, courage, honesty, integrity and kindness. After his retirement, he and Edy returned to their beloved El Paso where he became a Vice President of State National Bank and manager of the Fort Bliss branch. He enthusiastically became a volunteer, giving of his time and talent to improve the lives around him, both in the military and civilian communities. He never knew what the word "retired" meant. He assisted in two mayoral campaigns and participated in local community walk-a-thons to raise money for charity. He was the first male to be on the board of Race for the Cure. During one of the race events he pushed a terminally ill friend in her wheelchair. He was a member of the UTEP Miner Foundation, board member of the American Red Cross, board member of the Sun Bowl Committee and board member of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce Armed Services Committee. He was President of the West Point Society for two years and Program Chairman for eight years. He was President of the Association of the United States Army, General Bradley Chapter and President, West Texas Area of the Association of the United States Army and the 82nd Airborne Chapter. He was a member of the Military Order of World Wars, the Retired Officers Association, the National Association for Uniformed Services, and the Fort Bliss Protestant Chapel. He served with the Board of Directors of Hospice of El Paso, where yearly he served as a "celebrity waiter." He was a member of the United States Tennis Association and actively played tennis on teams in El Paso. He was a great player and took part in tennis tournaments, both statewide and national. He was an active member of Showtime USA, Retired, for many years, always pleasing the crowd with the old uniforms he wore and the songs he sang. He was a board member of the Salvation Army and received the "Others" Award, which had never before been given in the El Paso area. The award honors an individual who has exhibited "above and beyond" service on behalf of others and exceptional service benefitting the community. He showed this commitment by peeling potatoes and helping to serve meals on Thanksgiving at the Salvation Army Shelter. In 1998 he received the United States Cavalry Association Gold Medal, the highest award they present, for assisting them to fulfill their mission when he was the Commanding General of Fort Bliss. He was inducted into the Older El Paso Hall of Fame by the Mayor's Advisory Board on Aging. In 2001, he was named the Citizen of the Year by the El Paso Chapter, Military Order of World Wars. He was an active member of the Sun Bowl Association and always supported wheelchair tennis of El Paso, the Humane Society, the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association, and cancer research. In 2001 he was given the Outstanding Alumnus Award from his high school in North Bend, Ohio. In 2000 he received the Chris P. Fox Citizen of the Quarter Award from Fort Bliss, and later, the Citizen of the Year Award. It is given to those who give selfless service to soldiers and families in and around Fort Bliss. When giving the award, General Cavin said, " Not only have you supported this area from the outside, but you also supported it through blood, sweat and tears as a soldier here on Fort Bliss." In 1995 he became active in Air Defense Artillery Association fundraising efforts. He became the President and spearheaded a major project to fund the Fort Bliss Museum and Study Center. Part of what kept him involved was the memory of the many people who helped soldiers and Fort Bliss when he was the Commanding General and his goal to exhibit artillery and artifacts that had been stored in warehouses for years. When illness took hold of his life, he responded with fortitude, toughness and patience, always keeping his wit and humor. Now his voice is stilled. His achievements and his attributes of humility were his most important assets, along with his love for Edy, Mark, Michael and family and friends, for our nation and for the men and women who serve it in uniform. His accomplishments were many, but his character is what made him truly great. John gave tirelessly of himself to the Fort Bliss and El Paso communities. He met every challenge with hope and a positive attitude. The lives he touched were blessed by his kindness and inspired by his wisdom. In 2008 he went to West Point for his 55th reunion. In 1953 his class of 512 cadets all stood straight and tall. The ones remaining had been assigned and await orders to rejoin the Long Gray Line. They will once again be full strength and they will come together again. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His whole life was an inspiration and his memory a benediction. He prepared well for his transition to the other side, and for a new tour of duty, far better than we can comprehend. His mission on Earth accomplished." He is survived by his wife Edy, sons Mark and Michael, grandchildren Kyle and Claire and daughter-in-laws Linda and Susan. Funeral directed by Martin Funeral Home West - Dignity Memorial Service - Fort Bliss Center Chapel 1 12:30 PM Monday, January 9, 2016 Followed by burial at Fort Bliss National Cemetery - 2 PM Reception to follow at The Centennial Banquet and Conference Center in Fort Bliss - 3 PM Instead of flowers - donate to Parkinson's, Alzheimer's or the American Heart Foundation.

Published in El Paso Times from Jan. 5 to Jan. 12, 2017

 

John B Oblinger Obituary - written by his loving wife, Edy. "Major General John B Oblinger, Jr. slipped the surly bonds of earth in Boulder, Colorado and with all the gentle grace and dignity with which he lived his amazing life, he reached out his hand and touched the face of God on December 26th, 2016. John was born March 27, 1931 in Cincinnati, Ohio to John and Hazel Oblinger. When he was a teenager, he enjoyed being active in all the sports his high school had to offer and he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track each year. His senior year the school won the baseball championship for the state of Ohio. Not only did he excel in sports, but also in academics. He graduated from Taylor High in North Bend, Ohio in 1949. In the high school yearbook they had beside his picture, " There are children lucky from dawn to dusk, but never a child so fortunate."

Upon graduation he received an appointment to West Point Military Academy and joined the Long Gray Line. At the Academy, he had no problems with cadet life. He held the rank of Cadet Lieutenant and Battalion Adjutant and was Captain of the baseball team his first class year. Before reporting to his first duty station in Fort Bliss as a Second Lieutenant in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery, he married his childhood sweetheart, Edy Nugent. The wedding took place in North Bend, Ohio on June 7, 1953. After completing the Officers Basic Course at Fort Bliss, he joined the 11th Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

On August 29, 1954 his first son Mark arrived. There couldn't have been a prouder dad. In October 1954 he joined the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Japan. When he returned to the United States his next assignment was the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On October 23, 1956 his second son Michael arrived to join the family while John was attending another course at Fort Bliss. He was overjoyed to have another boy to play sports with him!

In 1957 he served as a battery officer and battery commander in the Nike Hercules defense of the Washington-Baltimore area. In 1961 he completed the Artillery and Anti-Aircraft Advance Course. He then went to Vietnam where he served as Aide-de-Camp to the Chief, Military Assistance Advisory Group. He returned to the United States to study Nuclear Physics at Tulane University, receiving a Masters of Science degree in 1964. He was later assigned to Test Command, Defense Atomic Support Agency, Sandia Base, New Mexico.

Next, he completed the United Kingdom Joint Services Staff College in Latimer, England. He travelled from England to Germany in 1969 where he commanded the 5th Battalion 1st Air Defense Artillery in Wiesbaden. He continued to always be diligent, hard working, and a responsible officer in everything he did. His next assignment was on the Department of the Army Staff in the Air Defense Directorate, Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development. After two years there, he attended and graduated in 1973 from the United States Army War College. From the War College, he returned to Germany to command the 94th Air Defense Artillery Group.

In February 1975, he was assigned again to the Department of Army Staff as Chief, Missiles and Air Defense Systems Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Acquisition. In July 1975, he was promoted to Brigadier General and assumed command of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Osan, Korea. In July 1976, he was assigned as Assistant Commandant of the United States Army Air Defense School at Ft. Bliss, an assignment he held until he assumed command of the US Army Air Defense Center and Fort Bliss. He also served as the Commandant of the US Army Air Defense School and Chief of Air Defense Artillery.

He was promoted to Major General at a special ceremony at Memorial Circle, Fort Bliss. General of the Army Omar N. Bradley presented him with his two star flag. John gave the authority to hold the first Amigo Air Show at Biggs Army Air Field, pioneered the Fort Bliss Armed Services YMCA, made the decision to cover the Replica Aquatic Center (which was finished after his departure) and converted old Kelly Park Housing area into a recreation area. He moved the Junior Enlisted Center from a one-room facility to a much larger building to handle the tremendous success of the ever-growing program. John gave his full support to the Allied Host Family program and the Protestant Men of the Chapel. He established the Fort Bliss Housing Association Mayors Program and the Fort Bliss Tennis Association. He arranged to obtain a building on Fort Bliss for the United States Horse Cavalry Association to hold their meetings and store their artifacts. He guided the building of the Omar N. Bradley softball complex on Fort Bliss.

In their six years at Fort Bliss, he and his wife Edy hosted numerous events and visitors from the military, both foreign and American, and civilians from all walks of life. One of his most treasured was a visit from Jordan's King Hussein. He was always so proud to have General of the Army Omar N. Bradley as a part of Fort Bliss when he was the Commanding General. General Bradley once said to John's wife Edy, "If I have to go to war again, I will take John with me. He has my true respect. He would give any mission I gave him his best effort, earning the unquestioning trust of his soldiers, both junior and senior." To Edy that was the supreme compliment from "A Soldier's Soldier," the last living five-star general. When John left Fort Bliss, the El Paso Herald Post asked him to write an article for the paper. The final paragraph of that article was: "As Edy and I depart Fort Bliss, I would like to express our personal thanks to the citizens of El Paso for their support, their cooperation, and most importantly, their friendship. We will miss El Paso because of the people we leave behind. We will leave as we came, thankful that the Lord gave us time in our lives to be here and with gratitude for the opportunity to serve. We know in our hearts we are El Pasoans, and we intend to return to El Paso." Upon leaving Fort Bliss, he and Edy were given the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award for their service to all people.

From July 1982 to July 1983, John was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Combat Development, Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, VA. In 1983 he became the Director of Development, Engineering and Acquisition at Army Material Command in Alexandria, VA. During all his days as an officer in the United States Army he always kept his gentle way, great strength of character and an unassuming easy way of just "being." His patience and clarity in explaining things to the most junior or to the most senior people he met was truly a gift. He was to many a hero because of the way he lived his life - unpretentious, with humor, strength, courage, honesty, integrity and kindness. After his retirement, he and Edy returned to their beloved El Paso where he became a Vice President of State National Bank and manager of the Fort Bliss branch. He enthusiastically became a volunteer, giving of his time and talent to improve the lives around him, both in the military and civilian communities. He never knew what the word "retired" meant. He assisted in two mayoral campaigns and participated in local community walk-a-thons to raise money for charity.

He was the first male to be on the board of Race for the Cure. During one of the race events he pushed a terminally ill friend in her wheelchair. He was a member of the UTEP Miner Foundation, board member of the American Red Cross, board member of the Sun Bowl Committee and board member of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce Armed Services Committee. He was President of the West Point Society for two years and Program Chairman for eight years. He was President of the Association of the United States Army, General Bradley Chapter and President, West Texas Area of the Association of the United States Army and the 82nd Airborne Chapter. He was a member of the Military Order of World Wars, the Retired Officers Association, the National Association for Uniformed Services, and the Fort Bliss Protestant Chapel. He served with the Board of Directors of Hospice of El Paso, where yearly he served as a "celebrity waiter." He was a member of the United States Tennis Association and actively played tennis on teams in El Paso. He was a great player and took part in tennis tournaments, both statewide and national. He was an active member of Showtime USA, Retired, for many years, always pleasing the crowd with the old uniforms he wore and the songs he sang.

He was a board member of the Salvation Army and received the "Others" Award, which had never before been given in the El Paso area. The award honors an individual who has exhibited "above and beyond" service on behalf of others and exceptional service benefitting the community. He showed this commitment by peeling potatoes and helping to serve meals on Thanksgiving at the Salvation Army Shelter. In 1998 he received the United States Cavalry Association Gold Medal, the highest award they present, for assisting them to fulfill their mission when he was the Commanding General of Fort Bliss. He was inducted into the Older El Paso Hall of Fame by the Mayor's Advisory Board on Aging. In 2001, he was named the Citizen of the Year by the El Paso Chapter, Military Order of World Wars. He was an active member of the Sun Bowl Association and always supported wheelchair tennis of El Paso, the Humane Society, the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association, and cancer research.

In 2001 he was given the Outstanding Alumnus Award from Taylor High School in North Bend, Ohio. In 2000 he received the Chris P. Fox Citizen of the Quarter Award from Fort Bliss, and later, the Citizen of the Year Award. It is given to those who give selfless service to soldiers and families in and around Fort Bliss. When giving the award, General Cavin said, " Not only have you supported this area from the outside, but you also supported it through blood, sweat and tears as a soldier here on Fort Bliss." In 1995 he became active in Air Defense Artillery Association fundraising efforts. He became the President and spearheaded a major project to fund the Fort Bliss Museum and Study Center. Part of what kept him involved was the memory of the many people who helped soldiers and Fort Bliss when he was the Commanding General and his goal to exhibit artillery and artifacts that had been stored in warehouses for years.

When illness took hold of his life, he responded with fortitude, toughness and patience, always keeping his wit and humor. Now his voice is stilled. His achievements and his attributes of humility were his most important assets, along with his love for Edy, Mark, Michael and family and friends, for our nation and for the men and women who serve it in uniform. His accomplishments were many, but his character is what made him truly great. John gave tirelessly of himself to the Fort Bliss and El Paso communities. He met every challenge with hope and a positive attitude. The lives he touched were blessed by his kindness and inspired by his wisdom. In 2008 he went to West Point for his 55th reunion. In 1953 his class of 512 cadets all stood straight and tall. The ones remaining had been assigned and await orders to rejoin the Long Gray Line. They will once again be full strength and they will come together again. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His whole life was an inspiration and his memory a benediction. He prepared well for his transition to the other side, and for a new tour of duty, far better than we can comprehend. His mission on Earth accomplished." He is survived by his wife Edy, sons Mark and Michael, grandchildren Kyle and Claire and daughter-in-laws Linda and Susan. Funeral directed by Martin Funeral Home West - Dignity Memorial Service - Fort Bliss Center Chapel 1 12:30 PM Monday, January 9, 2016 Followed by burial at Fort Bliss National Cemetery - 2 PM