UPDATE - A funeral Mass will be held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 3700 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax VA the afternoon of Tuesday, 28 July. Exact time is TBD.
A memorial service will be held at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer on Wednesday, 29 July at 1045, with interment at Arlington National Cemetery immediately thereafter. There will be a reception at the Fort Meyer Officers Club beginning at 1200 or 1230.
William J. (Bill) Wetzel
Colonel, USA (Ret.)
Colonel William J. (Bill) Wetzel, 68, passed away peacefully at the Washington DC VA Medical Center on March 6, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with heart disease.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Judy who was a constant presence by his side throughout his long illness, his son Billy, daughter Theresa, son-in-law Tony, and two cherished grandchildren, Taleah and Tristan. He also leaves behind a sister, Mrs. Deborah Gallear.
He was born on July 15, 1946 in New Brunswick, New Jersey and graduated from South River High School in 1964. He earned a BA in English and German from Ohio University in 1969, an MA in Police Science and Administration from San Houston State University in 1976, and an MA in International Relations – Soviet Studies from the University of Southern California in 1982. Bill is also a graduate of the US Army War College.
Colonel Wetzel was drafted in 1969, beginning a distinguished 28-year Army career. He graduated from Infantry Officer Candidate School as a Second Lieutenant in August 1970. Initial assignments included: Commander, Military Police Station, Augsburg, Germany; and unit commander and Chief of Operations, US Army Retraining Brigade, Ft. Riley, Kansas. Later, he became Commander, Checkpoints Bravo and Charlie and Deputy Provost Marshall, Berlin Brigade; Chief of Intelligence Production, HQ US Army Europe; and Assistant Army Attaché, Helsinki, Finland. His final tour of duty was in the Defense Intelligence Agency, where he served successively as Chief of the Russia/Eurasia Forces Branch, Chief of the Europe Division, and Deputy Director of Combat Support.
Among Colonel Wetzel's many decorations for service to his country are the Defense Superior Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.
Upon retirement from the Army in 1997, Bill joined Zel Technologies, Inc. (ZelTech) where he excelled as Chief of Intelligence Programs and Operations for over 16 years. During his time at ZelTech, he was the driving force behind corporate credibility, program growth and exceptional contributions involving US Intelligence Community operations.
Bill Wetzel's full, rich life centered on family, always his first priority. He was a man of Faith and a loyal and active member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Fairfax, VA. Bill was an avid golfer and member of a group of friends who took to the course for spirited competitions as often as possible. He was also an admitted sports nut, ready and willing to discuss and perhaps wager on any upcoming event of mutual interest. Most importantly, Bill was a friend to all and a joy to be around. We will truly miss the pleasure of his company.
In lieu of flowers, the Wetzel family requests donations be made in memory of Bill Wetzel to the St. Jude Children's Hospital. https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=14262&pID=24671
A Wake will be held at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax VA on March 19th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial at Fort Myer and interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place July 29, 2015.
http://www.fairfaxmemorialfuneralhome.com/obituary/William-J.-Wetzel-Sr./Oakton-VA/1490443#sthash.dRcQwbRb.dpuf
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