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Lewis
(Lew) R. Heffner,
born and raised in Chicago, Illinois where he attended
both elementary (Gillespie) and high school (Calumet). Lew excelled in
sports at an early age in neighborhood sports programs, but did not attempt
to compete in school programs until his junior year in high school. It was
while Lew was playing varsity baseball that his baseball coach took notice
of his speed on the base paths and quickness in the field that he encouraged
him to try out for the varsity football team. So, in his senior year in
high school Lew tried out for varsity football and succeeded in making the
team. Not only did he make the team; he was instrumental in leading Calumet
High School to the Public League City Championship. Lew was selected to both
first team All City and All State football teams. Those accomplishments led
to a visit from Coach Dwight T. Reed, Lincoln University football athletic
director and football coach. Lew’s senior year of playing high school
football was pivotal in getting him to attend Lincoln University, Jefferson
City, Missouri.
In the fall of 1957 Lew enrolled at Lincoln
University on a football scholarship. During his tenure at Lincoln he
continued to be an outstanding athlete. Lew was active in numerous
activities; such as, Pan Hellenic Council, Varsity Club, Dorm Council, Vice
President of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Reserve Officers’ Training Program
and Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, 1959-1960. Lew
lettered in football and track, and was co-captain of the football team his
senior year. He was selected first team All Conference his junior and senior
year and second team Little All American his senior year.
Lew graduated from Lincoln in January 1962 with
a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a Commission as a
Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. His initial active duty
assignment was to Fort Eustis, Virginia. Lew reported to Fort Eustis in
April of 1962 to attend the Transportation Officer’s Basic Course. Lew had a
two-year obligation to the Army and his intentions were to complete the time
in service and return to civilian life. The good Lord had other ideas for
Lew, and as a result of His divine intervention, Lew decided to make the
military a career.
During his military career, Lew served his
country in many parts of the world in various positions of responsibility.
His decorations, medals and badges include; Legion of Merit, Bronze Star
(Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC)), Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Army
Commendation (3 OLC), Vietnam Service Medal (11 Service Stars), Parachutist
Badge, and Combat Infantryman Badge. Lew had a very successful military
career and served for 29 years. He retired in the grade of full colonel.
Lew is currently semi retired and spends a
good portion of his free time on the golf course trying to lower his
handicap. Lew and his wife (the former Mary Alice Carter) have been married
43 years and currently reside in Northern Virginia. They have two adult
sons, Brendan, who resides in Illinois with his wife and three sons, and
Terryle who resides in New York City. Lew and Mary Alice both plan on
retiring in year 2004 and look forward to spending more time with their
grandchildren. |
