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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.
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Lewis
R. Heffner
Colonel,
U.S. Army (Retired) |
| 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.
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