Steve Turns Over Pete's Cup
Following Butch’s remarks, Steve Dotson turns over
Pete’s cup near the middle of the display.
Ralph Peter Hammerton, '63
(From
p. 104, Summer 2002 issue of Checkpoints)
"He
had fought for our country, but more importantly he fought to live as normally
as he could in spite of the medical condition of his body. Few knew of his
struggles to do daily tasks that we so often take for granted. Yet for as long
as he could, he continued to participate in an abundant life." (From the
eulogy delivered by Jeremy J. Hammerton.)
Complications
from diabetes claimed the life of Major (Retired) Ralph P. "Pete"
Hammerton on
March 18, 2002
. A man of unquestionable integrity,
compassion and strength, Pete was a man dearly loved by his friends and
eternally remembered by his family.
Having
spent his youth in
Royal Oak
,
Mich.
, and a year at the
University
of
Michigan
, Pete was appointed to the Academy in 1959. Carrying with him the
ideals and lessons of the Academy, he was graduated in 1963 and went on to
graduate school at
Georgetown
University
where he earned a Master's Degree in
International Relations. Pete then began pilot training, earning his wings and
flying the F-100. Pete served a tour in
Vietnam
and was later stationed at Lakenheath AFB, UK.
Medically grounded in 1968, Pete was transferred to Langley AFB to serve
several staff intelligence positions for HQ/TAC. As his medical condition
continued to deteriorate, he was medically retired from the Air Force in 1979.
Hughes Missile Systems in
Tucson
,
Ariz.
was the next stop for Pete; there he spent
time as a project engineer and production leader for the Maverick missile. A
request to assist in the startup of a new manufacturing facility brought him
to
LaGrange
,
Ga.
and eventually a return trip to
Tucson
, where he finally retired in 1997. During this
period, Pete served on numerous community boards, giving tirelessly of
himself to organizations such as the
United Way
, Boy Scouts, and Foster Parents. In
addition, he spent much time as a Liaison Officer fostering interest in the
Academy.
Retirement brought him full circle, back to
the world of aircraft and flying. Pete found himself immersed in sailplanes
with the Tucson Soaring Club and also sharing his knowledge and love of
flying, serving as a docent for the
Pima
Air
Museum
and a tour guide at the AMARC facility,
Davis-Monthan AFB.
Flying was Pete's first love, but he was
completely devoted to his family and friends. He is survived by his wife,
Judy; sons JP (Kathy) and Jeremy, and his grandchildren, Katie and Jack
(born on April 30). He was once quoted as saying that his sons were his
favorite hobby, and that expression of love and devotion carried on to his
grandchildren in later years. After becoming a grandfather in May 2000, he
could not fill his home with enough pictures of his Katie, and he always
rejoiced in all of her young accomplishments.
Pete Hammerton was a father in the best
sense of the word. Growing up, we don't remember a ball game he didn't attend,
an event he didn't help with, or a family commitment he missed. He challenged
our intellects, tested our honor and stirred our pride. Through his
marriage, he showed us how to be a good husband, and through his time with us,
a devoted father. He will be forever loved and always missed. (In memory of our father, James P. Hammerton and Jeremy J. Hammerton.)
To complete the ceremony, we all
joined hands and Butch led us in a memorial prayer.
