DRUMHELLER JR, EMMETT

Emmett W. Drumheller Jr was born on December 10, 1963 in Ausburg Germany to Emmett Sr. and Victoria “Doris” Drumheller. Growing up in a military household, Emmett moved from installation to installation and at the age of 10, became a U.S. Citizen. After his dad retired from the Army, the family settled in Lacy Washington, where Emmett would go on to graduate from North Thurston High School in 1981. After graduating, Emmett would join the University of Washington ROTC program and go on to become commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in 1985. Later in life, Emmett would go on to get his Master's Degree from Washington State University.  

LtCol Drumheller Jr excelled during his almost 20 years of faithful military service and started his career as a Radar operator for the B-52, Stratofortress, or commonly referred to as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella). The B-52 is a long-range strategic bomber that can carry a up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and can fly 8,800 miles without an air-refueling. 

During his career, LtCol Drumheller Jr was stationed at Castle AFB, Fairchild AFB, Elsworth AFB, Barksdale AFB, Langly AFB and his final duty station at Minot AFB in North Dakota. LtCol Drumheller Jr. climbed the ranks of the B-52 community to become a distinguished Navigator which is overall responsible for dropping ordnance on target with no room for error.  

Not only was he great at math, but Emmett was also known for his keen sense of humor and jokester attitude. One of his favorite tricks to play was changing out the cereal bags and placing them in other boxes, so it was not uncommon for his daughter to think she was getting her fruit loops but instead pour a bowl of bran cereal. Emette was also a very spiritual man and his faith was incredible. These are just two attributes that made him special and well liked not only in the Air Force community, but anyone that came in contact with him.   

LtCol Drumheller Jr. served in both Desert Shield/Desert Storm where he was a Instructor Navagator as well as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. LtCol Drumheller Jr passed away on the morning of 25 December 2003 as a result of the treatments of cancer that was most likely related to burn pit exposure in Afghanistan. 

Emmette is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Brittany; son, Matthew; parents, Emmett W. Sr. & Viktoria Drumheller; sister, Ranae M. Lenzi; brother, Gary; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many nieces & nephews.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers LtCol Emmett Drumheller Jr. for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.