In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the March, 2005 Veteran of the Month – Theodore H. Kozlik.

Ted Kozlik was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and entered the United States Air Force in January, 1955 at the age of 17. He completed basic training at Lakeland AFB in Texas and was assigned to Kessler AFB, Mississippi and trained to be a ground radio operator. He was sent to Clark AFB in the Philippines for the first of many assignments during his career. Some of the choice moves were to Greenland, Vietnam and Stateside. In 1963, Ted cross- trained into Office of OSI Agent and made E-5 Staff Sergeant. Upon completing his tour in Viet Nam, he was assigned to Little Rock AFB, Arkansas and again cross-trained into the administrative section. In 1971, Ted came to Ellsworth AFB and was assigned to the Air Force Postal Courier Service as Chief of the Detachment with a primary duty of handling all the mail for enlisted personnel living in the barracks. During this assignment, Ted made E-6 Tech Sergeant and retired from the Air Force in 1979.

Ted’s military decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation with Oak Leaf, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct medal with Oak Leaf clusters, Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksman ribbon, and the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Ribbon. Ted holds current memberships in TREA Chapter 29, 2nd Vice President on the Board of Directors for two years, and is currently interim secretary. He is also a member of the Honor Guard.

Ted has six children located throughout the United States. He has contributed to the communities where he has lived over the years. While in Rapid City, he has served as Vice President of Big Brothers, Scout Master and Assistant Scout Master, taught youth soccer, umpired for Girls Little League Softball for two years and helps with the SAFE Halloween activities. Ted was a member of the Square Dance Club for three years and has successfully completed 286 jumps as a skydiver while stationed at McDill AFB, Florida. Ted currently works part-time with the Rapid City Police Department as a school crossing guard.