| ROBERT NICHOLSON,
Jr. ARLINGTON, VA. Robert W. Nicholson, Jr., a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, died on Saturday, Jan uary 31, 2004, in Arlington, Va., after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He served as a public affairs officer in the Air Force from 1965 to 1987.  Lt. Col. Nich olson, who was born in 1943 at Georgetown Uni versity Hospital, Washington, D.C., grew up in Philadelphia, Pa., and graduated from St. Josephs University with an undergraduate degree in Eng lish in 1965. He later took a masters degree in journalism at Boston University and was a graduate of the Air Com mand and Staff College and the Air War College. During his distinguished Air Force career, Lt. Col Nicholson served in Oklaho ma, Thailand, Virginia, Spain, New York City, the Pentagon, and Florida. While at the Pen tagon, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. His final Air Force assignment was director of public affairs at the Eastern Space and Mis sile Center, Patrick AFB, Fla., a position that thrust him onto the national stage as the Air Forces key spokesman fol lowing the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger. Among his many decorations are the Joint Service Com mendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Humani tarian Service Medal. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1987, Nicholson spearheaded mar keting, communications, and public affairs at Redgate Technology, which was quick ly acquired by AOL. From 1996 on, Lt. Col Nicholson, served as a key volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. A skilled builder, his leader ship abilities, sense of humor, concern for his team, and sensitivity made him a highly successful leader. He was widely recognized for his abili ty to inspire volunteers and Habitat families. In both 2002 and 2003, Habitat for Humani ty honored Bob Nicholson for his contributions to the community. Survivors include his wife, Mary Elizabeth Beth Nicholson; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Nicholson; children, Robert J. Nicholson, Christine and Dennis Reed; grand-daughter, Nancy Lynne Nicholson; and siblings, Honora Nicholson, RSM, Thomas G., Maryclare Carlile, William R., and John P. Nicholson. Interment with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery on February 23rd. |
