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Celebrating the life of Colonel John Snider, USAF, Ret.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026
WHEREAS, Colonel John Snider, USAF, Ret., an honorable veteran and an active and beloved member of the Manassas community, died on June 28, 2024; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known by family and friends as “Duke,” John Snider earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1971 from Duke University, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the school's Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps; and
WHEREAS, following his graduation, John Snider joined the United States Air Force and went on active duty at Craig Air Force Base in Alabama; and
WHEREAS, over his distinguished military career, John Snider served as a fighter pilot, achieving the rank of colonel and the rating of command pilot while flying various aircraft, including the RF-4C, F-111F, F-15C/E, and F-117; and
WHEREAS, John Snider mentored and led his fellow pilots and officers as an instructor at the United States Air Force Fighter Weapons School and as commander of the 48th Operations Support Squadron; and
WHEREAS, as commander of the 49th Operations Group, John Snider flew combat missions in a F-117 during Operation Allied Force; he later concluded his 30 years of service as the inspector general for United States Air Forces in Europe's headquarters at Ramstein Air Base in Germany; and
WHEREAS, John Snider retired and settled in Gordonsville in 2006, moved to Manassas nine years later, and quickly became a highly influential member of the community as president of the Manassas Men's Club, chair of the Manassas City Board of Elections, and member of the Manassas City Airport Commission; and
WHEREAS, John Snider will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary; his son, Wesley, and his family; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Colonel John Snider, USAF, Ret., a treasured member of the Manassas community whose unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his community inspired all who knew him; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Colonel John Snider, USAF, Ret., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.