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Keesler mourns loss of coworker, friend

  • Published
  • By Sam Crane
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Members from Keesler Air Force Base and the surrounding communities gathered together Aug. 10 to honor the memory of George Budz, who passed away Aug. 3.

Budz served as the director of business operations at the 81st Contracting Squadron.

"Beyond being an expert in his field, he loved people," said Col. Debra Lovette, 81st Training Wing commander. "He invested time and energy into developing them, not just as contracting professionals but as people. His friends, family and coworkers understandably have heavy hearts with this loss, but he leaves an endless legacy across the Air Force that will continue to grow and develop the future of our Air Force. And he will forever be a part of our dragon family."

Budz commissioned into the Air Force in 1988 as a graduate of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Throughout his career, he served at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Lockheed Martin, Florida; McClellan Air Force Base, California.; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.; the Pentagon, Virginia.; and Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, where he served as the 81st Contracting Squadron commander and 81st Mission Support Group deputy commander.

"George was a huge part of our team and will be dearly missed," said Col. Marcia Quigley, 81st MSG commander. "He has been part of the Mission Support Group family since 2004. His impact on the base and community will be long lasting."

Since retiring with 20 years of service in the rank of lieutenant colonel, Budz gave an additional nine years during his civil service career.

"George was a friend and mentor to everyone in the squadron as well as many others around the base," said Maj. Bruce Hebert, 81st CONS commander. "He was always willing to give advice and a good pep talk when you needed it. A heavy workload never stopped George from pressing pause and engaging in a 'teachable moment' when needed. His signature grin and infectious laugh could fill a room. I'm forever grateful for the time we had together."

Budz's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Education and Training Command's Outstanding Contracting Civilian of the Year in 2010.

Family and friends remember him for his love of golf and his family.

"All I know is that no other person I've ever met is as good of a dad as George," said his brother-in-law Bruce Nierenberg during the funeral service. "When it comes to the most important task in life, being a good man and dad, he hit a hole-in-one every day."

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Monier Budz; and his father, George W. Budz.

"He was a great soul and a great man," said Nierenberg. "George, we are going to miss you very much."

To view his obituary, visit, https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunherald/obituary.aspx?n=george-budz&pid=189855664&fhid=4019
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