Lt. Col. Lowell J Swift, USAF (RET) With his daughter by his side, Lowell passed away at Hospice at the Chaplaincy in Kennewick, November 28, 2012, and is now at peace. Lowell J. Swift was born February 7, 1922 in Pendleton, OR to James "Bird" Swift and Jessie L. Walter. Later, his parents divorced and Jessie married A.L. "Al" Sibley. They moved to Portland, OR where Lowell grew up and graduated from Benson Polytech High School. Lowell's military career began in 1940 with the Oregon National Guard's 41st Infantry Division. Just before it was called up for WWII, Lowell transferred to the Army Air Corps and was sent to Geiger Field in Spokane to train on B17 bombers. After initial training, he was sent to China with the 308th Bomb Group. In 1944, Lowell was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism for helping to rescue airmen from a burning bomber. He was the first non-commissioned officer from the CBI to be sent back to the States to attend Officer Candidate School. In 1945, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. and served until the war ended. In early 1945, in Montgomery, AL, Lowell met the love of his life, Madeline Davis. They married in the Maxwell AFB chapel. After the end of WWII, Lowell was released from the Air Corps. He and Madeline then moved to Redmond, OR where he worked as a typesetter at the Redmond Spokesman newspaper. While in Redmond, their son, James Lowell Jr. was born. The military life drew him back and in 1946, Lowell re-enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He continued to serve in the Air Force for the next 30 years. Lowell was stationed at many bases around the world and around the country. While stationed at Mitchell Field, Hemstead, NY their daughter, Judith Maria was born. He also served in Germany during the Berlin Airlift and later with the 36th Fighter Bomber Wing. In Viet Nam he served as a military advisor, and in Athens, Greece as the Deputy Base Commander. In addition he served with the 318th FIS at McChord AFB; the 456th FIS at Castle AFB; and as Chief of Airmen Training in ADC Headquarters, Colorado Springs CO. In 1969, he and Madeline retired to live in Milton-Freewater, OR. Lowell and Madeline enjoyed having a small "farm" with fruit trees and a large garden. They were avid snow birders, traveling in their Airstream for many years. They were members of the Wally Byam Caravanners. Lowell was an avid fisherman and hunter for his entire life and loved the Eagle Cap Wilderness area. After his retirement, he became a licensed ham radio operator and established a military radio site (MARS) for which he was given an outstanding achievement award by the Naval Telecommunications Command. He and Madeline were active members of the Wesley United Methodist church in Milton-Freewater. When they moved to Kennewick WA in 2004, they transferred their membership to Kennewick First United Methodist. Lowell is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Madeline; his sister, Betty Patton of Everett WA; his daughter Judith Loree (Douglas) of Richland and son James L. Swift Jr (Kathy) of Richland; grandchildren, Jeff (Cindy) Higginson, Matthew Higginson, Sarah (Mike) Burns, James Brian (Jennifer) Swift, Kevin Higginson, Daniel (Heather) Higginson, Crissy Higginson -Unser (Chris), and Sumer (Nathan) Murton; great grandchildren, McKenzie Higginson, Isabelle Higginson, Colten Unser, Kendall Unser, Adam Unser, Bella Madeline Burns, Brooklynn Ray Burns, and Eric Christianson; as well as many other family members and friends. A graveside service with full military honors will be held Saturday, December 8th, 2012, 1:00 p.m., at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Lowell's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association Inland NW Chapter; the Wounded Warrior Project; or Hospice at the Chaplaincy in Kennewick.