Antonio Reyna Obituary

I just learned of the loss of Antonio (Tony) Reyna. My deepest condolences. I knew Tony when we were both assigned to the 38th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in Zweibruecken, Germany. He was well liked and well respected by all.

Michael Porcaro
Colonel USAF Retired

Am so sorry. Col. Reyna was a great DCM when I served with him in the 87th FIS. The description you used is right on. He was a 'gentle warrior.' He treated all of us with dignity regardless of our rank. May God bless you with great comfort and strength at this time.

I met Tony and Donna through their friendship with my parents back in the eighties when I was just 8 years old - we were living in Tampa, Florida at the time. I have such amazing memories throughout the years of the fun times we all had together - cooking crabs, listening to their Pianola, the numerous animals that they had over the years, a holiday to visit them in Germany, spending time together on each visit to Saudi Arabia during University breaks and even a dive holiday down in the Florida Keys (with my now husband).
Both Ben and I were incredibly sad to hear of Tony’s passing, his gentle kindness and quiet sense of humour will be sorely missed.
Donna, please know that both of you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Sending all our love and strength to you at this incredibly difficult time. Xxx

Dear Donna,

Ever since I met you and Tony, I knew I was a privileged witness to one of the most tender and loving relationships, of my lifetime. Your unconditional love and dedication to one another, was, and still is, awe-inspiring. Thank you for your friendship and for allowing me into your special life together. I don’t think it is hyperbolic for me to say that the love you shared with Tony is the stuff of magical movies and best selling novels.

I will always remember Tony as looking eternally young; I first met Tony, I believe, when he was in his 70’s, and yet his jet black hair and extraordinarily smooth, unwrinkled skin, showed little evidence of advancing age. Yes, this may have been due, somewhat, to exceptional genes, however, it also reflected your rejuvenating love and enduring affection, for this remarkable man.

Also, I shall always remember Tony’s quiet, sweet and endearing nature, and his lasting love for you, Donna.

With gratitude for knowing both of you,

Robert Stein

Tony and I went through RF-4 training at Shaw AFB and then on to Udorn, Thailand where Tony and I had been before doing different things at different times. Tony had a remarkable ability to detect danger, of which there was plenty, and to avoid it. We remained in frequent contact in the last decade plus of his remarkable life, made much easier by the love and dedication of Donna. He will be missed by by us all until the day we rejoin.

Tony Reyna (call sign-Atlanta05) was a true model for all of us. I met Tony in 1971 as we both were transitioning to the RF-4 in preparation for deployment to Southeast Asia. He was my roommate for a year there in Thailand and we remained friends forever after that. By example, he taught us countless things including how to survive in the air, how to listen, and how to treat others. Above all he was the example for dedication and service to country. Words cannot capture the essence of Tony, Colonel Reyna, Atlanta05, although the moniker Gentle Warrior comes close. He was truly a gentleman, and truly a warrior. I will miss you Tony, but I know where to find you. And Donna, we all thank you for the love and care you gave Tony for all these years. He could not have picked a better mate for his journey.

William Gilmore, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)

Tony Reyna (call sign-Atlanta05) was a true model for all of us. I met Tony in 1971 as we both were transitioning to the RF-4 in preparation for deployment to Southeast Asia. He was my roommate for a year there in Thailand and we remained friends forever after that. By example, he taught us countless things including how to survive in the air, how to listen, and how to treat others. Above all he was "the" example for dedication and service to country. Words cannot capture the essence of Tony, Colonel Reyna, Atlanta05, although the moniker Gentle Warrior comes close. He was truly a gentleman, and truly a warrior. I will miss you Tony, but I know where to find you. And Donna, we all thank you for the love and care you gave Tony for all these years. He could not have picked a better mate for his journey.

William Gilmore, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)

I first met Tony in 1984 when he was my boss during my USAF exchange tour at MacDill AFB and I found him to be a true and noble spirit. We became close friends with Tony and Donna from thereon. Over the years, I and my wife, Delphine, spent many happy times with them in the places they travelled: Germany, Durango, Cornwall and we were together in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for nearly six years. Tony’s friendship is something we will always treasure, and his bravery and spirit during the many years he was afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease will be a lasting memory.
Our thoughts go out to you Donna and our admiration for the care you gave Tony during his illness.

Tony was one of the most fantastic people I have ever met. He will be truly missed. You have left this earth, Tony, but your spirit lives on with us forever. I will never forget the great times we spent together.

Donna,
condolences from Kim, Joe and myself. Tony was a very special guy!

Donna, Kay and I send our deepest sympathy on Tony's passing. As you may recall we hand some great times together. Bless you, Don Baker

The Buckley AFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Col Reyna's distinguished service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley AFB at 720-847-6693. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley AFB RAO