Kenneth J. Erdman – Colonel, United States Marine Corps Government Officia

From a contemporary press report:

Kenneth J. Erdman was a Retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he served as Officer-in-charge of the Marine Corps Reserve Shooting Teams and Commanding Officer on the Marine Corps Reserve Public Affairs Unit in Los Angeles. He was an Endowment Member of the NRA of America serving on the NRA High Power Rifle Committee and a Life Member and past President of the California Rifle and Pistol Association. He was selected coach of the United States Palma Teams that competed in England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Raton, New Mexico.

Colonel Erdman graduated in 1954 with a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He joined the Federal Aviation Administration in 1958 after serving four years as a Marine Corps Pilot. As Chief Test Pilot of the FAA Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, he was responsible for the flight-testing of jet transport aircraft manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Lockhead.

Colonel Erdman was a Distinguished Marksman who started competitive rifle shooting in 1954. Except for three National matches, he attended every NRA National High Power Championship since 1957. He won the National Service Rifle Championship in 1982 and 1983 and the President's Match in 1982 setting a new national record. He won numerous State and NRA Regional Championships and set several national records.

Colonel Erdman was a Certified NRA Instructor (Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun) and was coach/instructor of the El Camino Real High School Junior Rifle Club. He was a strong proponent of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and was active in the California Gun Rights Amendment (SCA-2).

In addition to competitive rifle shooting Colonel Erdman enjoyed downhill skiing, hunting, fishing and backpacking.

Colonel Kenneth Erdman died of pneumonia on October 24, 2002 at 7:15p.m. at St Joseph's Hospital in Orange. May he rest in peace.

Colonel Erdman is survived by his loving wife Anne-Marie, his mother Wilhemina Erdman, his children Rita Dournit, Linda Turner, Kenny Erdman, his five grandchildren, his sister Nancy Williams and brother Jim Erdman.

Visitation will be on Wednesday October 30, 2002 from 4 to 8p.m. at Fairhaven Memorial Park at 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, California.

Colonel Kenneth J. Erdman will be buried with full Military Honors at 12:45p.m. November 27th, 2002, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

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