Lt Col (Ret) Albert (Al) Shortt passed away and flew west on June 23 in Charlotte, NC while visiting with family.
He was 92 years of age. Al called Lynn Haven, Florida home since 1973.
He was the son of the late Edmund V. Shortt and Matilda Lesser Shortt of Marlboro, New York.
He attended Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania before joining the United States Air Force in 1950.
He entered into pilot training in 1951 and his military flying career spanned close to 25 years.
He and his family were fortunate to have lived in many places of the world to include Spain and twice in Germany.
He had combat assignments in Korea and Vietnam. In Vietnam, he was an Air Commando who flew 196 combat missions and earned the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism, and ten Air Medals.
He retired in 1975 while assigned to Tyndall AFB. After his military retirement, Al built upon previous decades of photography to become a well-known local professional photographer for over 30 years. His retirement was filled with the enjoyment of travel, golf, and family.
He was a long time member of the Panama Country Club. Al is survived by Dottie, his wife of 65 years; his daughter Lynne (Sam) Oweida (Charlotte, NC); his sons Al (Lynn Haven, FL), and Mike (Roswell, GA); his grandchildren Andrew Shortt, Nicole (Ryne) Heene, Mariel Oweida, Katharine Oweida, Thomas Oweida, and Philip Oweida.
The family will hold a private memorial service to celebrate and honor his extraordinary life.
