From Air Force to Navy
By Rachael Stephany
Foster Duane Wendell, Altogether Funeral.
Foster Duane Wendell
January 18, 1941 - January 10, 2021
Foster Duane Wendell was born on January 18, 1941, to Howard and Harriet Morley Wendell.[1] Foster was one of four children and was the second son.[2] Being born into a theatrical family, Foster moved from city to city due to his father’s developing acting career.[3] Howard and Harriet Wendell had met during his apprenticeship at the Cleveland Playhouse, where she was a costumer.[4] In 1959, Foster graduated from University High in Pacific Palisades, California.[5] Thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, marking the beginning of Foster’s military career.
Following his enlistment, Foster was assigned a multitude of duty stations in Osan, South Korea, and Okinawa, Japan.[6] The Osan Air Force base was created during the Korean War and is one of two major airfields operated by the United States.[7] During Foster’s service at Osan, the Air Force base had transitioned to hosting “temporary duty or transient units involved in Pacific Air Force tactical operations.”[8] Foster served in a temporary unit and assisted with mechanical work to support operations in the Pacific. Later on during his 10-year service, he would deploy to Vietnam, serving a tour in 1969. [9]
Following Foster’s service in the Air Force, he pursued his Associate’s Degree in Automotive and Diesel Technology at the National Technical School following his tour in Vietnam.[10] While at NTU, he served as the Student Body President and graduated as Valedictorian.[11] Foster embarked on a career as an auto mechanic in Los Angeles, California until 1977.[12] He had two children, Shannon and Travis, before his divorce from his wife in 1978.[13] Driven by a sense of service and passion for mechanics, Wendell found himself re-enlisting with the Navy.[14]
Foster found himself serving in the Asia Pacific area while aboard both the USS Tripoli and Coral Sea.[15] His mission was to assist the Navy with Aviation Support Equipment and Hydraulics.[16] After serving on USS carriers, he was stationed in Guam continuing his mission of supporting the Aviation Equipment and Hydraulics.[17] As a Petty Officer First Class, he was seen as a technical expert in his field and most likely served as a Leading Petty Officer over his division.[18] Completing his mission, Wendell retired at Naval Air Station Moffett Field in 1989.[19]
Wendell settled in Colorado following his service, spending much of his free time with his family. He continued to build car models for his enjoyment and traveled the world, stopping in Asia and Europe.[20] As an avid volunteer, he assisted his community through his efforts by assisting a local gym.[21] Wendell passed on January 10, 2021.[22]
Footnotes ↓
[1] “Foster Duane Wendell," Afterall, January 10, 2021, accessed July 10, 2025, https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/FosterWendell.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] “Harriet Morley Wendell”, The Plain Dealer, July 10, 1981, 53, accessed July 10, 2025, https://www.newspapers.com/image/1065747940/?clipping_id=149396685.
[5] Foster Duane Wendell,” Afterall.
[6] Ibid.
[7] “Osan Air Base”, Military One Source, accessed July 11, 2025, https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/osan-air-base#:~:text=History,where%20the%20runway%20now%20lies.
[8] Ibid.
[9] “Foster Duane Wendell,” Afterall.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Ibid.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Ibid.
[16] Ibid.
[17] Ibid.
[18] Navy Petty Officer First Class," Military‑Ranks.org, https://www.military-ranks.org/navy/petty-officer-first-class, Accessed July 11, 2025.
[19] “Foster Duane Wendell,” Afterall.
[20] Ibid.
[21] Ibid.
[22] Ibid.
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