Veteran of the Day — December 9, 2025
Major Terrence Ernest “Terry” Giroux Jr., USAF (Ret.)
United States Navy & United States Air Force
Intelligence Officer • International Training Leader • Community Servant
June 23, 1948 – June 5, 2019
Hometown: Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts • Longtime resident of San Angelo, Texas
✈️ A Life of Service in Two Sea–Air Uniforms
Terrence Ernest “Terry” Giroux Jr. was born on June 23, 1948, in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In a life defined by service and learning, he would ultimately wear the uniforms of two branches of the U.S. military.
He first enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning his journey in defense of the nation. Later, he also enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he trained and served as an intelligence officer, working in the quiet, high-pressure world of information and analysis that underpins modern military operations.
Terry continued to grow academically as well. He completed a master’s degree in hospital administration from Central Michigan University in 1985, reflecting a lifelong commitment to professional excellence and care for others.
After a full career in uniform, he retired as a Major in the United States Air Force in 1996.
🌍 Building Bridges at Goodfellow Air Force Base
Retirement from active duty didn’t end his service. Terry went right back to work for the Air Force community as a civilian at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, where he served as head of the International Military Student Office until 2011.
There, he helped welcome and support officers from partner nations worldwide, ensuring they had what they needed to train, learn, and build strong ties with the United States. Those who worked with him remember him as a trusted mentor, patient guide, and proud representative of the U.S. Air Force family.
Even after stepping away from full-time work, he stayed connected to the Air Force community through organizations like the Freedom Through Vigilance Association (FTVA) and local support efforts for deployed servicemembers.
🙏 Faith, Family & Community
Off duty, Terry poured as much energy into his faith and community as he did into his military career. A devoted Catholic, he volunteered at St. Margaret’s Adoration Chapel and Mt. Carmel Hermitage. He gave time to organizations, including the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank, March of Dimes, San Angelo Jaycees, Leadership San Angelo, and the Pregnancy Help Center of the Concho Valley.
He loved family, politics, and cars – especially racing his Mazda Miata – and he was known for his sense of humor, big smile, and willingness to go “above and beyond” for anyone who needed help.
Though he wasn’t born in Texas, Terry considered San Angelo his true home and proudly called himself an adopted Texan.
He passed away on June 5, 2019, at age 70, surrounded by his close family in San Angelo, Texas.
🌟 Reflection
Not every hero’s story is written on a battlefield. Some are written in classrooms, chapels, intel offices, and small acts of kindness that ripple across generations.
Major Terrence “Terry” Giroux Jr. represents the thousands of veterans whose lives stitched together service in uniform, quiet leadership in government, and hands-on love for their local communities.
He saluted the flag in two branches, guided allies from around the world, and then turned his energy toward feeding the hungry, supporting the vulnerable, and raising his family in faith and hope.
🎙️ Coolbeaners Appreciation
At mickyspano.com/, we honor not only the famous names in history books, but also the everyday Americans who served their country and their communities with heart and humility.
Today, we remember Major Terrence Ernest “Terry” Giroux Jr., United States Air Force (Ret.) — a Navy and Air Force veteran, an intelligence officer, a mentor to international students, a man of deep faith, and a beloved citizen of San Angelo, Texas.
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