Master Sergeant Rodney D. Drake, USAF (Retired)
Rodney passed away on December 15, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with cancer that was directly connected to his extensive military service.
Born January 18, 1948 in Sharon, PA to Donald Eugene Drake and Monteese Ann Walker Drake, Rod was preceded in death by his mother and father as well as his brother, Bruce Drake.
He leaves behind his sister Karen Drake Bradley, his son David Drake and wife Lisa Drake, his step-son David Allen and his wife Carrie Allen and lastly step-daughter Delaine Allen Maki and husband Terri Maki.
Rod enlisted in the US Air Force on September 11, 1967 during the Vietnam War where he proudly served 16 months in Vietnam all with Air Force Special Operations and his beloved C-130 Spectre Gunships. Rod returned from Vietnam to Eglin AFB, FL where he took a break from the Air Force in 1971 and began his Civil Service career. After a 10 year break from the uniform, Rod joined the Air Force Reserves to continue his adventures with Special OPS and his Gunships. As an Air Reserve Technician and Reservist, Rod visited 39 countries while in uniform and he would happily tell you stories about each overseas trip.
Just days after the attacks of September 11th, 2001, when he was 53 years old, Rod was back on Active Duty with the US Air Force and deployed to Djibouti Africa with Special OPS supporting Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His post-9/11 service was from September 30, 2001 to September 29, 2003.
Rod began his well earned retirement in 2006 with more than 39 years of service to the United States and over 29 of those years were in uniform. He was a true American patriot and he will be greatly missed.
Ceremonies for MSgt Rodney “Hot Rod” Drake will take place on Friday April 12th, 2024. To recognize his service of many years working with/for the Veterans Administration a gathering of friends and motorcycles will begin at 1130hrs at James Haley VA Medical Center near the Fisher House and Water Tower. Led by the VA Chaplain’s Office along side the CVMA, a Final Mile Ceremony will begin around 1230hrs including the playing of Amazing Grace and Taps. CVMA will lead a procession, departing around 1300hrs, to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. At 1430hrs a service including full military honors for MSgt Drake will commence led by the US Air Force Military Honors Team. All that knew Rod over the years are invited to and encouraged to attend.
May God continue to bless the Drake family and all those men & women who have worn the uniform of America’s military.
I had the privilege and honor to meet Rod since we both reside at The Villages. Dave introduced me to him. He was an incredible man with an amazing military record. More importantly he was a tremendous human being. Rod, may you rest in peace brother. We have the watch now.
Rod was my best friend since grade school and I will truly miss him !
We both graduated from Sharon HS.
After he enlisted we lost touch with each other until about 4 years ago. We constantly shared emails and his humor was great. I only wish I had been able to visit him in FL.
Unfortunately, due to my living in MT and with health problems of my own, I won’t be able to attend his funeral-but my many fond memories of him and our lifelong friendship will always remain . May he rest in peace!
Rod and I were friends since first grade Wengler elementary School in Sharon, Pennsylvania. We enjoyed hanging out together and camping with the Drake family. We bot enlisted in the Air Force and remained lifelong friends. He will be greatly missed, but great memories will sustain us. May God continue to bless the Drake family and give them comfort.Don and Linda Bires