Alan W. Palmer

** To watch a recording of the memorial service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/DUnig2_7nLc **To watch the military honor service use this linkhttps://youtu.be/oa9HfbDvYEA Brigadier General Alan W. Palmer, 69, died on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Alan was born April 26, 1952, in Tell City, IN, the son of Aaron & Maryetta (Jones) Palmer. He grew up in Tell City where he graduated from High School in 1970. He married Peggy Detzer on May 26, 1973 in Tell City. Together they raised 2 children, living in Grand Forks, ND. Alan began his military career with United States Air Force enlisted service beginning in 1972. After serving as an Electronic Warfare Specialist in several assignments including a tour in Thailand, he joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in 1981. He served as a Maintenance Officer and Supervisor prior to serving in several command positions. Commands included the 119th Supply Squadron, 119th Maintenance Squadron, 119th Logistics Squadron, and the 119th Support Group. General Palmer served as the State J-5 in Joint Force Headquarters during the transition from an Air National Guard State Headquarters to the current Joint Force Headquarters. Al joined John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences in 1978 where he spent more than 30 years ultimately as director of flight operations, a role he held for more than 10 years. Al was one of the original John D. Odegard young guns flying the jets and living the Aviation Dream. He was heavily involved with the original international training programs and to this day is well known in Taiwan, having given hundreds of China Airlines and EVA pilots their FAA check rides. Al returned to the University of North Dakota following a short retirement to lead the Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research, Education, and Training and was instrumental in working with the FAA to integrate UAS into the national airspace system and to establish test sites and training centers for the systems. After his military retirement, Palmer continued to work tirelessly on behalf of military members and their families. He co-chaired the military affairs committee of the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, volunteered with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), served on the Governor’s Task Force for Veterans Affairs, and was the driving force in building the Grand Forks’ Veterans Memorial Park which was dedicated last September. During his career Palmer accumulated more than 9,400 hours of flying time, of which over 5,900 were as an instructor pilot. He was a designated pilot examiner for several aviation license ratings and held several type ratings (licenses to fly), including for Cessna Citation jets. He enjoyed flying planes, hunting and spending time on the farm. He was a member of the Sertoma Club, American Legion Post #6 and the Patriot Guard. Alan is survived by his wife of 48 years, Peggy; son, Randy(Je Kneps) Palmer of Moorhead, MN; daughter, Alison (Shawn Beckner) Palmer of Lakeville, MN; 2 grandsons, Ethan & Dylan; sister, Mary Lee McGinnes; niece, Shanon and nephews, Regis, Bobby and Tim. He was preceded in death by his parents; parental guardians, Ronald & Athleen Pollard; brother, Regis and niece, Christine. *In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Grand Forks https://gfparksfoundation.org/how-to-help/donate/ or the Northlands Rescue Mission https://www.northlandsrescuemission.org/donate. **Seating is limited. ***Covid precautions are advised. Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Amundson Funeral Home with visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service. The Military Honors Service will take place immediately after the memorial service at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Grand Forks.