Arthur Zambile

Arthur Zambile, 81, of Columbia, Missouri, formerly of Higbee, Missouri passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri. Arthur was born March 26, 1937, to John and Lena (Bonuchi) Zambile in Higbee, Missouri. Arthur enlisted in the U.S. Air Force immediately after graduating from high school in 1955. Completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, he proceeded to Sheppard Air Force Base for training as a Photo Interpretation Specialist. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Itami Air Base, Japan, to review and write intelligence reports from aerial visual photographs. Transferring to Yokota Air Base, Japan, Arthur was assigned to the Far East Air Force aerial film library to review and process old aerial photos and review current aerial photos and write intelligence reports. As an avid basketball player, he was named to the all Air Force Japan teams in 1956 and 1957. He returned stateside to Lake Charles Air Force Base, Louisiana. After completing B-52 Bomb Navigation Specialist training, Arthur was transferred to Clinton County Air Force Base, Ohio until the base closed. He was then reassigned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Assigned to Aviano Air Base, Italy, he became the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Base Training, responsible for the training of 150 base personnel and Air Force Speciality training for 750 personnel. Stateside again, he was in charge of training for 500 personnel assigned to the 2045th Communication Group. At Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana, he provided classroom training to base personnel of the 305th bomb Wing and KC 135 Aircraft Wing. During this time he was assigned duties as Non-commissioned Officer in Charge of the KC-135 schoolhouse, supervising twenty-two instructors. Arthur was assigned as First Sergeant of the 1964th Communications Group at Tan Son NHut Air Base, Vietnam, where he was responsible for disciplinary actions, morale, welfare, well being and housing for 500 members. Due to the removal of troops from Vietnam, he was assigned to the 1985th Communication Squadron at Utapho Thai Naval Base, Thailand where he was responsible for 250 personnel and off base troops in northern Thailand. Returning to the states, he went to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, where he ensured maintenance personnel was qualified to maintain the fleet of C-130 aircraft in a state of war readiness. He attended the U.S. Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and then assigned to Headquarters Air Force Logistic Command as Chief of Training and Education Branch for 30,000 military personnel and a member of the Command's Inspector General Team. After his selection to Chief Master Sergeant, he was assigned as Non-commissioned Officer in Charge of Personnel Programs. This position included enlisted promotions, awards, decorations, education and training, and personnel affairs. Assigned to Keflavik Naval Base, Iceland, he established a Consolidated Base Personnel Office for 1500 Air Force personnel assigned throughout the island. His terminal assignment was at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois as a member of the personnel staff, Headquarters of the Air Force Communication Command. He ensured the 50,000 members of the command located worldwide were proficiently trained to accomplish the mission of providing Air Traffic Control and Communications. He retired September 1, 1986. His awards, medals, and citations include: 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 4 Air Force Commendation Medals, 6 Outstanding Unit Ribbons, 8 Air Force Good Conduct Medals, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals,2 National Defense Medals, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Bronze Battle Star, 2 Long and Short Tour Ribbons, Expert Shooters Ribbon, 3 USAF Professional Education Ribbons, 8 Longevity Ribbons, Republic of Vietnam Service Medals, Master Instructor Bade, and Manpower and Personel Badge. After his retirement, Arthur went to work for the Veterans Upward Program. Hired by Lockheed Arabia he was assigned to Riyadh Saudi Arabia as a Training Manager with the Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force C-130 program. Stateside again, he worked for the Veterans Upward Program until he was hired by the Military Records Center, St. Louis, Missouri. He and Martha Ann Magruder were married September 2, 1990, and shared 27 years of marriage. He was a substitute teacher for his local public school system for several years. He was also the Quartermaster and Adjutant of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2654. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kathryn R. Herrin and brother, Silvie Dollich. Survivors include his wife, Martha Ann Zambile of Columbia, Missouri; a son and a grandson of Ohio; niece, Teresa McAdams and husband Cecil of Clifton Hill, Missouri; nephews: Rob Dollich and wife Pam of Moberly, Missouri and Kelly Dollich of Moberly, Missouri; numerous cousins; brothers-in-law, David Magruder of Moberly, Missouri and Ron Magruder (Shirley) of Columbia, Missouri. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.at the Million Taylor Funeral Homes of Moberly. Memorial Service will take place at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor John Bill Spilman officiating. Inurnment will follow at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, Missouri with Military Honors. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial donations may be made to the Higbee Senior Center. 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