More detail on this person: Stephen George Sanderson CW5, Retired, Flight Class; 70-25, 114 AHC (70-71), FLIR NEIT (71), 282 AHC (71) 62 AHC (71-72), Callsigns: Knight23, Star Trek, Coachman Steve passed away after a short illness on March 23, 2026, at Erlanger East Hospital, Chattanooga, TN with friends and loved ones near him. Born in Fargo, ND the son of Capt. George R. Sanderson and Phyllis Meaker Sanderson, he enlisted in the U.S. Army's Warrant Officer Flight Training Program. Graduating with Class 70-75. He served in the Vietnam War from October 1970 to March 1972. After a brief exit from the military Steve joined the Vermont Army National Guard where he became a Standardization Instructor Pilot and Safety Officer. Over the years, his leadership, calm judgment, and dedication earned him steady advancement, culminating in his retirement as a Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5). During his long and distinguished career, Steve played an instrumental role in transitioning Vermont Army National Guard aviation units from the UH-1H Huey to the HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. He was among the rare Vietnam helicopter pilots who later served in Bosnia and in Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Among several other service awards Steve earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal. Perhaps most reflective of his professionalism, he helped sustain the longest safety record in Vermont Army National Guard History, an achievement in which he took great pride. Steve had a gift for building lifelong friendships, whether through school, military service, or his many passions. He loved hunting, fishing, shooting, and motorcycling, and he cherished time spent with friends who shared those interests. One of his greatest joys came just weeks before his passing, when he reunited with his Vietnam classmates, Class of 70-25, a gathering for which he was deeply grateful. Above all, Steve was a devoted husband and family man. He is survived by his wife, Victoria (Collins) Sanderson; stepdaughter, Jessica (Lawson) Strong; her husband, Paul; and their children, Kimber and Barrett all of Trion, GA. He is also fondly remembered by countless fellow service members, friends, and classmates whose lives were better for having known him. A remembrance gathering will be held in Vermont with interment to following the fall at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Details will be available at Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home 121 W. Villanow St. Lafayette GA. www.wallis-willbanksfuneralhome.com
Burial information: Chattanooga National Cemetery
This information was last updated 04/14/2026
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Date posted on this site: 04/18/2026
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