Obituary
Chief Master Sergeant (retired) USAF
Carol Marie Flores, Age 63, passed away from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gerhig’s disease), on July 23, 2021 in Sumter County, The Villages, FL.
She is survived by her Cousin and Caregiver, Cheryl Zuidema (Alan), Aunt Carol Elsteroth, Cousin David Elsteroth, Brother Edward Karrer, half sister Linda Paddack and adoptive Father, Hipolito Flores.
Chief Flores served 23-1/2 years in the USAF, Medical Lab Technician. She was the first female to achieve E9 status in her medical field of the USAF. Additionally Chief Flores furthered her education and graduated “CUM LAUDE” with a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Leo College in Liberal Arts and Sciences, 1992.
She received the following during her service in the USAF:
Air Force Commendation Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short and LongTour Ribbons, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award (4), Humanitarian Service Medal, Small Arms/Rifle Expert Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon (2), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (4), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal (6)
Ms. Flores had a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) regarding life, love and family. Her most loved and unforgettable achievements were during her life in the USAF.
She devoted her final years providing the care and training for her beloved Service Dog, Koda – a Siberian Husky of unique beauty who served his “MaMa” well. Ms. Flores hand picked his new owners and is lovingly grateful to them.
There will be a Final Salute and Celebration of Life with a reception following at the American Legion Post# 347, Lady Lake, FL. November 13, 2021, Time: 1100 to 1200.
If you are to attend, please RSVP with how many so I have a headcount of how many will be attending for the Legion Hall.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate –
Special Thanks to the Following:
Tampa/Gainesville/Orlando, FL Veterans Administration/ Staff
Paralyzed Veterans of America
The ALS Association
To Those who gave of themselves every day, caregivers, neighbors who are Carol’s Family.
- In lieu of flowers/cards, it is the wish that a donation be made to The ALS Organization in the name of Carol M. Flores, CmSgt. USAF, to further the research of the disease.
Steve Pedrazzi, USAF Retired
You were a true Chief, and a great and passionate leader. When we met, I was lost & discouraged. You guided me back from the brink and reignited my fire and belief in being a Senior NCO. We didn’t always agree but you always listened and guided me to the best outcome. Later, we became best friends, forming the perfect bond between the military & life beyond.
I will miss you immeasurably because I can never thank you enough for everything you did for me.
Sleep well, and rest easy.
Love always,
K2
I am thankful to have met you! Many conversations and laughs we shared during hours of respiratory therapy!! YOU MY DEAR WERE "MY SOLDIER" I HAVE NEVER ,as a therapist, seen one soul tough out ALS quite the way that you did! You not only were my loving patient who ALWAYS THOUGHT ABOUT HOW YOU COULD HELP ME IN MY DAILY! BUT YOU WERE A PATIENT WHO SUFFERED DAILY IN SO MUCH PAIN ALWAYS THINKING OF OTHERS! That is one thing I must say is that YOU were never selfish nor selfish. YOU always brought positivity into my day no matter how yours was going and no matter how many times I told you "thank you" It just never was enough yeah!!! I can still see your :) and I can still hear those words when you would say "Tiff it will be a better day tomorrow" You are an amazing woman and always will be and I know that you are in heaven without pain and suffering!!! I thank you for EVERYTHING CAROL! I LOVE YOU!