A memorial service for Lt. Col. John W. Collins, who had been chair of the department of aerospace studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 590, will be held Sept. 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Gerrard Hall.
The campus community is invited to attend the service.
Lt. Col. Collins was fatally injured in a car accident in June near Pittsboro. Before coming to Carolina in July 2014, he commanded the 43rd Operations Support Squadron at Pope Army Airfield near Fayetteville.
As head of the AFROTC program at UNC, he led a cadre of seven military and civilian personnel, directing academics and activities for about 40 cadets. He was responsible for the selection, training and leadership development of prospective military officers. He taught courses that included “Evolution of United States Air Force Air and Space Power” and “The Military and Contemporary Society.”
Lt. Col. Collins served more than 20 years in active duty and was a master navigator, with more than 2,700 flight hours.
A reception in the Anne Queen Lounge of the Campus Y will follow the service.
