Deborah Kirkhuff Obituary

What a great woman! We were pals on a cancer support website, and made friends. She fought this disease so hard, and used every tool at her disposal. She loved her family so much!

I am so sorry to learn of Deb´s passing. We were friends in high school, and I had been trying to locate her for some time, just because I remembered her so fondly. It is a great sadness to find her today in this way, but no surprise whatsoever to see her many achievements in this life. I have known few, if any, other people who have shone so brightly in so many arenas. She balanced a brilliant mind with an true all-around excellence as an athlete, just as she maintained a a clear sense of self while with being a devoted friend to all. She was all of these things as a teenager, and I have no doubt she just continued to be more that person throughout her life. What stays brightest in my memory, though, are her warm laugh and her kind and gentle spirit. Her eyes would sparkle so ... it´s even visible in her official USAF photo.
I miss that light, and I know I´m far from alone. I am deeply glad, however, that throughout her life, she continued to enjoy the strong bonds of family that were always her priority. My condolences to her loved ones and to all those who cared for her. May you continue to fly ever higher now, Deb, free from pain and surrounded in eternal love. God bless.

I am terribly sad to hear of Deb´s passing. All of her family, and the many others who loved her, are in my prayers. You have my deepest condolences.
We were friends on the Cancer Survivor´s Network. She and I were diagnosed about the same time, and so she was only a few weeks behind me on a chemo schedule. I felt a special friendship and kinship with her as we struggled together through the many challenges of treatment. She always impressed and amazed me with her ability to continue to be so active! Some days I could barely move, but Deb was busy preparing for triathlons, She was always so positive and optimistic, and did extensive research to try to get the best care for herself. She was an inspiration to me and to all our sisters on the board. Even when she was struggling, she was available to be supportive of others. Her strength, perseverance, and positive attitude will continue to inform and inspire other ladies for year to come. As they read her posts, her story will be impactful and they will love her as we have and feel as blessed as we do to have known her.
I will always be grateful for her friendship and miss her.
Love, Alicia

I met Deb's indomitable spirit on the Cancer Survivor's Network. To her husband, children, and family, I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time, but please be assured she showed other warriors you shared in her tribute. She will be missed, and remembered by many.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Deb's passing, and also deeply grateful I knew her. We were good friends on the American Cancer Society's Survivor's Network.
We shared advice, laughed together, and met milestones.

I became aware that things got rough in March. Always an amazing communicator, as you all know, she came into the site one last time to give us an update. It was clear she was struggling. I felt we had probably lost her, as that was her last communication.

I knew her as DAK--and she was Deb 1 to all of us. I was Deb 2. We were close friends, despite never having met in person. I am glad and proud to have known such a brilliant woman and leader.

All the best,
Deb 2

Col K was the commander I asked to retire me in 2008, and I was very sad to hear of her passing. My sympathy goes out to Miles and the kids and all of her family. She was an outstanding boss that always asked us NCOs for our input. I got news of this today (22 Jun), otherwise, I would have gotten on a motorcycle and headed for Colorado. Godspeed to you, Col Kirkhuff.

We are deeply saddened by Deb's passing. We treasure our memories of many joyful and boisterous Thanksgivings and the great kindness showed us when Tyler needed emergency surgery in Colorado Springs.
Much love always,
Jeanne and John

I ran into Craig Bomberg, and he gave me the sad news. My family and I offer our condolences and wish Deb's survivors the very best.

This a stunning loss. I crossed paths with Deb a number of times in the military. In the mid-90s, she was the money person for ICBMs and assisted the Command Leads in DRM. In 2007, I replaced Deb as the Host Nation Coordination Cell Director in Qatar. She toured me around the country and helped me get my feet on the ground. Later, she and I were part of the BAE initial cadre and again, she helped the new contractors. In fact, she was always willing to help. My deepest condolences to Miles and her family.

Deb and Miles were the heart of our glcm squadron. She was always a great example for us junior officers. She was also a very devoted mother to her then baby son. I am immensely saddened to hear this news. RIP. Condolences to Miles and the rest of the Kirchhoff family.

Rest in peace, Warrior. Slow salute. (Hound Dog Missile/BUFF, MMIII, GLCM maintainer)

Deb was an incredible example to many Air Force personnel but especially all of us female. She was an incredible officer, mentor but
Most importantly a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family. She had a beautiful spirit inside and out. She will be dearly missed by so many of us.

Condolences to you Miles and the rest of the family

I had the pleasure of serving with Deb at HQ AFSPC. She was a true professional and friend. I will miss her.

The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Col Kirkhuff's distinguished service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO