Joseph Oravits

Mr. Joseph W. Oravits was born in Morristown, New Jersey, on 13 July 1938. He attended Boonton High School and graduated in 1957. Joe was drafted into the Army and served from 1958 through 1962 in both active and reserve status. From 1962 through 1982, Joe served in the Air Force where his military assignments ranged from armored infantry at Fort Hood, TX and Goeppingen, Germany; to military Assistance Command Intelligence in Vietnam:to HQ Far East Communications Region in Japan; to Training Superintendent at Lackland AFB; and to Security Police Squadron Superintendent at Randolph AFB. He was selected for promotion to Chief Master Sergeant before retirement in 1982.

He worked as a collection manager for a commercial equipment leasing company for approximately one year prior to beginning his federal civilian employee career in 1983 at Randolph AFB as a Ground Safety Specialist. He began his safety career as a GS-7 teaching a variety of safety courses to include Supervisor Safety Training, eventually becoming a motorcycle safety instructor. In 1987, he was promoted to Wing Ground Safety Manager. He began a new Motorcycle Safety Council (before it was adopted by the Air Force), which was a major success. It brought together experienced and inexperienced riders in a club-like atmosphere where they shared knowledge and lessons learned. In 1993, he was hired into his present position as the 19th Air Force Ground Safety Manager. Joe provided oversight for active-duty, guard, and reserve ground safety programs for over 31,000 personnel for 26 units across the United States. These units consistently received "Excellent" and "Outstanding" ratings during Operational Readiness Inspections.

During his career, Joe has attended several colleges to include Panzer College, Patterson State College, Rutgers University, San Antonio College and the University of Maryland.

Joe's numerous civilian awards include AETC Safety Professional of the Year (twice), AETC Ground Safety Manager of the Year, AETC nomination for the GEICO Public Service Award (twice), and 19th Air Force Civilian of the Year.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Oravits, children; Julie, Steven, Matthew Oravits, granddaughter; Jordan Oravits; sisters-in-law, Gerry Akin, Cathy Takac; several nieces and nephews.

Services are: Visitation, Monday April 23, 2018, 5:00-9:00PM, rosary at 7:00PM, Schertz Funeral Home, Schertz, TX; Funeral Mass, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Schertz, TX, with burial following at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Military Honors.

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