Sonoma pilot’s patriotism ran deep

David Reber wasn’t a veteran or even a military brat. He was a man of honor, though, and one who valued his freedom as an American citizen.

He had a low draft number for the Vietnam War and poor eyesight, or perhaps his story would be different. He wanted to become a pilot with the U.S. Air Force but couldn’t meet the stringent vision requirements.

Instead, Reber became a recreational pilot and decided to serve in a different capacity, as a volunteer to his community. When Reber died suddenly in January from flu complications at age 60, his mourners included military veterans from across Sonoma Valley, where he was a lifelong resident.

The celebration of his life at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building included several military honors. His wife of three decades, Susan Reber, was presented with an American flag.

When the Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance takes place Monday, it will be dedicated to his memory, a rare civilian honor and one especially meaningful to Susan, their three adult children and extended family.

Why such recognition? Perhaps because Reber acknowledged the sacrifices of freedom and honored those who served.

As a dedicated 14-year volunteer with the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 157 in Santa Rosa, Reber oversaw Color Guard protocol, search and rescue efforts, and aerospace and leadership programs for youths 12 and older.

Through the Civil Air Patrol, Reber brought the Wreaths Across America program to Sonoma Valley nearly a decade ago, honoring every veteran with a graveside holiday wreath each December.

He developed a donor base at his kitchen table, sending hand-addressed solicitation letters - and thank-you notes - to everyone who would possibly support the cause.

Last year, nearly 300 wreaths were placed at veterans’ graves in Sonoma Valley, with a handful more sent to the Veterans Home of California, Yountville. Without question, the local Wreaths Across America effort is his legacy, a project that gave him deep satisfaction and meaning.

A lieutenant commander with the Civil Air Patrol, Reber also assisted with safety and logistics when the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall came to Sonoma and Petaluma.

He also supported veterans’ organizations throughout Sonoma Valley; was a former Boy Scout leader and school board member; was a Mason and a Native Son; and was a former Sonoma Police Reserve volunteer. He was someone who believed in making a difference.

With a sometimes gruff exterior, Reber was quietly sentimental, even teary-eyed, at military ceremonies.

Lt. Col. Anthony Hamill of the Civil Air Patrol, who gave a eulogy at Reber’s memorial, will pay tribute to his friend and colleague at Monday’s services. He said he considers Reber “a true patriot.”

So what leads a successful building contractor and developer to such an appreciation for his community, his country and those who protect its freedoms?

Maybe a combined gratitude to all military warriors, including the young men and women inspired by 9/11 to protect our country. Maybe the knowledge that his carefree childhood isn’t something shared by children in war-torn nations.

His grandfather, the late George Reber, was a U.S. Navy veteran laid to rest in 1977 at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. Every Memorial Day, David Reber visited the cemetery to pay respects to his grandfather and the countless other veterans buried there.

The sea of American flags at grave sites on Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of the men and women who bravely served their country. Reber always made it a priority to attend both Veterans Day and Memorial Day services and never overlooked an opportunity to fly the American flag.

He knew many of the veterans buried at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Park and Cemetery and recognized numerous names engraved on the park’s centerpiece, the black granite Star of Honor fountain that is inscribed with the names of all Sonoma Valley veterans from the American Revolution to present day, with room for those up to the year 2076.

Reber knew and admired Jim Parks, the World War II veteran who worked so diligently to establish Sonoma’s veterans cemetery and the Star of Honor. The facilities were dedicated in 2005 after the tireless efforts of the U.S. Navy veteran who lived in Reber’s El Verano neighborhood. He counted many of Parks’ seven children as his childhood friends.

Maybe that small-town familiarity had something to do with Reber’s dedication to veterans. His wife thinks it was just part of his character.

“He’s a patriotic man and dedicated to the idea of service,” Susan Reber said. “It comes from the kind of man he was, the stand-up guy who believed in duty, honor, country. He was just that way.”

Perhaps Reber was touched by the stories of his grandparents and great-grandparents.

His mother, Italian-born Catherine Noble, remembers American soldiers in her village in Northern Italy during World War II, her young father hiding from Mussolini’s regime.

Reber’s father, Godfrey Reber, recounted how his own grandparents brought their family to the United States from Austria via Ellis Island because of political unrest in the early 1900s.

Freedom isn’t without sacrifice. Those who have lost loved ones know that best. Soldiers who have returned from battle with catastrophic injuries know the price.

The rest of us should take time from barbecues and beach outings to recognize there’s much more to Memorial Day than a welcome day off from work or school.

As Reber did, we should stop to pay our respects, fly Old Glory, recognize the sacrifices of our military personnel and perhaps thank a veteran or the family of a soldier who didn’t return home.

This reporter will be among those attending Sonoma’s Memorial Day service and honoring the memory of David Reber. He was my older brother.

Contact Sonoma Towns Correspondent Dianne Reber Hart at SonomaTowns@gmail.com.