David and Ann Wherley Died in Crash

Major General David Wherley and his wife Ann are being remembered for their devotion to their country and their community.

The couple, both 62-years old, died in Monday's Metro train crash. At the DC National Guard Armory, where General Wherley served as the Commander of the DC National Guard, flags flew at half staff in memory of the crash victims.

Gen. Wherley retired one year ago from his command post, where he was in charge of the DC National Guard's 3200 soldiers and airmen. Robert Brannum, who served under Wherley, calls him a true patriot.
"He was a tough commander. He had his... rulings and he made them," said Brannum. Although they didn't always agree he says he had great respect for the general and that the grew to work together on community issues.

General Wherley's wife, Ann, died alongside him. "He was with his wife, so they're gone together," Brannum said.

Wherley's impressive military career spanned nearly 40-years. He was a decorated fighter pilot, who flew F-16's and F-4's, and rose through the ranks to the top of the DC National Guard. But beneath his toughness was a soft spot for helping children. "One of the things that impressed me about General

Wherley was his commitment to the youth in the city and continuing and expanding programs through the National Guard to help youth," said DC Council member Phil Mendelson. | Mendelson, who chairs the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, says Wherley often appeared to testify on behalf of youth programs. Under his command, General Wherley was instrumental in the National Guard's Youth Challenge Program. "He was just a great leader in the city and good for the kids," said Mendelson.

During his life Wherley made his mark on the military and in the community he served. "He was passionate about young people and having programs and services for young people," Brannum added.
He was also dedicated husband and family man. "He loved his wife, Ann, that showed," said Brannum.

Release from the D.C. National Guard:
Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr., former Commanding General, wife, Ann, killed
in Metro accident

WASHINGTON D.C. - Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr., and his wife, Ann, both 62, tragically died from injuries suffered in the Washington DC Metro Rail accident Monday, June 22, 2009. They leave behind a son, David, a noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Army Golden Knights, and daughter, Betsy. They had one grandchild.

"We are all deeply saddened by this sudden and tragic loss of General Wherley and his wife, Ann," said Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, Commanding General of Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard. Wherley preceded Schwartz as Commanding General. "I am personally grieved by this unbelievable tragedy. David Wherley and Ann were two of the best people you could ever want to know. This community will grieve, as will the entire National Guard throughout the country who knew and loved them both."

General Wherley served as the Commanding General of the DC National Guard from July 2003 to June 2008. As Commanding General, he was responsible for operational readiness and command and control of District of Columbia Army and Air National Guard units with an authorized strength of about 2,500 soldiers and airmen.

The general began his military career in 1969 when he received his commission as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) from Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y. After he was released from active duty he joined the District of Columbia Air National Guard where he commanded two flying squadrons, served in a number of staff assignments and deployed as the deputy operations group commander for fighters at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. He was a Fighter Weapons Instructor Course graduate in the F-4 and had more than 5,000 hours of flying time in a multitude of missions. Prior to appointment as Commanding General, he served as commander of the 113th Fighter Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, where he was responsible for two flying missions, the 121st Fighter Squadron with F-16 C/D and the 201st Airlift Squadron with C-40 and C-38A aircraft.

"I share in the huge grief of the entire 113th Wing," said Brig. Gen. Jeff Johnson, commander, 113th Wing. "Dave and Ann were an integral part of the history of the 113th Wing, and more importantly, an integral part of our family. There are no words."

U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., said she had gotten to know General Wherley and Ann well over the years.

"As the recipient of more than a dozen medals and multiple honors, he served our nation with distinction," Sen. Landrieu said. "Gen Wherley was not only the quintessential citizen soldier - he also made valuable contributions to our community. I worked closely with General Wherley to ensure the success of the National Guard's Youth Challenge Program, which has changed the lives of thousands of at-risk children in D.C. and around the country."

Senator Landrieu said General Wherley was a role model to young people