The passing of Bernie Yee

By Ken Hammond

Just got word today of the passing on January 24, 2015 of Yuen-GI (Bernie) Yee.

Bernie was 79 just shy of his 80th birthday on July 15. He was awarded the SEI (Special Experience Identifier) for Photojournalist (PJ). Yee enlisted in the early 1950’s and retired 26 years later as MSgt Photojournalist on flight status. He was an art major who switched to photography.

Bernie was one of Ken Hackman’s original cadre of PJ’s. His Combat duty included Korea War, 6-Day War in Israel and Viet Nam War. Camera’s most often used; 4×5 Speed Graphic, Rolleiflex, Kodak 35 Rangefinder, Nikon F (s). After joining Aerospace Audiovisual Service (AAVS) in Viet Nam where he was part of the 600th Photo Squadron where he flew combat missions after Viet Nam he remained a part of AAVS until his retirement at the Pentagon while assigned to the 1361st Photo Squadron. Additionally Bernie worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (FS) as their photo chief giving an additional 20 years. On a personal note Bernie was one of my mentors and provided me with a lot of guidance throughout my career.

He will be sorely missed. Viya Con Dios my brother.