USAF ROTORHEAD Members

Gregg “Nigel” Benner

Helicopter Mechanic

1987 – 1990 at McConnell AFB, KS. with the 384th SPS as a Security Policeman.

1990 – 1991 at Offutt AFB, NE. with the 55th SPS as a Security Policeman.

1992 – 1994 at Kirtland AFB, NM. with the 1550th CCTW as a Helicopter Mechanic.

1994 – 1995 at Osan AB, Korea with the 38 RQF as a Helicopter Mechanic.

1995 – 1996 at Kirtland AFB, NM. with the 1550th as a Helicopter Mechanic.

1996 – 1997 Separated.

1997 – 2000 at Grand Forks, ND. as a Recruiter.

2001 – 2008 at Mildenhall AFB, UK. with the 352nd MXS as a Helicopter Mechanic.

2008 – 2011 at Davis Monthan AFB, AZ. with the 55th MXS & 923rd AMXS as a Helicopter Mechanic.

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~ Final Flight 25 May 2015 ~

Gregg “Nigel” Anthony Benner, MSgt. USAF (Retired)
October 08, 1965  – May 25, 2015

Rio Rancho Police Officer Gregg “Nigel” Benner, age 49, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 25, 2015 in the city he proudly served. 

He was born on October 8, 1965 at Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base (Oklahoma) to John and Glenda (Pretty) Benner. In May of 1988, Nigel entered into a 22-year career with the US Air Force. He retired from the USAF as a Master Sergeant in April 2011. His medals and awards were numerous which include the Meritorious Service, Air Force Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Good Conduct Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Medal with 1 Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star, Global War On Terrorism Medal, and Korean Defense Medal, just to name a few. Retirement did not last long and he pursued his dream of becoming a police officer. 

The City of Rio Rancho was very fortunate that he became “one of their own.” He was a well-respected, deeply devoted, and intelligent officer. He was known for his pleasant demeanor, both on and off the job. His favorite hobby was his riding his ATV. Nigel lived a life of service to his country and community, but most importantly, to his family. 

He is survived by his wife and source of strength, Julie Ann Benner, of Rio Rancho, NM; children, Sharon Vince and partner, Alex Twiggs, of London, England, Tanya Blount and husband, Kevin, of Brunswick, GA, Tracey Gray and husband, Martin, of Swindon, England, Bryony Vince-Benner and partner, Andrew Chatfield, of Redditch, England, Samantha Roberts of Grand Forks, ND, and Jennifer Benner of Terrell, TX; seven grandchildren, Kayleigh, Jemma, Sophie, Blake, Payton, Wyatt, Lena and two grandchildren due within the next 2 months; mother, Glenda Benner of England; sisters, Julie Benner of Sweden and Janine Benner of England; nieces and nephew, Rosie, Molly and Samuel, of England; aunt, Linda Boice; step-mother, Doris Benner of Omaha, NE; family of Josephine Finch; Peter Finch; Andy and Belinda Finch; Kevin Finch; Kerry, Paul, Bethany, Ryan, Nathan and Siany Brooks; Kieran, Shelley, Ethan, Zachary and Riley Brooks; Paul Tolzmann, Carole Tolzmann, of Rio Rancho; David Tolzmann, of Rio Rancho; Michael Tolzmann, of Rio Rancho; Brian, Lynda and Nate Johnson, of Rio Rancho; Pops and Mom, of Rio Rancho; his fellow officers of the Rio Rancho Police Department; and many other family and friends. 

Public Viewing and Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. Attendees are asked to be at the Star Center by 10:00 AM with the Funeral Service to begin at 10:30 AM. Following the service, the funeral procession will travel to Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho for Honors Presentations. 

To view information or leave a condolence, please visit 

www.danielsfuneral.com. 

Daniels Family Funeral 

Services 

4310 Sara Road SE 

Rio Rancho, NM 87124 

505-892-9920

Published in Albuquerque Journal on May 31, 2015