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AFCEA George Mason University Chapter Leader, Andy Loerch, Passes Away

After 26 years in the Army, Loerch contributed widely to the academic and professional community.

Andrew Loerch (r), an avid cyclist pictured with his wife Claire, contributed greatly to AFCEA NOVA’s George Mason University subchapter. Loerch was an associate chair of the Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research at George Mason University. Photo courtesy of Pierce Funeral Home/Loerch family.

Andrew George Loerch (Andy), chairman of AFCEA Northern Virginia’s George Mason University subchapter for 15 years, passed away after battling pancreatic cancer. Loerch was 70 years old.

In his role at AFCEA NOVA George Mason University, Loerch oversaw the allocation of more than 100 scholarships to university students and led dozens of career and resume writing workshops.

As an academic leader, Loerch served as the university’s associate chair of the Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research, where he directed the Military Applications of Operations Research graduate school program in Operations Research.

The cadre of young professionals in government and in the Department of Defense contracting industry that went through his program and benefited from his guidance reflect his legacy. “One of Andy’s favorite things was to work with students and help them find successful careers,” his family said.

Loerch was a colonel in the U.S. Army, contributing 26 years of service, including 15 years as a military operations research analyst. “He brought these experiences into the classroom as part of the only comprehensive program in defense analysis in a civilian institution in the United States,” Loerch’s family indicated.

In addition, Loerch is past president and fellow of the Military Operations Research Society (MORS) where he earned the distinguished Vance R. Wanner Memorial Award in 2011. He is co-editor of the book Methods for Conducting Military Operational Analysis and author of many professional papers. Loerch was also a sought-after researcher and consultant to various defense agencies.

He earned his PhD from Cornell University and was a graduate of Naval Postgraduate School and Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.

In addition to his academic and professional activities, Loerch was an avid cyclist, a softball player and a musician with the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, amongst other talents. “If Andy was interested in doing anything, then he was obsessed with it and worked at it until he was the best possible,” his family stated. “This is true with skydiving, karate, music, softball and cycling. Andy played with the Northern Virginia Senior Softball league; was principal bassoonist of the Manassas Symphony Orchestra since 2000 as well as a board member; Andy enjoyed riding his bike with the Old Cranks Cycling Club out of Vint Hill, Virginia, as well as taking cycling trips throughout the country. Above all else, Andy was the ultimate New York Yankees fan.”

Loerch’s family hosted a celebration of life viewing this past weekend. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

He was born on June 4, 1952, in Mineola, New York, to George Loerch and Claire Bultman Loerch. Andy is survived by his wife, Claire; his son, Patrick, his wife Alysia and grandchildren, Ian and Ella; his stepchildren: Tyler Sutherland, Spencer Sutherland and Parker and Hope Shubert; his brother Steven, his wife Theresa and their children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, Loerch had requested any donations in his memory to go to the Manassas Symphony Orchestra.