09/27/2025
The Army Aviation Association of America Thunderbird chapter is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our strongest advocates and leader in the Oklahoma aviation community CW5 Christopher Arthur Rau.
CW5 Rau supported/attended every event, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes, he supported countless Soldiers and their families. Even at the national level, he never stopped fighting to make sure Soldiers received the very best. His dedication, advocacy, and selfless service leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire us all.
He was a mentor to many across multiple units, always investing his time and knowledge in developing others. Through his leadership and experience, he helped shape the next generation of leaders within our Oklahoma aviation community.
Fly high sir. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Blue skies and tailwinds. ✈️🚁
Official Announcement:
It is with regret that I announce the death of Oklahoma Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 5 Christopher Arthur Rau.
CW5 Rau passed away on 24 September 2025. He is immediately survived by his wife, Judy; his son, SSG Matt Rau; his daughter, Lauren; his stepson Zachary Sheehan; and his sisters, Charlene Roach, Cynthia Keever, and Jennifer Elmore.
CW5 Rau began his military service with enlistment into B/149 AVN BN in May 1982. He was appointed as a Warrant O icer on 17 September 1985. He was a Master Army Aviator qualified in the MC -12, C-12, CH-47 and UH-1 with 6,893 total flight hours. His military assignments include Operations O icer, Senior Instructor, and Detachment Commander. CW5 Rau served as the OKARNG State Command Chief Warrant Officer from March 2013 through September 2023. He also served as the Chairman of the National Warrant Officer Senior Advisory Committee - Executive Council Chair from 2016-2017, and the Region 5 Chairman 2013-2016. CW5 Rau last served as a Senior Aviation Officer in Company C 2-245 Aviation, OKARNG OSA CMD/C-12 Instructor Pilot. His deployments include two tours in Iraq, September 2003 - April 2004 and April-November 2008; and Djibouti, June 2012 -
March 2013.
In addition to his military service, Chris served 32 years with the Oklahoma City Police Department. He worked through the ranks and retired at the rank of Captain. CW5 Rau retired from the OCPD on 20 April 2018. During his time, he received several letters of
appreciation for exceptional service in support of the 1996 Oklahoma Special Olympics State Summer Games among others. Chris flew as the pilot of Oklahoma City Air 1 for two years.
Funeral arrangements are currently pending and will be shared once finalized.
In lieu of flowers, the Family requests that donations be made to the United States Warrant Officer Association, or Wreaths Across America in Chris’s honor.
Please keep the Rau family, their friends, battle buddies, and former law enforcement officers in your thoughts and prayers.
