Closing the Flight Plan

 

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We sadly announce another final flight. Glen A. Melton Glen A. Melton (age 67) retired Major from the U.S. Army, passed away on August 16 ,2008 at Select Specialty Hospital in Tallahassee, FL. He was born in Galsesburg, IL, was graduated from Valley Senior High in Fairview, IL and received a B.S. from Illinois State University and a master’s degree from Boston University. Major Melton had a warrior spirit but a humble and compassionate heart.  He honorably served a tour of duty as an enlisted solider trained as a medical technician with the U.S. Army from 1962-64. In 1969 at the height of the Vietnam conflict, he volunteered for the most dangerous of jobs; a medevac pilot in combat. From 1970-71 he served as a platoon leader with the 498th Medical Company, flying the UH-1 “Huey” medevac helicopter. In February of 1971 he was awarded the coveted Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage after he volunteered for a nighttime mission to rescue a badly wounded allied soldier.  He turned on his aircraft lights so he could see the treetops and then, as he and his crew endured their enemies’ fire, hovered over the battle for fifteen minutes as his crew lowered a forest penetrator through the triple canopy jungle to retrieve the wounded soldier.  During this first tour he also earned the coveted Combat Medical Badge. He volunteered for a second tour to Vietnam as a medevac pilot and served again in 1972-73 as the executive officer and then commanding officer of the 237th Medical Detachment.  During this tour he was awarded the Bronze Star.  In addition to the awards already listed he was also awarded 23 air medals for valor and the Purple Heart. After the Vietnam conflict ended he continued serving our country on the front lines of the Cold War.  Stationed in West Germany, his luck with helicopters ended in June of 1976.  While landing at his base hospital after transporting an injured soldier his medevac helicopter had an equipment malfunction which left it uncontrollable and the aircraft plunged 150 feet into the ground.   He suffered a spine fracture and a permanent spinal cord injury which left him partially paralyzed. In 1977 after months of hospitalization he medically retired from the U.S. Army. Refusing to let his horrific injuries restrict him he bought a travel agency and continued traveling the world and spending time with his family. Glen was an active member of the DUSTOFF Association, the Distinguished Flying Cross Association and the FSU Boosters. He was a devoted fan of the FSU football and baseball teams. He also was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, an avid model builder and loved the theater and traveling. On the evening of August 16, 2008, while sleeping with his daughter at his side, Major Melton entered his final battle with Death.  The old soldier faded away. Those who knew him and his boundless courage and fighting spirit believe that Death came for him in his sleep, because it was afraid to try and call on him while he was awake. Otha Gayland Miles Gayland passed away on August 10, 2008, at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. He was born on October 29, 1943, in Woodville, Texas, to the late Otha and Leah Belle Miles. Gayland graduated from Kirby High School in 1962, where he lettered four years for the Kirby High School Eagle football team. In August of 1962, he entered Trinity University, where he played football, joined ROTC, became a member of the Triniteers and received both a B.S. in Mathematics and Masters in Hospital Administration. During that time Gayland also played semi-pro football for the San Antonio Toros. In 1967, he entered the United States Army and began a distinguished 25-year career of military service. During that time, Gayland served in numerous positions in the Medical Service Corps, which included DUSTOFF aviator, hospital administrator, company and battalion commander, and staff officer at the Army Surgeon General's Office. Gayland achieved numerous awards and commendations during his service and retired at the rank of Colonel in 1994. After retiring, Gayland worked for American Medical Response, Havenwood Caregivers and ETMC. At the time of his death Gayland was the Director of Operations and Regional Manager at East Texas Medical Center. He was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler and a former member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield. Gayland Miles is survived by a loving family including his wife of 33 years, Kathie Lawler Miles of Tyler; son, David Gayland Miles of Dallas; daughter, Lindsey Nicole Miles of Euless; sister, Lavelle Bush of Woodville; brother, Gary Miles of Tyler; two aunts, Eleanor Hurst of Austin and Maudis Miles of Jasper; two uncles, Cotton Miles and wife Lue of Wills Point, and David Wayne Miles and wife Ollie of New Mexico; and nephew, Troy Miles of Woodville. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his enthusiasm for work, cheerful spirit with peers, accomplished leadership and commitment to being the best dad to his children and an excellent provider for his family who he loved so much. Memorials in honor of Otha Gayland Miles may be made to Green Acres Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, 1607 Troup Highway, Tyler, 75701. Pallbearers were Gary Miles, Charles Miles, Raymond Sheffield, Hank Blanks, Bob Gardner, Kyle Cooksy, Ron Shwartz, Stan Teiken, and Mike Proctor. Andre’ Gilberto Jacelon Andre’ Gilberto Jacelon, age 68, passed away in his home in Widefield, CO on August 8, 2008. He was born June 26, 1940 in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago of the West Indies.   Andre’ served in the United States Army for 20 years before retiring in 1980. During his military service with the U.S. Army he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam with the 498th Air Ambulance “Dust Off” company and one tour of duty in Korea. Andre’ was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Security, the VFW in Security, and the American Legion in Fountain.   Andre’ is survived by his wife Karin, his son Tony Jacelon, daughter Andrea Brumfield (both of Colorado Springs); two sisters Jacqueline and Diane (both of Canada); a brother Louie of Texas; three grandchildren Ashley, Nicholas, and Zachary (all of Colorado Springs.   John Temperilli Sorry to report that COL John Temperilli departed on his final flight at 11:45, 26 Feb 08. John fought to the last, but it is a blessing that he can now relax and enjoy life in his new surroundings in the company of the Lord that he followed and supported throughout his life. A richly deserved reward for a wonderful caring man who was a good loyal friend to all. He will be missed, not only by his loving family, but by all whose life he touched and upon whom he had such a positive influence -- and there were many. John was a great DUSTOFFer - Hall of Fame member - First commander to take a DUSTOFF unit to Vietnam - great friend and a true Gentleman! God Bless John. Jerry Wayne Kinsey Jerry Wayne Kinsey, 65, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford after a lengthy illness. He was born May 13, 1942, in Mexia, Texas, to Marvin and Louise Kinsey. He was a member of the Verona First Baptist Church. He received his B.A. from Sam Houston State University. He was a captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served as a Medevac helicopter pilot. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and two Air Medals with Valor. Upon discharge from the Army, he continued his aviation career with the Mississippi National Guard and was a pilot for Exxon-Mobil until his retirement. He was well respected by his peers and his experience served as building blocks for the younger pilots he served with. Carletta S. Davis Staff Sgt. Carletta S. Davis, 34, was a health care specialist assigned to 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI). Davis, who called Anchorage, Alaska home, enlisted in the Army in October 1994 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., before attending advanced individual training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Her first assignment was with Company B, Area Support Medical Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. In March 1999, she was reassigned to 54th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), Fort Lewis, Wash., where she served as a flight medic. Davis was assigned to 702nd Main Support Battalion at Camp Casey, South Korea, in January 2002 until she returned to the 54th Medical Company in February 2003. In April 2007 she arrived at Fort Drum and was assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team. Davis' deployment to Iraq with 1st BCT was her third, having served there from April 2003 to March 2004 and again from December 2004 to November 2005. She had also deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina from October 1996 to April 1997. She is survived by her husband, three sons and mother. Leonard R. 'Len' Gann Leonard R. 'Len' Gann passed away at his home in Lamar, Oklahoma on Sunday morning, February 11, 2007, at the age of fifty-nine years. Len was the son of W. L. Gann and Pearl (Slawson) Gann, born on July 29, 1947 in Wetumka, Oklahoma. He was brought up in Lamar, and graduated Moss High School in 1965, then attended Oklahoma State Tech at Okmulgee. He joined the United States Army and was drafted at just about the same time, serving in Vietnam. He was discharged from the Army in 1972, and worked for thirty-five years all over the U.S. as a heavy equipment mechanic for pipeline construction companies. Len met Rebecca 'Becky' Shoulders while on a job in Illinois, and the two of them were married on February 16, 2002, in Pensacola, Florida. Len retired in 2004 due to failing health. He loved fixing up old cars. Phil Pemberton We received the very sad news that one of our brethren senior 70H's, LTC Phil Pemberton, died of a heart attack on Sunday, 29 Jul 07. LTC Phil Pemberton served his country honorably and faithfully for over 26 years of dedicated active federal service. I ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they endure the pain and suffering of losing a loved one so unexpectedly.         Dennis L. Davis Dennis L. Davis I, Vicki Vosburg, am writing this in love and memory of my husband, Dennis L. Davis who passed away due to a helicopter accident in Yreka, Calif. fighting wildfires on Monday, July 23, 2007. Dennis was born Aug. 2, 1946 in Palm Springs, Calif. to Ben Davis, Sr. and Sally Tissaw. He was born with a passion for humans and animals alike. He would give the shirt off his back, or food from his hand to any person or animal in need. He always tried to find a connection with people he met. He received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1978 and was awarded a Master of Science Degree becoming a Naturopathic Physician in 2004. When he wasn't fighting fires, he specialized in Nutrition and Iridology working with me at The Herb Pantry in Boise. He was an experienced helicopter pilot flying for more than 35 years including two and half tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal; piloting for the police department in Pomona, Calif.; flying Life Flight for St. Al's and finally fighting forest fires nationally. He chose to start fighting forest fires because he was so concerned about the number of animals and people losing their lives. He was very committed to this being his last year of fighting forest fires, saying he was just tired. This time I knew he was serious; he was ready to come home. We found each other and married on June 25, 1994 in Sedona, Ariz. This began my love affair with one of the most incredible men - he was perfect for me. He was the love of my life; my very best friend. I can't imagine being without him. I was a very lucky woman and feel blessed to have had these years with him. I will miss him with all my heart. We had a ritual during our phone calls to end our conversation every night. I would say, "be safe and I love you." And, he would respond with "I love you, too. Dennis was a person who left a mark everywhere he went; he always had a ready hand and an open heart. He'll be missed by his entire family and friends and every person who ever came in contact with him. No one knows when we will leave this earth. Please make sure you tell your loved ones each day "I love you" and don't forget the hug. That's important, too. Dennis is survived by myself, his daughters from a previous marriage; Stacie Wyatt and Tracie Brister, their spouses and children of Sedona, Ariz. James H. Nichols LTC James H. Nichols, USA [ret.], filed his final flight plan 22 June 2007 at 0510 hours. He flew immediately to be with his God. He was surrounded by his wife of 57 years, Ann T. Nichols, his daughters Carole Nichols Mashburn and Cheryl E. Nichols, son-in-law Chuck Mashburn, grand son Michael Mashburn, and close family friends, Sara Jo Greer, Beth P. Starling, Patsy Meek, and the Rev. Stanley Carter. Col. Nichols was at home as per his wishes. He was interred at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Phenoix City, Alabama 25 June 2007 with full military honors. He will be greatly missed by everyone.   David C. Danhouser David C. Danhouser, age 69, of Mineral Point, passed away on Saturday, May 26, 2007, after a long struggle with COPD. David was born in Madison, July 6, 1937, a son of Carl W. and Grace (Robbins) Danhouser. He attended Mount Horeb High School in 1955, where he lettered in football and basketball. David graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1959, where he was a member of the TKE fraternity and the UW marching band. He later received his M.B.A. from his beloved alma mater and remained active in the alumni marching band, often playing during halftime shows at Homecoming celebrations post graduation. David joined the R.O.T.C. in 1956 and continued active duty service with the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in 1974. It was in the Army that David developed his passion for flying helicopters. David was a member of the Air Ambulance Corp and dutifully served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, before ending his service in Europe. His family is most proud of the bravery and self-sacrifice he displayed during this time. David received numerous awards and medals for his heroic efforts including 12 air medals, the Distinguished Service Medal and the Gallantry Cross with Silver Star. He ended his military career with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He continued his service to those in need of medical attention in his civilian life. David spent many years as the Director of Materials Management for hospitals in Madison, Duluth, Minn., Freeport, Ill. and Chicago, Ill. He was active in many organizations including the American Legion Post No. 170, V.F.W. Post No. 8483, DUSTOFF Pilots Association, Solo-pilots Association, Retired Officers Association and the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Chapter No. 3. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mineral Point. He married Yvonne Dischler on June 28, 1958, at the Barneveld Congregational United Church of Christ. David is survived by his devoted wife, Yvonne Danhouser of Mineral Point; his children, Kim Horst of Mineral Point, Kitty (Richard) Erdman of Middleton, Kirk (Barbara) Danhouser of DeForest and Shawn (Lisa) Danhouser of Addison, Ill.; his grandchildren, Kailyn, Grant, Gracie, Carly, Madeline, Braden and Jake; his sister, Donna (Donald) Fieldhouse of Elkton, Md.; and his beloved dog, Baxter.  John W. Cook John Winston Cook, a wonderful husband, father and friend, died peacefully on April 15, 2007. He was born in Madison, WI Oct 24, 1921 to Maynard Albert and Chorale Boyd Cook, and was raised in Winnetka, Ill. He graduated from New Trier High School in 1939, then from Dartmouth College in 1943. Following graduation, John attended flight school with the Royal Air Force. During World War II, he served in the 348th Fighter Group, 342nd Squadron, flying P47 (Thunderbolt) and P51 (Mustang) fighters, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater, specifically the Dutch East Indies and the Philippines. The camaraderie, dangers and excitement of World War II were favorite topics of conversation for the rest of his life, and gained him the respect and admiration of many. Following his military service, John moved to San Antonio where he began his career in the life insurance and real estate businesses. He enjoyed staying in touch with friends in the military through the years, and assisted many of them in purchasing homes and insurance. Together with his wife Bette, John co-brokered Cook Company Realty before joining Kuper Realty more than 20 years ago. He was a kind and gentle man who took a genuine interest in everyone he met. His friends considered him a gentleman's gentleman. In 1985, he was made an honorary member of the 82nd Medical Detachment Helicopter Ambulance Group ('DUSTOFF') for his longtime friendship and service to its members. He is survived by his wife, Bette Ruth Williams Cook, daughters Marjorie Cook Hutcheson and her husband Palmer, of Houston, and Nancy Winston Cook of San Antonio.  David W. Wik   MAJ. DAVID W.L. WIK (RET) Maj. David W.L. Wik took his final flight on April 7, 2007 in Corpus Christi with his family at his side. He was born on May 16, 1933 in Cresbard, South Dakota. After college he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he became a helicopter pilot. His assignments included a tour of duty in Korea and two tours in Vietnam where he served as commanding officer of the DUSTOFF helicopter unit. His career consisted of flying 1,174 combat hours and the evacuation of 4,368 wounded soldiers and civilians to medical facilities. Maj. Wik's many honors include 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 37 Air Medals. His final command was at Ft. Sam Houston, where he used his medical evacuation experience to develop and implement MAST, a program that aids in the evacuation of civilians severely injured in highway accidents. Maj. Wik retired in 1973 and was inducted into The South Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005. Dave was known for being a colorful, spirited man who never met a stranger. His retirement years were spent fishing and traveling the world with friends and family, living his life to the fullest each day. His zest for life was unyielding and he will be lovingly missed and warmly remembered. DUSTOFF 6, you are cleared to hover to the ramp... He is survived by his wife Valerie; his children and grandchildren Colette, Jean-Marc (Butch) and wife Karen, Bruce and wife Lisa, Dale and wife Renate, Peter, Mark and wife Kara, Andrea and husband Bryan, Rosalyn, Alex, Randi, Nikolas, Nicole, Renee, Blake, Christel, Brett, and his loving dog Tasha. John B. Bolling John B. Bolling, 61, of Enterprise, Ala., went to be with his Lord Monday, March 12, 2007 at Southeast Alabama Medical Center from injuries sustained in a helicopter crash. Funeral services will be Friday, March 16, at 10 a.m. from Open Door Baptist Church with the Rev. John McCrummen officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at Meadowlawn Cemetery with Patterson-Sorrell Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at Open Door Baptist Church, Friday beginning at 8:30 a.m. and continue until service time. The family will be at the home of Sam Stone, 204 Allegheny Lane in Enterprise. The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions are made to the Gideon's International, P.O. Box 310173, Enterprise, AL 36331-0173. John was born May 18, 1945 in Liberty, Texas to the late Henry R. and Eleanor Hayes Bolling. After high school he entered the U.S. Army retiring in 1988 after having served 20 years. He was presently serving as a civilian instructor pilot. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war where he served as a medevac pilot. He was a member of Open Door Baptist Church as well as the Gideon's International. Survivors include his wife, Jody Bolling, Enterprise, Ala.; daughter, Betsy Lee (John), Port Lavaca, Texas; son, Robert H. Bolling (Heather), Katy, Texas; sister, Dianne Miller (Brooks), Liberty, Texas; seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Randall V. "Randy" Ashby Randall V. "Randy" Ashby, 55, of Beaver Dam died Friday, Jan. 26, 2007, at his home. He was born in Madisonville and was retired from the U.S. Army, was a Master Mason with the Masonic Lodge in Alabama, was a Kentucky Colonel and was of the Baptist faith. Randy, the son of Charles V. Ashby of Hartford and Opal Herron of Beaver Dam, retired as chief warrant officer four after serving 21 years of active service with the U.S. Army. During his tenure, he served this country at several stations in the United States and in Vietnam, Korea, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, Germany, Cyprus, Turkey, Iraq and the Republic of the Bahamas. Randy retired as a UH-60 (Black Hawk) instructor pilot and instrument flight examiner. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Medal, three Humanitarian Service Medals, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, two National Defense Medals and the Master Army Aviator Badge. Survivors include his father, Charles V. Ashby and his wife, Betty, of Hartford; his mother, Opal Herron and her husband, Bob, of Beaver Dam; a son, Kris Ashby of Elizabethtown; two daughters, Mariah Burns of Cecilia and Melody Govig and her husband, Justin, of Chattanooga, Tenn.; two brothers, Doug Ashby and his wife, Mindy, and Kevin Ashby and his wife, Shannon; two sisters, Terri Helm and her husband, Reggie, of Owensboro and Amanda Ashby of Hartford; five grandchildren, Kristopher Blake Ashby, Leighanna Grace Ashby, Stephen Burns, Seth Burns and Christian Michael Govig; and many nieces and nephews. Larry Wagoner Larry Wagoner, 58, of Pierre, died Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006 at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre. Larry was born on Dec. 19, 1947 in Pierre to George and Myrtle (Hauschild) Wagoner. He grew up in Canning until the second grade when his family moved to Springfield, Ore. At the age of 13 he moved to Wellington, Kan. Larry graduated from Wellington High School in 1966 and went on to attend Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kan. Larry served in Vietnam from October 1968 to May 1969 as crewchief on the Medevac Helicopter in the 101st Airborne Division. He was united in marriage to Penney Green on Dec. 2, 1972 at the First United Methodist Church in Pierre. Larry worked for the Department of Transportation for the State of South Dakota until his retirement in September of 2006. He also worked as a farmer. He was a member of the DUSTOFF Association, the 101st Airborne Division Association, VEVA, American Legion and the VFW. Larry enjoyed spending time with his grandson Carter and his dogs Dixie and Harrison, collecting baseball cards, attending various military reunions, fishing and hunting with his friends and family and his passion of farming. Larry is survived by his wife Penney; one son Wayne Wagoner; one daughter Debbie Wagoner; two brothers George Wagoner Jr. and Bob Wagoner and grandson Carter James Wagoner. He is also survived by many close aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Virgina Gambo and Sherri Lawrence, one uncle Les Hauschild and one nephew Caleb Hauschild. A memorial has been established at BankWest. http://www.capjournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=16273 Rebecca A. Jarabek Captain Rebecca Ann Jarabek passed away on Thursday, 14 September 2006. CPT Jarabek, 28, was born in Youngstown, Ohio. She was graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1996 and attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She was graduated from USMA in 2000 with a Bachelors of Science in Engineering Management was commissioned a 2LT in the Medical Service Corps. CPT Jarabek attended training at Fort Rucker, Alabama to become a Medevac Pilot and served in Korea, Germany, Kosovo, Iraq and Kuwait. Robert Lynn Mock, Sr. MAJ. ROBERT LYNN MOCK, SR., Retired (U.S. Army), passed away suddenly at his flaghome on October 12, 2006 at 68 years of age. He was born to Gala M. (Peterson) and Emmett J. "Red" Mock on January 18, 1938 in Houston, Texas. He was predeceased by his daughter, Marjorie Potter (Feb., 2006) , his parents and his brother, Gordon. Survivors include his loving wife, Marjorie Jo Mock and sons, Robert, David, John and their respective families, as well as many other loving family members and friends. Kenyon Lee Forrest Ken Forrest died 22 Sep 06. Born on 10 Dec 31 to the late Leland and Mabel Forrest in New London, WI, he enjoyed a childhood of paper routes, rabbit "ranching", and fishing. Kenyon graduated from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he was also a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After passing his state boards in 1955, he entered military service with the Medical Service Corps at Fort Sam Houston. In April 1955, he married his college sweetheart and fellow Badger, Joan Shackelford. During his 20+ year career with the Army, Ken served as a DUSTOFF Medevac helicopter pilot and administrator, including one tour in Korea, two tours in Vietnam, two tours in Germany, and numerous stateside posts. Upon retiring in 1975, he took up his training as a pharmacist. His last position was with HEB where he enjoyed seventeen years of helping the community. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the Army Medical Museum or St. David's Epicopal Church, 1300 Wilshire, San Antonio TX 78209.   Ted Jacoby Ted Jacoby passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2006, after a valiant battle with cancer. Chief Jacoby served with distinction and honor during his career as a Seattle Police Officer, as well as military service in the United States Army. He received Air Medals and a Purple Heart for his heroic service as an Army DUSTOFF pilot in Vietnam. He was a pilot with the 159th Med Det. who served at Cu Chi in the 1968-69 time frame. Assistant Chief Jacoby served in a variety of units in the Seattle Police Department from the North and South Precincts, to the Bomb Squad and Communications to finally serving as Assistant Chief in the Emergency Preparedness Bureau. He will be deeply missed by his SPD family. Chief Jacoby's family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown their family by SPD. He is survived by his wife, Pat, his mother Margaret, three brothers, five sisters, as well as many nephews and nieces. Donations are suggested to St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Mark Catholic Church, 18033 15th Place NE, Shoreline, WA 98155. Flowers may be sent to St. Mark Catholic Church. Jeffrey Scott Brown 11 February 1981 - 08 August 2006 Sergeant Jeffrey Scott Brown was born on the 11th of February, 1981, in Trinity Center, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 19 April 2000; attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia. SGT Brown was first assigned to C Co 1st Battalion 214th Aviation in Heidelberg, Germany as a crewchief. He was then stationed with the 82nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) at Fort Riley, Kansas. Sergeant Brown was in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter when it crashed Aug. 8 into a lake in Rubtbah, Iraq, west of Baghdad, killing him and SGT Steven P. Mennemeyer. The U.S. Department of Defense said the crash was not the result of hostile fire. During his tenure as a crew chief, he participated in deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II and then redeployed with the unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Numeral 2), Army Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Aviation Badge. SGT Brown is survived by father Edwin D. Brown and mother Diane L. Brown. Steven P. Mennemeyer Soldier killed in Iraq laid to rest by Nick Lucchesi The Alton, Ill., Telegraph GRANITE CITY - Long before Sgt. Steven P. Mennemeyer was in Iraq aiding injured soldiers aboard an Army Blackhawk helicopter, he would point to the helicopters in the sky as a child. Mennemeyer's calling was helping people, family and friends said Friday at his funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City. Whether it was through civilian avenues, such as his five years at Abbott EMS Ambulance Co., or his time in Iraq as an Army medic, Mennemeyer had a "servant's heart," Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said at the service. Mennemeyer was in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter when it crashed Aug. 8 into a lake in Rubtbah, Iraq, west of Baghdad, killing him and Sgt. Jeffery S. Brown of Trinity Center, CA. The U.S. Department of Defense said the crash was not the result of hostile fire. The funeral Mass drew hundreds of family, friends and co-workers, plus more than 100 onlookers who lined Pontoon and Johnson roads in Granite City, many of them displaying U.S. flags. Heidi Sellers of New Albany, Ind., a friend of the Mennemeyer family, spoke about Steven Mennemeyer's early life. He moved to Granite City from Indiana around age 8 and graduated from Granite City High School in 1998. "Though his life was short on earth, in 26 years he touched the lives and hearts of hundreds of people," she said. "We all know that Steven was a remarkable, awesome young man." When Mennemeyer, son of Steven S. Mennemeyer of New Albany and Ramona L. Phillips of Granite City, was about 2 years old, he would raise his hand to the sky to point at what he called "hocker-dockers," Sellers recalled. "Every time a 'hocker-docker' flies over, I thank God for the chance to have known Sgt. Steven Paul Mennemeyer," Sellers said. Mennemeyer got the chance to work on a helicopter as part of the 82nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) out of Fort Riley, Kan., after going from a Reserve soldier to active duty. The events of Sept. 11, 2001, prompted Mennemeyer to enlist as an active-duty soldier in 2002. "His mother was more than a little surprised when he said he would go to active duty after 9/11," Sellers said. He first spent 15 months in Iraq, traveled to 15 countries and returned to Iraq for a second tour of duty. Before his second tour, he spent a few weeks in July on leave, visiting with family here and in Indiana. "He was happier than his family had ever seen him," Sellers said. Mennemeyer has a young son, Andrew Mennemeyer of Granite City, and a girlfriend, Staff Sgt. Ginny Akins, who was at the funeral and has served in Iraq, also in the 82nd Air Medical Company. Akins was given Mennemeyer's Bronze Star, one of 13 military honors he earned. The funeral procession included several ambulance companies, patrol cars from Granite City, Madison County and the Illinois State Police, Army officials, 15 Knights of Columbus members and dozens of Patriot Guard motorcycle riders.  He was buried with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis County.   Mike Toennis MAJOR MICHAEL W. TOENNIS, born April 12, 1955, 1955 in San Antonio, Texas, died July 23, 2006 in Houston, Texas at the age of 51. Mike earned a BBA in 1978 from the University of Houston, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and an MBA in 1992 from Syracuse University. He proudly served his country as an Army DUSTOFF aviator, medical logistician, and health services comptroller for the US Army Medical Dept. Michael was medically retired as a Major after 14 years of active duty, during which time he was a member of "The DUSTOFF" Association. Later on he became a CPA after working as an auditor for the firm of BDO Seidman. Mike is preceded in death by his father, Ewald Toennis, and is survived by his wife, Karen Toennis and their son, Joseph Toennis, both of Kingwood, TX; mother Lilo Toennis; and brother, Andre Toennis. Mike fought a thirteen year battle with ALS. During this time he remained active in the DUSTOFF Association, rarely missing a reunion. He served as the Special Assistant to the President of the Association for many of his last years accomplishing tasks for the Association using his “eye-blink computer”. Mike and Karen were always the light of the DUSTOFF Reunions and exhibited courage and steadfast love for each other. Many a DUSTOFF Aviator faced possible death with skill and even daring. Mike and Karen faced certain death with grace and courage and even a bit of cheer standing as a true testimony that we all recognized as coming from within and from outside of themselves. Visited by his friends and comrades in the last days before his death, Mike left us all in awe of his courage and fortitude. Karen and Joe remain in our prayers and thoughts as they face life without Mike. We are all better for having known and loved Mike. The family suggests memorial contributions to MDA/ALS Research, c/o IBC Bank, P.O. Box 272243, Houston, TX 77277-2243, or to your Charity of Choice. Heathe N. Craig Combat medic remembered at emotional service at Wiesbaden By Matt Millham, Stars and Stripes Mideast edition, Friday, June 30, 2006 Soldiers prepare to fire a volley during a 21-gun salute to Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig, a member of the 159th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), who died June 21 in Afghanistan during a mission to rescue two 10th Mountain Division soldiers who had been injured in combat. As a combat medic, Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig understood that, sometimes, saving people means risking your own life. Sometimes, the risk doesn’t pay off. Craig, a member of the 159th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) based in Wiesbaden, Germany, and another soldier died the night of June 21 during a rescue mission near Naray, Afghanistan. The night started off peacefully enough. Craig had just gotten done chatting with his wife and playing peek-a-boo with his 1-year-old daughter, Leona, over a Web camera when the call came. Three 10th Mountain Division soldiers were critically wounded in a firefight near Naray. “He always had missions that came up,” Craig’s wife, Judy Craig, said. “And that’s what happened. A mission came up, and he was ready.” The couple also have a 4-year-old son, Jonas. Craig’s dustoff crew had been called to rescue the wounded. By the time Craig and his air ambulance arrived at the pickup point, one of the soldiers already was dead. It was past dark at takeoff, and the terrain where they were headed made it impossible for the Black Hawk rescue helicopter to land. That meant Craig would have to be lowered into the combat zone by a hoist. It was one of his least favorite things to do, said Capt. Angela Wagner, the rear detachment commander for the 159th Medical Company. The battlefield still wasn’t secure, but Craig plunged in anyway. He secured the first soldier and got him safely into the hovering ambulance. That troop would make it out of Afghanistan alive. But as Craig and the second patient were being lifted in the helicopter, the hoist malfunctioned. “On the second try, I lost him,” Sgt. James Ramey, the helicopter’s crew chief, said in a letter that was read at Craig’s memorial ceremony Thursday. Craig and the soldier he was rescuing, Pfc. Brian J. Bradbury, both died. Craig grew up in Virginia. Bradbury was from Saint Joseph, Mo. “He gave his life saving another,” Wagner said. Sgt. Krendra Jackson, one of Craig’s close friends, couldn’t keep herself from crying as she talked about her fallen comrade during the memorial service at Wiesbaden Army Airfield’s chapel. She told how Craig, even after back surgery, would work tirelessly, laboring beyond his body’s limits, afraid that he might come off as a slacker. Jackson remembers telling him to take it easy. “He would look at me with those blue eyes and say, ‘My name’s not worthless.’” Few in attendance could hold back their tears as Jackson recounted her friendship with Craig. “Judy, you once told us we acted like brother and sister. He was my brother,” she said. “He was our brother.”   Landon R. Casillas 1LT Casillas Landon, 3rd FSMT Leader, 50th Medical Company (AA) is no longer with us after a Class A accident that happened at Outlaw Field in Clarksville, TN at approximately 10am Friday 9 June 2006.   1st Lieutenant Landon R. Casillas was born to Richard and MayLing Casillas on 17 May 1980 in the state of Hawaii. While located in Hawaii, Landon spent time at both Schofield Barracks and Ft. Shafter. In 1987, the family moved to Ft. Bragg, NC, where they resided until 1992. In 1992, the family moved again, this time to Germany where they lived first in Nuremburg followed by Grafenwoher. It was at this time that the family moved backed to the United States to reside in Bedford, TX. 1LT Casillas was a 1998 graduate of Lawrence D. Bell High School in Bedford. He attended and was a scholarship football player for Abilene Christian University from 1998 to 1999. After one year he moved on to the University of North Texas where he studied from 1999 to 2001. Following his time at North Texas he relocated to Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth. It was here that he was awarded entrance into the scholarship ROTC program. He was graduated from TCU in 2004 with a BA in Criminal Justice and a Regular Army commission. 1st Lieutenant Casillas is survived by his wife Jessica A. Casillas and daughter Arle E. Casillas. He is also survived by his father, SGT (ret) Richard Casillas, mother, MayLing Casillas, and sister, Shannon Casillas 1st Lieutenant Casillas was the 3rd Forward Support MEDEVAC Team Leader for the 50th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Ft. Campbell, KY. Previous assignments include: Ft. Rucker, AL Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training 2005, and Ft. Sam Houston, TX for AMEDD Officer Basic Course 2004. Jim Phelan Jim Phelan, who was involved in the first helicopter combat rescue, died at his home on 16 May 2006. He was also the husband of the late Jean Ross Howard Phelan, founder of the Whirly-Girls. Phelan, a crew chief, performed the first helicopter combat rescue, along with pilot Carter Harman, on 25-26 April 1944. This crew flew their Sikorsky YR-4 behind Japanese lines in the China-Burma jungle and rescued American pilot Ed 'Murphy' Hladovcak and three British soldiers after their plane had crashed.   Del Williams Del has been riding a roller coaster over the last several months in regards to his health. Looking for a transplant one week, the next week being off the list due to health complications and bureaucracy and then finally and infection which complicated the other medical problems he was having. Del crewed the Foxy Lady in 1969-70. I had the honor to have flown with him numerous times. As with all of the Guys in The Back that we were blessed to have served together, Del was among the best. After his military tour, he went onto a very successful commercial aviation career--finally having to retire due to medical problems. Del was also the founder of the Vietnam Dustoff Association. It was his dream to have an organization dedicated to Vietnam Dustoff crewmembers and where they could come together for camaraderie, sharing of information, and assistance when and if necessary.   Mike Novosel Born September 3, 1922 and raised in Etna, Pa., Novosel became an aviation cadet in the U.S. Army Air Forces when he was 19 years old. After earning his commission and pilot wings on December 15, 1942, he instructed in the North American AT-6 Texan at Laredo Army Air Field, Texas. By December 1944, Novosel had logged more than 800 hours in the Consolidated B-24 Liberator supporting aerial gunner training. Then, he went to Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, to qualify in the Boeing B-29 Superfortress.   In July 1945, following crew training in New Mexico, Novosel left for Tinian Island in the Pacific where he flew four combat missions with the 58th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy). After the end of World War II, he flew two missions to drop food to Allied prisoners of war in Japan. During the Japanese surrender ceremony on the USS Missouri, Novosel commanded a B-29 in a 462-ship fly-over. He then took command of the 99th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) and remained in the Pacific until the fall of 1947.   Following his service in World War II he was assigned to Eglin AFB, Florida, where he was a B-29 test pilot. In 1949, Novosel left active duty and joined the Air Force Reserve. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War, at the grade of Major and attended the Air Command and Staff School. Novosel was promoted to Lt. Col. with the Air Force Reserve in 1964 and requested active duty for service during the Vietnam War. When informed that the Air Force was over-strength in its senior grades, he vacated his position with the Air Force Reserves and accepted an appointment as a Warrant Officer Aviator with the U.S. Army. Returning to combat as a "DUSTOFF" (medevac) helicopter pilot, he served two tours in South Vietnam, flying 2,543 missions in the Bell UH-1 Huey while airlifting nearly 5,600 medical evacuees.   On October 2, 1969, Novosel received word of wounded South Vietnamese soldiers pinned down by a large enemy force. Flying without air cover, he encountered ground fire so intense it forced him away six times. Courageously, he completed 15 hazardous extractions. On the last, just as a wounded soldier was pulled into the aircraft, the enemy unleashed a hail of fire directly at Novosel. Wounded, he momentarily lost control of the aircraft, but recovered and flew to safety. In all, he saved 29 men. He was nominated for and later received the Medal of Honor for these actions.   In March 1970, a UH-1 helicopter piloted by Novosel’s son was shot down. The senior Novosel heard the "Mayday" call from 15 minutes away. With assurance from the aircraft commander that his son's crew had survived the crash and found shelter, Novosel completed his own mission before flying to their aid. The younger Novosel returned the favor seven days later when his father was shot down. Just 19 at the time, Mike Jr. flew to his father's rescue. Following his heroic service in Vietnam, he served 3 years at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as chief pilot for the Army's Golden Knights parachute team. On occasion, he jumped with the team to maintain proficiency.   Novosel’s next assignment was at Fort Rucker where he was an author and lecturer at the Warrant Officer Career College until 1976. An assignment in Korea as the Second Infantry Division’s Aviation Safety Officer followed. In May 1983, Novosel was assigned new duties as the Aviation Center Senior Training, Advising and Counseling (TAC) Officer with the Warrant Officer Candidate Program.   At the time of his retirement on February 28, 1985, Novosel was the last active duty military aviator on flight status who had flown combat missions in World War II. Known as the “Dean of the Dustoff Pilots” Novosel was an aviator on flight status for more than 42 years. He accumulated 12,400 hours of military flying time of which 2,038 were flown in combat.   Upon his retirement as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, he received a rare honor for a living hero; the main street of Fort Rucker became Novosel Avenue. In 1992, he marched with other World War II veterans across Red Square in Russia's Victory-in-Europe Anniversary Parade. Novosel participated in the documentary film project In the Shadow of the Blade in 2002, during which more than 50 Vietnam aviators piloted a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter across the United States.   Mr. Novosel resided in Fort Walton Beach, Florida but was a longtime Enterprise, Alabama resident. He actively lectured on his autobiography, Dustoff, The Memoir of an Army Aviator and was featured in the recently published book A History of Army Aviation, written by Dr. James Williams.     Pictures of Mike's final caisson journey provided graciously by Sterlene & Art Hapner. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2006/20060414_4827.html Interview with Mike prior to his death. Hugh Thompson Jr.   BBC NEWS My Lai massacre hero dies at 62 Hugh Thompson Jr., a former US military helicopter pilot who helped stop one of the most infamous massacres of the Vietnam War has died, aged 62. Mr. Thompson and his crew came upon US troops killing civilians at the village of My Lai on 16 March 1968. He put his helicopter down between the soldiers and villagers, ordering his men to shoot their fellow Americans if they attacked the civilians. "There was no way I could turn my back on them," he later said of the victims. Mr. Thompson, a warrant officer at the time, called in support from other US helicopters, and together they airlifted at least nine Vietnamese civilians - including a wounded boy - to safety. He returned to headquarters, angrily telling his commanders what he had seen. They ordered soldiers in the area to stop shooting. But Mr Thompson was shunned for years by fellow soldiers, received death threats, and was once told by a congressman that he was the only American who should be punished over My Lai. A platoon commander, Lt William Calley, was later court-martialed and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the killings. President Richard Nixon commuted his sentence to three years' house arrest.   Lobbying Although the My Lai massacre became one of the best-known atrocities of the war - with journalist Seymour Hersh winning a Pulitzer Prize for reporting on it - little was known about Mr Thompson's actions for decades In the 1980s, Clemson University Professor David Egan saw him interviewed in a documentary and began to campaign on his behalf. He persuaded people including Vietnam-era Secretary of State Dean Rusk to lobby the government to honour the helicopter crew. Mr Thompson and his colleagues Lawrence Colburn and Glenn Andreotta were awarded the Soldier's Medal, the highest US military award for bravery when not confronting an enemy. Mr Thompson was close to tears as he accepted the award in 1998 "for all the men who served their country with honour on the battlefields of South-East Asia". Mr Andreotta's award was posthumous. He was killed in Vietnam less than a month after My Lai. Mr Colburn was at Mr Thompson's bedside when he died, the Associated Press reported. Mr Thompson died of cancer. He had been ill for some time and was removed from life support earlier in the week. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/4589486.stm   Postscript   As graveside services ended, a bag piper played Amazing Grace – slowly marching away down the hill allowing the sound to die down to next to inaudible…. Then…. Quietly in the distance the wop wop wop sound – unmistakably that of a Huey – approaching from directly in front of us it came to about the 2 o’clock position above the tall trees that surround the cemetery – then a slow right hand turn allowing it to pass in front of us – A DUSTOFF Huey – not a single aviators’ eyes were dry at that proud moment and it symbolically picked Hugh up and took him on his last ride – closing out his final flight plan! Hugh was buried with a DUSTOFF Association coin placed in his right hand – a last tribute to a great friend, comrade and DUSTOFF Soldier! Jim Saler It saddens us to inform you of the death of Jim Saler. Jim Saler was a retired U.S. Army aviator who spent many of his years flying Medevac. After retiring from the Army he flew an EMS helicopter for Tri State CareFlight based in Durango, Colorado. Exactly one year to the day after leaving the Army, he along with a Flight Nurse and a Flight Paramedic, were killed June 30th 2005 when their Augusta A119 Koala crashed while trying to save the life of another. Thomas Maloney added a section to his Web site to honor and recognize Jim Saler, as well as Bill and Scott. All men left behind wives; Jim also left behind three daughters and Scott left behind a newly adopted son. After their accident Tom created an illustration entitled Angel of Mercy. The limited edition prints, as well as shirts, are being sold to raise money for the widows of this tragedy. If you are interested, you can access the memorial page at http://aircav.org/CareFlight.html  If you click on Jim Saler's photo from that page, it will take you to another section devoted just to Jim. There you can learn about his background and military service to our country. I can tell you that Jim loved our country, the Army and saving lives by flying helicopters. Leonard A. Crosby   Retired Col. Leonard A. Crosby had a thirst for knowledge and a passion to teach others what he knew. He died in May 2005.   "He was a real forward-thinking person," said Mary Crosby, his wife of 62 years. The forward-thinker was also a creator of one of the Army's most used services, MEDEVAC, or using helicopters to remove wounded soldiers from combat. Leonard Crosby, called "Andy" by most, was an Army medic and medical command instructor for more than 30 years. The Elizabethtown resident died Tuesday at age 83.   The Crosby home is filled with certificates, medals and other honors from Crosby's military career. There are silver stars, bronze stars, commendation medals and medals from World War II and Korea.   There's also a well-worn book: "The history of the U.S. Army Medical Corps." Crosby's name is on several pages, mainly for his role in the invention of MEDEVAC.   He was drafted into the Army in 1942, serving in World War II as part of an ambulance company. Crosby's unit was the first ambulance company on the scene after the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France, his wife said. "He accomplished amazing things in his 83 years," said his son, Michael Crosby. One of the most amazing accomplishments started in 1950, in Korea. Leonard Crosby was serving as the evacuation officer for the 8th Army. He noticed that the military was having a difficult time evacuating wounded soldiers from combat because of Korea's hilly roads, which were often blocked, preventing ambulances from getting to the field.   Helicopters at that time were primarily used for artillery, Mary Crosby said. Her husband wrote the rulebook on how to use them in a medical evacuation situation. Leonard Crosby was in charge of the first demonstration of medical helicopters in the summer of 1950 at Taegu Teachers' College in Korea.   After his years in combat, Leonard Crosby became an instructor at several military schools. He also served as chief of staff of medical command in Europe, and executive officer of the medical command at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Bruce C. Zenk Bruce C. Zenk, 65, passed away at his home in Young America, Minnesota on 17 May 2005 after a three-year battle with cancer.   Born in Sisseton, South Dakota on 18 December 1939, he graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Pharmacy and received a commission as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.  After a one-year pharmacy internship in Minneapolis, Bruce entered active duty service and attended the Infantry Officers Basic Course.  He was selected to attend the Rotary Wing Aviator Course (Class 63-7).   In January 1964, Bruce was assigned to the 119th Aviation Company in Vietnam where he flew both the slick and gunship version of the UH-1B.  Because of his prior pharmacy training, he received a branch transfer to the Medical Service Corps in June 1964 and was transferred to the 57th Medical Detachment in Soc Trang.  When the 82nd Medical Detachment arrived in Vietnam in October 1964, Bruce, Ernie Sylvester, and Si Simmons were transferred from the 57th into the 82nd to teach the new pilots the tactics and ethos instilled in them by Major Kelly.  Completing his one-year tour in January 1965, Bruce had earned the Air Medal with Valor and 22 oak leaf clusters, had flown 747 hours of combat flight time, and helped to save hundreds of lives.   Upon his return from Vietnam, Bruce was married to Betty Remund.  The couple made their home at Fort Riley, Kansas where he served as a pilot with the 159th Medical Detachment until a serious back injury forced him from the cockpit.  In May 1968, he completed his military service at DeWitt Army Hospital where he served as a pharmacist.    Bruce and his family moved to Virginia, Minnesota where he worked at the local medical clinic.  In 1975, Bruce and Betty purchased the local pharmacy in Lake Benton, Minnesota where he served on the school board and held positions in both the VFW and American Legion.  In 1984, they sold their store and moved to Burnsville, Minnesota.  He accepted a position with Snyder Drug where he continued his work as a dedicated and professional pharmacist until his retirement in 2002.    Bruce is survived by Betty Zenk, his loving wife of 40 years; his daughter Debbie and husband SSG Michael Otte of Honolulu, Hawaii; his son CPT Patrick and wife Alexa Zenk of Wiesbaden, Germany; grandchildren Kayla and Noah; sister Paula Neiburg of Plymouth, Minnesota; and brother Rodney of Nemo, South Dakota.  He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Perry.  Kevin Donoghue Kevin Donoghue, a medic with the 57th Med Det RVN and a dear friend, passed away today. Kevin and I flew many missions together and he was the one that always kept my butt out of the sling. I talked to his wife Carol today and Kevin faced his death with the same courage he displayed as a DUSTOFF medic. All of us who were blessed to have Kevin touch our lives are better for that experience. I will miss my friend, but I believe he is now with all of our fallen comrades in a better place. JT Travers Ricky D. Williams SFC Ricky D. Williams was a flight medic with 377th Medical Company and 54th Medical Company. He was killed in a motorcycle accident on 14 April 2005 driving home after an early morning Brigade Run on Fort Sam Houston. His career culminated as a Senior Drill Sergeant with A Company, 232nd Medical Bn. at the Academy Brigade, Fort Sam Houston, TX. He leaves a wife, Charmaine, (also a drill sergeant) and two daughters. He will be buried in Seattle, WA. He was truly a great NCO.   Fred Duncan Fred Duncan, life member of DUSTOFF Association since 2003 died of complications of a disease resembling ALS on February 8, 2005. Fred, as a 17-year old merchant marine, served his country during WW II aboard Liberty Ships with one of the Aviation Repair Units in the South Pacific. His work in his later years brought to light the service of four brave pilots who flew experimental Sikorsky R-4 and R-6 helicopters into the jungles of the Philippines to rescue nearly 70 wounded soldiers. His work brought to light, chronicled, and published some of the earliest efforts in aeromedical evacuation involving helicopters - the very birth of DUSTOFF! He is survived by his wife, Edna, children and grandchildren.   Brent Towne Almost two years ago, our beloved crewchief, Brent Towne, was in a terrible car accident which left him with extensive brain damage.  His family has him brought home to Nevada from Hawaii, and yesterday (2-10-04) his fight ended.  He will be missed so. There are no words to express the thankfulness I have towards you all through this whole battle.  He will be missed beyond belief.  He cared about you all and thought highly of you.  Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and love,   Love,   Big Sis- Chris Richcreek   NEVER FORGET HIM Randy Gordon Radigan 24 Aug 46 - 31 Dec 98 Randy was born in Vermillion, South Dakota on August 24, 1946, the second of eleven children of William Joseph and Susie Albers Radigan. lie was a 1964 graduate of Vermilion High School; he attended the University of South Dakota and several colleges In 1966, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, completed helicopter flight school, and began his first tour of duty as a medevac helicopter pilot in Vietnam. lie volunteered for further tours of medevac duty in Vietnam, served 39 months there and was decorated extensively for valor in combat. He was awarded twice the Distinguished Flying Cross, twice the Silver Star, five times the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with oak cluster, the Air Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart. He flew 1,597 air-rescue missions in Vietnam and carried 4,191 wounded soldiers. From 1974 to 1983 Randy was employed by Alyeska Pipeline as a security helicopter pilot. He was an entrepreneur with many local interests. He loved Alaska. He was an avid big game hunter and enjoyed spending his time at their cabin “in the woods.” He served on the Copper River School District School Board since 1993 and was also a member of the Copper Basin Lions Club for many years. Randy and Lorraine were married on December 31, 1983. Among those that survive him and gratefully shared his life are his wife; Lorraine, sons; Rocky and Colt, daughters; Tammy Custis, husband Jim, Brandie Bancroft, husband Blake, Alison Jaidinger, his four grandchildren; his father; William J. Radigan, his seven brothers; William, Jeffrey, Steven, Gregory, Daniel, Kelly, and James, his sisters; Suzanne, Laurie, Carol, his many nieces and nephews; and by his longtime friends Don, Joyce, Jim and Scott Horrell. He was preceded in death by his mother, Susie, and two infant daughters. Gorgon W Gaskin Born 30 Jul 1948 Passed away 26 Sep 2002 in Lake Charles, LA Cause of Death Hep C contracted from Vietnam He, like all of his fellow crew members, was responsible for a lot of names NOT being on the Wall. God bless our Medics. What life to lead and where to go After the War, after the War? -- Robert Graves Gordon finally came home from Viet-Nam last week. We were buddies in junior high and in high school, thrown together by a love of books and a contempt for all authority figures. We both lived to become authority figures ourselves, and so in the end were punished for our transgressions far more soundly than by any teacher's paddle. Gordon was the smartest kid I ever knew; after reading a few books on theory he constructed, from bits of wire and a battery and tiny light bulbs and some other debris tacked to a board, a chess-playing computer. Unable to afford switches, he operated his 1963 computer by disconnecting wires from nails and reconnecting them to other nails. His chemistry experiments were rather less successful, resulting in one or two dramatic explosions and a complete ban by his father on the further pursuit of scientific knowledge inside the house. While the more focused boys were chasing girls and those first kisses (although I had quite a crush on his sister), Gordon and I were arguing the contemporary possibilities of Thoreau's Walden and smoking cigarettes out back behind the trash cans. After a semester at Lamar University, Gordon joined the Army and, following the few months of the rudimentary and wholly inadequate training of that time, was posted to Viet-Nam. Rather like Sasha / Strelnikov in Doctor Zhivago, Gordon found that he was good at war, or, rather, at picking up the pieces: he served four tours as an Army medic, winning the Air Medal, Air Crewman Badge, Bronze Star with Valor Device, the Silver Star, and the Distinguished Service Cross. One can only imagine how many more medals officers in air-conditioned bunkers awarded each other based on Gordon's courage and skill in saving lives. But a man -- a kid, really, a skinny kid with thick eyeglasses -- can make only a finite number of sliding, jinking, dodging helicopter landings into hot-as-Hell LZs without leaving something of himself there. Every wounded kid Gordon saved, every dead kid he sat beside while jinking back out among the orange tracers and the ghastly noise and stench of machinery and violence, cost him a little bit of himself. Henry Kissinger received a Nobel Peace Prize for the mess he helped make in Vietnam; 56,000 dead kids and the survivors like Gordon bought that carnival prize for him. Upon returning home Gordon apparently constructed an emotional defense perimeter for many years, and yet those who knew him best say that this true war hero was the kindest, gentlest man they ever knew. Never a father himself, he was a father to his stepchildren and to others. He never went back to university, but he encouraged others to accomplish the education he hadn't the heart to return to. His stepson, now a successful engineer, said that when he returned from the service he was aimless and drifting, but Gordon inspired him to focus and succeed. A postal employee said she would never have kept her job, much less built the career she has, without Gordon's patience and guidance. Whatever Gordon felt he had left undone in his life, he saw completed in the lives of others. Another friend said that Gordon still carried a trunk full of tools and car parts wherever he went, and could remedy almost any roadside crisis in almost any vehicle -- something he could do at sixteen! In the end, Mr. Kissinger has his Nobel Prize, but Gordon found God and love and peace, and, having accomplished whatever missions God had set for him, died with his wife Mary Ann holding his hand. He was not buried with state honors, but in a modest Methodist liturgy by family and friends; his funeral was not marked with a 21-gun salute, but with Kleenex clutched in the hands of those who love him. Yes, Gordon is home from Viet-Nam at last, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home. Neil Lankford Lt. Colonel John McNeil Lankford ('Neil'), U.S. Army Retired, passed away on May 18, 2004 at the age of 58. Col. Lankford, a graduate of North Georgia Military College, was a Vietnam Veteran, having served as a combat medic with the 3rd/187 of the 101st Airborne Division. As a medical Service Corps officer and specialist in systems engineering, he made significant contributions to the Army Medical Department during his 23 years of service. Following his military retirement, Col. Lankford continued to work in the Information Technology field. He was a proud member of the Dust-off Association and was active in numerous professional organizations. Neil is survived by Cecilia Lankford, his wife of 35 years; daughters, Anne Marie and Jennifer Lankford; father, Paul McNeil Lankford; brother, Wayne Eliot Lankford; nephew, Paul McEliot Lankford; aunt and uncle, Charlotte and Frank Lankford; and sister-in-law, Cindy Kearns. Col. Lankford was preceded in death by his mother, Anita Lankford. Col. Lankford gave his family the kind of love that makes a difference and lasts a lifetime. His unique humor and selflessness touched all who were privileged to know him. You'll possibly remember Richard Hock who was the medic who stood in as Godfather for little baby Kathleen in the 3rd Field Hospital and was a key part of "In the Shadow of the Blade" and the reunion between Kathleen and those who saved her life 34 years before. A DUSTOFF crew (the pilot was David Alderson and he died one week before filming took place - COL (R) Bob Romines stood in for his buddy and flew the mission in his honor - later giving a stirring speech about heroes and helicopters to a packed auditorium full of basic and advance course students at the AMEDD C&S). Read about Richard Hock's untimely death yesterday (see the Web site http://www.intheshadowoftheblade.com/whatsnew.htm ) You'll see in their tribute to Richard a part of that reunion mentioned. It is when Richard gave Kathleen his Combat Medic Badge - his most prized possession from his three tours in Vietnam. I'm sure there's a story in there somewhere that will touch the hearts of many. While Richard was not a DUSTOFF medic - he was / and is a "Soldier Medic" and DUSTOFF medics are Soldier Medics first. Rest in Peace Doc! Danny McFadden   Danny McFadden died 19 January 2004. He was a medic with eagle DUSTOFF 70-71. If anyone wants to contact his family, his daughters, Janie & Katie, at 7305 Leadings Oaks; San Antonio, Texas 78233-3211   (210) 651-5259 He, like all of our crew members, was responsible for a lot of names NOT being on the Wall. God bless our Medics. The Department of Defense announced the deaths of four DUSTOFF soldiers who were killed when their UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed Jan. 8 near Fallujah, Iraq. The soldiers were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and members of the 571st Medical Company out of Fort Carson, CO. SPC  Michael A. Diraimondo, 22, of Simi Valley, Calif.; SPC Christopher A. Golby, 26, of Johnstown, Pa.; Chief Warrant Officer Philip A. Johnson, Jr., 31, of Alabama; and Chief Warrant Officer Ian D. Manuel, 23, of Florida, were all assigned to the 571st Medical Company, Fort Carson officials said. Their names will be added to the DUSTOFF memorial located at Fort Sam Houston's Medical Department Museum along with the names of three other 571st Medical Company crewmembers who died May 9th, 2003 when their UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed in the Tigris River near Baghdad. A dedication ceremony honoring these seven new names on the DUSTOFF memorial will be held at 1400 hours on 21 February 2004 during the DUSTOFF Reunion. A total of 257 names now are a part of that memorial. Robert "Don" Upchurch Born 15 January 1950 Died 19 December 2003 CW2 Don Upchurch (DUSTOFF 78) passed away 19 Dec 03 in Indianapolis IN. Served as DUSTOFF pilot with 57th Med Det, Republic of Vietnam ,1970-1971. Call sign DUSTOFF 78. Was employed by the Veterans Administration as a counselor to fellow veterans. Survived by wife Janet, and 4 children. Bob Cowgill Bob Cowgill, the sole remaining pilot who flew 70 soldiers to safety during the WW II Ivory Soap rescues in the Philippines died June 13, 2003. Ivory Soap was the project during World War II that took Liberty Ships and outfitted them to conduct aviation repair. During June of 1945, five aviators flew Sikorsky R-4's and R-6's into the combat zone of the Philippines to bring injured soldiers out for medical treatment, often under fire. While not the first helicopter rescue, they were the first flown with external litters welded to the side of the airframe in an "unauthorized and untested" manner. True aviation pioneers and part of our DUSTOFF roots. Crew members representing the Army, Army Air Forces, Navy and Merchant Marines pose on one of the repair ships. Helicopters ferried parts and personnel from ship to shore. Lt. Cowgill (center, second row) and friends with R-4 on floating aircraft repair unit (ARU) off the Philippines.