| LTC James C. Wingate’s distinguished career with DUSTOFF spanned 47 years in the Army and Industry. He was a humble, compassionate man who focused on the needs of the wounded. In Vietnam he flew 1100 combat flight hours on 805 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 34 Air Medals – three for Valor. A Master Army Aviator with more than 3000 hours, Jim distinguished himself in command and staff positions by exceptional dedication and outstanding performance of duty throughout his career. He was a catalyst in transforming DUSTOFF for over 28 years. He was the constant force that kept DUSTOFF modernization moving forward. He developed and executed the strategy that brought together leaders of the three Army Components, Congress and Industry Q-Team to obtain support and funding for the advanced medical capability aboard UH-60 aircraft. His persistence was instrumental in overcoming obstacles to modernize the UH-60 fleet, ultimately leading to the production of 4 UH-60Q, 31 HH-60L, and 570 HH-60M. LTC James C. Wingate was inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on 28 March 2015. |