From the recent headlines, many of you have read or have seen the story about the C-130 crash in South Dakota during a MAFFS fire fighting air drop that claimed the lives of four of the six man crew. I knew them well for they all were my friends. They all left grieving wives and heart broken kids. Thankfully, two crewmen survived but they are in critical condition at a hospital...and I continually pray they recover.
These men were all volunteers...they were not assigned to go, they went willingly. (Let that sink in for a moment.) They volunteered to fly to another state to help people they'd never meet, protect people they didn't know, and all in the hopes of saving lives, possessions, and property. They were highly trained, motivated, and exceptional people. They were members of the Air National Guard. They answered the call, and in this case, paid the ultimate price.
I will never forget their names or faces, stories and events we shared. I had flown many times with all but one of them. I hope you'll find the time to remember them in your prayers, and the other brave ones fighting the fires that are currently ravaging the west.
Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces of the sky;
Be with them traversing the air
In darkening storms or sunshine fair
Sorry to hear that, Mark.
Here is hoping for the best for the injured crew members from the 145th Airlift Wing out of Charlotte-Douglas, and for the families and friends of everyone involved.
Stein
Dear Mark
That is a very nice tribute to fallen heros,who died helping their fellow man. Nothing we can say can ease the pain of their loss, all we can do is remember them. May God bless their souls.
I will pray the survivors make a full and speedy recovery.
Charlie
............ A fitting tribute to fallen heroes.. Our condolences to you too! We'll add them to our prayers..
It's always worse when a volunteer falls, since they were giving their own time and dedication when the unthinkable happens. Although these fine men weren't firefighters, the circumstances are alike, they were dedicated servicemen.... volunteering.
We have thousands of volunteer Firefighters around here, they train regularly in a specially made training center, so thankfully, they all know what to do in most any situation in a fire.
But when one does fall.... The outpouring of grief is only exceeded by the outpouring of support for the surviving families. All we can hope for is that it will be the same for your friend's families...
Be sure to let us know how the 2 survivors are doing.
That is a real pity when that happens. Regardless of whether or not someone has volunteered for a task, anyone charged with helping others need to be remembered and thanked for the job that they do and the risks that they take. Our prayers go out to the families of all those men and especially to the two that are injured so they may recover quickly. No doubt that once they are able, they will be back in the thick of things, helping strangers in times of need.
I had heard the tragic story, but now knowing that they were friends of yours Mark brings this even closer to home. We honor them and grieve for them, remembering to be grateful that they placed themselves in harms way for others. Thoughts and prayers for the surviving crewmen and the families and friends of those who were lost.
Ralph
Sorry to hear about the lost of your friends.
May God bless their love ones in theis hour of their sorrow.
Hello Mark---I read about the tragic loss of your commarades in todays paper---my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these fallen heroes
I did not know of the story until reading it here. Very sorry to hear of the outcome... Best wishes to the survivors and condolences to the families of those who died...
Andrew
Mark,
Sorry for the loss of good friends, and the tragedy for the families. I'm in Air traffic control in the UK and any a/c accident always hits home be it anywhere in the world.
Dave
Sorry I haven't been here regularly like I normally am...it's been busy as you could well imagine.
Three of the visitations are over with one more to go. The funerals have started and will finish by Sunday.
The two load masters are improving and hoped to be released from the hospital soon.
I'd like to thank all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes.
That's great that they are improving, Thanks for letting us know...
Do what you have to do and stop back in when you can... We'll be here for you
I missed one funeral yesterday and need to visit the grave site and offer my last, slow, salute to my friend. Tomorrow will be the last funeral and fly-by. Then life resumes and the memories endure.
Herc Driver Wrote:Then life resumes and the memories endure.
It is in our memories that those who we have lost remain with us, until the time comes for us to become "memories" and be re-united with remembered friends and family.