03-12-2018, 01:52 PM
Many thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts and prayers for his family.
One story to pass on... Bob was a Loadmaster on several aircraft, including the C-130, like the one I flew. We talked about our Air Force experiences a lot, who we served with, and how the military has changed over time, and how some things stay the same. Well one day a few years back, I flew a private jet to an airport near Bob's home in Missouri on a company trip. He came out to see me, taking pictures (he was a published photographer as well) and asking about the airplane's performance. He was in obvious back pain and could barely straighten his back or arms after taking a bad fall several months prior. We talked for a while before I had to depart, then my copilot and I started engines, and we started our taxi to the runway. Standing nearby a hangar, as we made our turn out of parking, Bob - make that MSGT Hollowell - stood straight, came to attention, and smartly saluted, just like he had years before to the officers and crews flying USAF aircraft departing on missions. I saluted back as I would have as an Aircraft Commander so many times before when I was in the Air Force. Anyone watching would understood the significance immediately... Bob was sending off "his crew and airplane" into the blue as only a true professional could. And no salute ever meant more.
One story to pass on... Bob was a Loadmaster on several aircraft, including the C-130, like the one I flew. We talked about our Air Force experiences a lot, who we served with, and how the military has changed over time, and how some things stay the same. Well one day a few years back, I flew a private jet to an airport near Bob's home in Missouri on a company trip. He came out to see me, taking pictures (he was a published photographer as well) and asking about the airplane's performance. He was in obvious back pain and could barely straighten his back or arms after taking a bad fall several months prior. We talked for a while before I had to depart, then my copilot and I started engines, and we started our taxi to the runway. Standing nearby a hangar, as we made our turn out of parking, Bob - make that MSGT Hollowell - stood straight, came to attention, and smartly saluted, just like he had years before to the officers and crews flying USAF aircraft departing on missions. I saluted back as I would have as an Aircraft Commander so many times before when I was in the Air Force. Anyone watching would understood the significance immediately... Bob was sending off "his crew and airplane" into the blue as only a true professional could. And no salute ever meant more.
Mark
Citation Latitude Captain
--and--
Lt Colonel, USAF (Retired)
Citation Latitude Captain
--and--
Lt Colonel, USAF (Retired)