I would like to propose a toast to all of our Fallen Comrades, as we remember them this Memorial Day Weekend! Hopefully, we remember them also throughout the year as we look at what freedoms that we have in this great nation!
Here's to all that gave their lives in service to The United States of America!!!!
But especially to my co-worker AD3 Roger Stephenson who died during a USCG night rescue mission in Mexican waters when a rogue wave destroyed the H3F helo as it descended to establish a hover for hoisting in 1979. The co-pilot and Flight Mechanic died when the helo flipped with the aft section cut off and open to the sea, the pilot and the Radio/navigator were rescued by another helo that was sent. Description of the incident:
"During a SAR mission for a motor vessel reported aground the helicopter impacted the water at the bottom of a precision approach to a controlled hover (PATCH). The aircraft rolled and inverted, but remained afloat. Only two crewmembers escaped."
And my good buddy AM1 Scott Finfrock was found deceased/froze in his life raft the next day after Coast Guard helo 1471 went down for unknown reasons during a night rescue in hurricane force winds and heavy seas in Prince Wiliam Sound off the Alaska coast. "In the early morning hours of August 7, 1981 the crew of the Coast Guard HH-3F helicopter #1471 from Air Station Kodiak sacrificed their lives while going to the aid of another." A 26' gill netter was taking on water. This is a painting depicting that rescue:
I would ask that we all raise a glass, 3pm Monday, to honor those that gave their life, and to those loved ones and brothers in arms that survived them.
I would also like to thank those of you that have served, to include our first responders.
Thank You