AMEA Trifold Brochure

AMEA 2019 Logo Polo

AMEA 2019 Friendship Logo Polo
by aeromedevac

AMEA Logo Friendship Glass Mug

AMEA Logo Friendship Glass Mug
by aeromedevac June 2022 Crew Alert

Karl Aldridge

13 AMTS; 56 AES; TDY to Det 1,2,& 3, 57 AES (RVN); 903rd AES (RVN); 40 AES; aircraft (C-141, -130, -118, -131, -7, H-19); Air Rescue (stateside & RVN)(Kaman HH-43B) Karl was born on August 12, 1935 and passed away on Friday, February 18, 2005. Karl was a resident of Shelton, Washington.

Joe L. Alford

Joe L. Alford of Sarasota FL passed away Dec 4, 2009 born Mar 4, 1929.

Jerry Thomas Alford

We are sad to announce that on October 2, 2020 Jerry Thomas Alford passed away, he was from Wayne City, Illinois, born in Hartsville, South Carolina. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Jerry Thomas Alford to show support.

He was predeceased by : his parents, Thomas Bradley and Annabelle Alford (Griggs); his wife Mary Alford (Clementz); his children, Joseph B. Alford, Michelle and Ann Alford; and his brother Frank Alford.

He is survived by : his sons, Dean Alford (Peggy) of Dallas, GA and Todd Alford (Anne Anderson) of Temple, Georgia; his grandchildren, Joseph Thomas Alford of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Eddy Warren Alford of Mount Vernon, Illinois and Michelle Hite (Shawn) of South Bend, Indiana; and his great grandchildren, Morgan Hite of South Bend, Indiana and Austin Hite of South Bend, Indiana.

Alfred L. Allmon

12th AMES Retired Chief Master Sgt. Alfred L. Allmon Jr., 59, passed away Monday, March 18, 1996. A native of Mt. Pleasant, N.C., he had been a Peninsula resident for 20 years. Mr. Allmon retired from the U.S. Air Force as chief master sergeant in flight engineering in 1987 after 33 years of service. He was a member of the Langley Base Chapel. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 0141. Survivors include his wife, Rebecca J. Allmon; his daughter, Jacqueline L. Allmon of Hampton; his son, Jon H. Allmon of Hampton; his mother, Jennie L. Allmon of Wake Forrest, N.C.; his sister, Jennie L. Jeans of Youngsville, N.C.; and three brothers, Jay L. Allmon of Zebulon, N.C., and Bobby Joe Allmon and Kenneth Allmon, both of Wendell, N.C. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Peninsula Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hampton Veterans Memorial Gardens.

Brian_Bair

Brian passed away on May 5, 2021 in Pratville, AL.  He flew with Det1, 1st AES Scott AFB, IL.  1st AES Pope AFB, NC and 2nd AES Ramstein, Germany.

Erica Barnhart/Bair

349 AES, Travis AFB, CA

Erica was born on September 30, 1971 and passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018. Erica was a resident of Yuba City, California at the time of passing. She retired from the Air Force Reserves after 26 years of service in 2014. May she rest In Peace! Celebration of life to be held, Friday, January 4th, 2019 from 5:00-8:30pm at the New Earth Market Harvest Room, located at 1475 Tharp rd. Yuba city, CA 95993.

Rosemarie Barry

Captain Rosemarie (Britten) Barry, USAF Retired, passed away on September 25, 2023, at the age of 96. She graduated from Fordham Hospital School of Nursing with her RN degree and went on to serve as a Flight Nurse with the United States Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. She traveled extensively, met her husband, started their family and finally settled in Allendale. She raised her family and returned to work in their pediatrician’s office. Rosemarie was a loving, vibrant and independent woman. She is survived by her daughter Terry Broxmeyer, son-in-law John Broxmeyer, grandchildren Emily and Timothy Broxmeyer, her son Peter Barry and daughter-in-law Theresa Barry, her sister-in-law Eileen (Barry) Flood and her cousin Marty Foley. Rosemarie was predeceased by her husband of 43 years Major Herbert N Barry, Jr. (Retired USAF), her parents John and Antionetta Britten and her sister Eleanor Messemer.

George Bassett

BASSETT, GEORGE A., 77, of Largo, passed away Tuesday (Feb. 13, 2001) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., and came here in 1974 from Texas, where he retired from the Air Force after 30 years with the rank of senior master sergeant. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the European-African-Middle Eastern campaigns. He was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Louise; two daughters, Karen Kuhles and Debra Warren, both of Largo; a brother, Robert, Belleair; three grandchildren, Edward Kuhles, Safety Harbor, Jennifer Zonts, Seminole, and Gentry Niestemski, San Antonio, Texas; and four great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.

David E. Feltner

David E. Feltner, a retired technical sergeant in the Air Force, passed away Monday, 4 Jun 2001, of heart failure at his home. He was 63. Mr. Feltner was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and lived in Gretna for the past 24 years. He was a member of Anchor of Hope Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Eva Hall Feltner; three sons, Terry Lee, Duwaine "Boo" and David E. Feltner Jr.; five sisters, Marcia Martinez, Hazel Fleener, Angela Arnett, Sylvia Tuffey and Mary Sparks; and seven grandchildren. A funeral will be held Friday at 9 a.m. at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 West Bank Expressway, Harvey. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. and will resume Friday at 8 a.m. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Edward Raymond Ferris

801 MAES (korea)(=50-51) A1C EDWARD RAYMOND FERRIS passed away December 8, 1950 801ST MEDICAL AIR EVACUATION SQUADRON AIR FORCE HOSTILE, DIED (KIA) DATE OF LOSS: DECEMBER 8, 1950 SERVICE NUMBER: AF11179666 BORN: APRIL 19, 1930 HOME OR PLACE OF ENLISTMENT METHUEN, MASSACHUSETTS ESSEX COUNTY LOCATION OR BATTLE ZONE: NORTH KOREA TOWN OR AREA: YONPO AIRFIELD K-27 BURIAL LOCATION ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Comments: Airman First Class Ferris was a member of the 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On December 8, 1950, he was flying as a technician when his aircraft crashed at Yonpo Airfield (K-27), North Korea killing him. C-46, Tail Number XT-44, owned by Air America. KOREAN WAR PROJECT KEY NO: 9161

Bobby Ray (Terry) Bauerle

1454 AME - Germany from 59-63; 13 AMF - Travis from 63-66 Bobby Bauerle passed away in Fairfield, California. The obituary was featured in Daily Republic on November 11, 2008.

Annette Marie Beaugez

902nd (late 60's); graduate of Brooks and PACAF Life Support School in 1969. She served at numerous bases, among them Scott Ill, Hickam, Langley VA and Offutt Lt. Col. Annette Marie Beaugez, 64, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2001 at her home in St. Martin. Miss Beaugez was born April 6, 1937. BURIAL William Seymour Cemetery  Ocean Springs, Jackson County,Mississippi, USA

Lacy Bell

1735th (Brookley, AL)(52-56); 2nd AMEflt (Rhein Main)(56-59); 11th (Scott)(60-65); 2nd AMEG (R-M)(65-68); 11th AES (Scott)(68-72); Has over 12,000 flying hours logged. Lacy Bell Belleville, IL Age 78 passed away March 9, 2009 Parents the late Dan & Isabelle (nee Chavis) Bell Date of Birth September 12, 1930 Place Lumberton, NC Date of Death March 9, 2009 Place Belleville, IL Visitation Quernheim Funeral Home 10 AM until time of service Friday March 13, 2009 Funeral 12 Noon Friday March 13, 2009 Place of Funeral Quernheim Funeral Home Waterloo, IL Clergy Pastor David Raynaud Cemetery Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery St. Louis, MO Survivors wife children grandchildren sisters brothers Mary Bell nee Pringle Lesley (Dan) Angenend Matthew (Misty) Bell Melissa (Sabian) Chaney Christian, Bryn, & Aidan Mundloch Ethan Angenend Eden Bell Elva Lee Finley Margaret Chavis Rebecca Bell Paulette Dial Leo Bell William Earl Bell Paul Bell David Earl Bell Freddie Bell nieces, nephews, & cousins Preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, & 2 brothers Groups & Organizations retired US Airforce, retired Belleville Post Office, & member of 1st Assembly of God Memorials Book of Hope

David H. Blouin

10 AES (Kelly)(65-67); 903 AMEF (Phu Cat)(67-68); 22 AMES (Pope)(69); 55 AES (Elemdorf)(71-72); Hq 22AF OL-Q (Carswell)(70-73) David H. Blouin passed away at home Sunday. He was born Jan. 16, 1937, to James and Selina Blouin in Breckenridge, Minn. The family moved to De Lamere, N.D., where he received his education. David enlisted in the Air Force and served in Vietnam. He was later stationed in Japan and served as a military hospital administrator at various hospitals in Japan. He married Akiko there, and she preceded him in death in 1993. David retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant. While in Japan, he was employed by Grummand Aviation. He moved to Augusta in 1993 and married Nancy Genger in 1997. They moved to Deer Lodge in 1999. David was a Mason and Shrine member and belonged to the American Legion and VFW. Survivors include his wife Nancy of Deer Lodge; stepdaughter and son-in-law Jody and Phil Maxwell, Deer Lodge; step-sons and daugh ters-in-law Tres and Barb Genger, Kent, Wash., Grant Genger, Salmon, Idaho, and Matt and Gail Genger, Fairfield; brothers Leslie Blouin, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Jerry Blouin, Dutton, and Norman Blouin, Shelton, Wash.; sisters Kathleen Hlavnicka, Fairfield, and Ginger Balek, Augusta; nine grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Mike Japenga offi ciating. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery with Military and Masonic honors. Memorials: First Presbyterian Church or donor's choice. Jewell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James Boyer

James Boyer passed away on 2 Jan 2020.

Well, you finally made it! Sadly, we sit writing our amazing father's obituary. Our misery was watching our parents read the obituaries daily. We would ask why? Without missing a beat dad would say, "Just making sure my picture's not there. As dad aged he wanted to see friends and family that because of circumstances were no longer a constant in his life. Dad was born in Philadelphia in 1936 to James Francis Boyer Sr and Elizabeth Eppinheimer, the eldest of six bookend by his favorite little sister Dot. He loved her very much and was able to see her before he passed. He had an enormous sense of humor and often found the best in everyone. He was kind and generous with his time. A man from an era long passed in which his word was his bond. He helped many in his life. He joined the Air Force in 1955 at 18 and landed in Texarkana Tx where he met the love of his life, our mother Anna Pearl, who was sadly lost almost a year to the day ago. They were married 63 years and raised two loving, devoted daughters Judy and Shanna along with three grandchildren Allison, Ryan, Lucio and one great grandchild Abigail. Dad was a constant support for us all, especially his grandkids. Until his last breath he worried and worked to see that all of us would be okay. Often eclipsed by his larger than life personality, we loved the way he shone. He loved all of his family in Arkansas and Pennsylvania and remained close. He and mom moved to San Antonio with his Air Force career. He later went to Vietnam as part of the medical corp where he became great friends with others like him. After he returned he and mom opened a fiberglass composite manufacturing business making aircraft interiors.

They were successful but mostly measured in how they treated everyone that worked with them. Our father taught us to always be fair and kind to everyone in our lives, and he lived by his words. Our father was a pilot which brought him much joy and happiness. We now face a very sad and tremendous void without him in our lives. We will miss you always dad, you were the absolute best father we could have ever had. The bear will be missed by all that knew and loved him. The only thing that brings us comfort is knowing you are back with your Anna Pearl. Love you always daddy,Your loving girls, Services will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #5, Jan 29th 2020 at 2:45pm. We greatly appreciate the tremendous love and care shown our father though his illness by the medical staff. He loved them all.

Richard J. Gable

Richard J Gabel passed away August 17, 2003 Born Jan 18, 1925

Shirley B. Galvin

Lt Col Shirley B Galvin passed away on August 6 1997, at age 73,born on September 17 1923. Shirley lived in San Antonio, Texas 78245, USA.

Janet Josephine Gannatal

Janet passed away  l3 June 2023 she attended Wayne State University and graduated as a registered nurse from Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in 1942. She joined the US Army in January 1943 and proudly served until 1946, when she became Captain. Janet often shared stories of the extreme dangers and challenges she faced during World War II, where she served in the 830 Medical Air Evacuation Service in the Pacific Theatre. She was honored to receive several medals, including the Air Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal. Janet was an exceptional nurse who was always proud of her military service as an Army nurse.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1919 to Italian immigrants, Sofia Andreassi and Giuseppe Di Gannatal, Janet’s father died shortly before she was born. Janet and her four siblings, Harry Gannatal, Paul Gannatal, Anne Gannatal Stagnaro, and Elda Gannatal Sayles, were raised by their mother, Sofia.

After the war, Janet moved to the bay area and worked at French Hospital in San Francisco, where she served as a public health nursing instructor and as their clinic supervisor. One of her nursing students, Julienne Poulichet Hannak, became a close and dear lifelong friend and colleague. Janet also worked in several San Francisco and bay area hospitals as a registered nurse and for many years as the district nurse for the Orinda Union School District.

Keenly intelligent, Janet was a proverbial “force of nature.” She loved Pembroke Welsh Corgis and cherished her beloved Corgis: Charlie, Sean, and Patrick. She had impeccable taste and relished visiting antique stores and auctions. Always elegant and well-appointed, she truly appreciated life’s finer things. With her terrific sense of humor and infectious laugh, she was known and loved as a lively conversationalist. Janet was infamous for driving her T-bird convertibles to her Lake Tahoe (Homewood) cabin. She enjoyed skiing at Tahoe in her younger days, but après ski was her forte.

Although Janet never had children, she was the beloved “Aunt Janet” to many. She was a dear godmother to Melissa Stagnaro and Kimberley Hannak Donaldson. Her nephews, Allen Sayles (Kerry) and Tom Stagnaro (Ann) were very close to Janet and helped her, especially in her later years. Janet truly lived a full and remarkable life. Everyone who knew her undoubtedly has at least one great Janet story. Her memorial will be private and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to your favorite charity in Janet’s name

Joseph T. Garrison

Mr. Joseph Thomas Garrison, 88, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. "JT" is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Nancy Evans Garrison; son, Joseph William Garrison; two daughters, Nancy Garrison Dunn and Rosemary Garrison Arrington; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marie Tyree. JT was a godly man that lived out his faith daily. He had a servants heart and served his country in the Army Air Corps and Air Force, his church through financial counseling ministries and his community through his personal business. JT's love of the outdoors kept him busy with fishing, hunting, golf and time at the beach making memories with his family. His greatest love was his family and the time he spent with them. He taught us all the values of hard work, honesty and how to be industrious in word and action. He leaves behind a legacy of honor, faith and love of family. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held at Brandermill Woods, March 24, at 2 p.m.

Joan C. Gilbertson

57th AES (Clark)(68-70) Lt. Col. Ret./Joan C. Gilbertson,73, a resident of Monzano Del Sol Nursing Home since 2001, passed away November 24, 2006. Joan was born in Dodgeville, WI April 27, 1933 and was a resident of Albuquerque, NM since 1979. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mae Gilbertson, and brothers, Gene and Rodney Gilbertson. Joan graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing and was commissioned in the Air Force Nurses corp. in September 1956 where she served until her retirement in 1979. During Joan's 23 years of military service she flew several air evacuation missions during the Vietnam Era. During her military career Joan earned numerous awards including the bronze star. Joan was also an active member of her church, St. Mary's Episcopal, where she was a member of the choir and ordained a deacon in May, 2001. She continued her dedicated service as an active member of the Society of Air Force Nurses serving as their outreach coordinator for New Mexico. She was a lifetime member of the DAV, and a member of the MOAA. Her appreciation for the arts was demonstrated in her involvement with the Albuquerque Civic chorus and opera unlimited. Joan is survived by sisters-in-law, Kay Gilbertson (Gene) and Joanne Gilbertson (Rodney); along with many nieces and nephews. Joan also leaves behind numerous friends who love her and will miss her. A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the St. Mary's Building Fund in her honor Joan will be interned on December 16, 2006 at Otter Creek Lutheran Cemetery in Avoca, WI. Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 

Robert Gilchrest

Robert was born on August 1, 1938 and passed away on Friday, July 10, 2009. Robert was a resident of Sacramento, California.

Sloan R. Gill

Account added for Honor Roll Major General Sloan Reid Gill, ("Sandy") USAF Retired, passed away on August 22, 2011 at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 81.  Sandy was born December 3, 1929 in Molena, Georgia to Andrew F. Gill and Roxie R. Gill. He was a 1948 graduate of Staunton Military Academy and a 1952 Graduate of The Georgia Institute of Technology. He met his wife Dolores Pittman (Losey) while attending Georgia Tech. They married in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on December 21, 1952. Major General Sloan R. Gill (Sandy) retired as Chief of the Air Force Reserve, and Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. in 1989, As commander of the Air Force Reserve, he had full responsibility for the supervision of all U.S. Air Force Reserve units around the world. "Sandy" had numerous accomplishments throughout his military career which began in 1952. He flew B-25 Bombers, C-118 Liftmasters, C-123's, C-124's, and C-7A Caribou. He participated in Operation "Wounded Warrior," the air evacuation of French Foreign Legion troops from North Vietnam, to French bases in North Africa. In 1955 he established a world record for propeller-driven transports in a C-118 Liftmaster from McGuire Air Force Base to Rheine-Main Air Base, Germany - in 10 hours, 22 minutes. He was called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 and called again in 1968 during the Pueblo Crisis. He flew Douglas C-124 Globemasters during the Pueblo crisis in support of Military Airlift Command's worldwide missions. Sandy was Commander of the 908th Tactical Airlift Group, Maxwell Air force Base, AL, Commander of the 928th Tactical Airlift Group at O'Hare, Chicago, IL. He was Vice Commander and Senior Air Reserve Technician for the 403rd Tactical Airlift Wing in Selfridge Air Force Base, MI. He was Director of Operations Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, GA, and Commander of the 94th Tactical Airlift Wing at Dobbins AFB, GA, where he received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He was commander of 433rd Tactical Airlift Wing at Kelly Air Force Base, TX, and from 1979-1981 he served as Deputy to the Chief of Air Force Reserve at Air Force headquarters. He was Commander of 4th Air Force at McClellan Air Force Base, CA in 1981, and then finally back to the Pentagon in 1982 where he was nominated by President Ronald Reagan as Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command. He retired from this position in December 1989. Sandy was a command pilot with more than 10,000 hours military flying time and over 4000 civilian hours.  His military decorations and awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal with service star, Vietnam Service Medal with service star, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  Sandy believed in a close knit family and he and Losey surrounded themselves with their children and grandchildren. Sunday family dinners were filled with laughter and Christmas ski trips were always filled with lots of horseplay. He and Losey spent many fun Christmas celebrations in Hattiesburg, with Losey's family who still reside in Hattiesburg - Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morgan and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Pittman and family, and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his three children, Roxann Gill, of Agoura Hills, CA, Jack Gill, wife Morgan of Agoura Hills, CA, and Andy Gill, wife Cynthia of Oak Park, CA, There are six grandchildren, Carl Joyce of Oak Park CA, Dr. Cole Joyce, wife Ashley of Denver, CO, Katie and Cody Gill of Agoura Hills, CA, and Kelly and Austin Gill of Oak Park, CA. There is one great- grandbaby due in October. Sandy is also survived by an older sister, Mickler Gill Wagner (Mickey), husband Tom of Riverview, FL and many nieces and nephews. He was truly an exceptional man who flew his Cessna 172 and shot a round of 84 on the golf course 4 weeks before his death. He loved his family, loved his friends, and loved his country. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. Services will be held for the family and close friends at his home in Agoura Hills, CA on September 3rd. 2011. A military send-off befitting a Major General will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to the Freedom Alliance at http://www.freedomalliance.org/ 1-800-475-6620.In Honor of: Sloan R Gill Notification sent to: Roxann Gill 29129 Fountainwood St. Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Expressions of condolences can be sent to the Gill Family, 29129 Fountainwood Street, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Melba Marie "Mickie" Gillane

Matilda D. Grinevich

Lt. Col. Matilda D. Grinevich, Ret. passed away Sunday in Pinehurst, N.C., following a long illness.  She was born Oct. 2, 1915 in Mahanoy City.  She retired from a long and distinguished military career in 1968. A graduate of Mahanoy City High School, Lt. Col. Grinevich began her career in nursing at University of Pennsylvania Training School for Nurses, Philadelphia.  She graduated in 1937 and entered the nursing field as head nurse for private duty patients at New York Hospital, New York City. She often recounted stories of many celebrities of the era who were in her care.  At the onset of World War II, she joined Army Nurse Corp where she saw extensive action as a flight nurse, evacuating wounded soldiers from battle zones, often under fire, in the South Pacific Theatre of operations.  This was an experimental service at the time, where nurses, who previously had not been allowed to take blood pressures, had to give IVs, change dressings, give antibiotics and narcotics, at 10,000 feet in the air, often alone with a plane load of wounded GIs.  After the war, she returned to civilian nursing as an industrial nurse at New York Daily News and as medical secretary at National Biscuit Company, in New York City. Around this time the Air Force became an independent branch of the service. And Mickie, as she was known, rejoined the military as an Air Force Nurse.  She was stationed in many posts around the country, Texas, California, Hawaii and overseas, in Spain. In 1959 she was assigned to Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, N.C. She fell in love with the Southern Pines/Pinehurst area of North Carolina, and, after stints in Virginia and Maine, she was reassigned to Pope and returned there to live.  Her time at Pope was spent training medical evacuation crews for the Vietnam War, a skill she had learned in World War II, which she now translated for modern warfare. In 1963 she earned her BS in nursing at East Carolina College in Greenville, N.C. She was then made chief of Nursing Services at Pope in 1967, when she established permanent residence in Southern Pines, N.C.  Following her retirement from the military, Lt. Col. Grinevich, having achieved the highest rank afforded at that time for women in the military, took a position as Director of Nursing Services at Cape Fear Valley Hospital, North Carolina. She directed a staff of 430 people and fine-tuned the nursing services at the hospital. After approximately ten years in that position, she retired from the long, grueling days to enjoy her home in Southern Pines.  Mickie is the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary Abrachinskas Grinevich, Mahanoy City. She was preceded in death by infant sisters Anastasia and Helen, a sister Mary Grinevich Lynagh, Barnesville, in 1991; a brother, Joseph, Mahanoy City, in 1992.  She is survived by a niece, Kathleen Lynagh Roland, Fogelsville; three grandnieces, Erin Roland Leone, Adrienne Roland Haddad and Mary Rose Roland Dean; eight great-grandnieces and nephews. Also surviving is longtime friend, Mrs. Jean Seige, Pinehurst, N.C., who saw to Mickie's care in her final years.  Services will be held Thursday, July 7 in Pinehurst, N.C. Boles of Pinehurst is in charge of arrangements. 

Peter Grohmann

903rd AES (69-70)(C-130, -123, -7, -118); 57 AES (Clark)(70-72)(C-141); 10 AEGp/AES (Travis)(72-73)(C-141); 57 AES (Scott)(89-90) CMSgt Pete Grohmann, 63 passed away Sept 24, 2012. Visitation, Sept 27th Renner Funeral Home, Belleville. Funeral services 1 P.M., Sept 27th at the funeral home. Burial at Jefferson National Barracks.

Richard Groy

1 AES (Pope)(67-73)(deployements-(9 AES- Clark)(10 AES- Travis)(11 AES-Scott) Richard "Dick"Groy born Feb, 21 1932 passed away on December 7, 2005. ... Dick was the owner of V&S Variety and Radio Shack in Hawthorne, NV

Eileen Hadbavny

37th AEFlt, Homestead AFB, FL, Jun-Dec 1972;31st AES, Charleston AFB, SC, Jan 1973- Jul 1994; IMA 89th ASF, Andrews AFB, Jul 1994 - Jun 2000 Lt. Col. Eileen S. Hadbavny formerly of Hancock County, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017, after a long battle with cancer in Charleston, SC. Born in Weston Ohio to the late Walter and Ethel (Wilcox) Smith, survived by husband, CDR M. T. Hadbavny, USN Ret., and by sisters, Janet (Bob) Myers and Sonja (David) Walsh of Findlay, Ohio; niece, Yeoman Chief Stephanie (Neil) Silliman; nephews, Boatswains Mate-3 Jason Myers, and Electricians Technician Striker Jordan Terrain; numerous nieces and nephews. Her brother Paul Smith died in 2016. Eileen graduated from McComb, OH, High School in 1964 and Toledo Hospital School of Nursing in 1967. After 5 years experience, Eileen received a direct commission in the Air Force Reserve Nurse Corps. She was assigned to the 31st Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Charleston AFB for 21 years, as OIC of Scheduling/Flight Nurse Instructor/ Examiner, OIC Stan/ Eval, C-17 Training Coordinator, Medical Crew Director for Ops/ Eval, and Test Flight of the Civil Air Reserve Fleet (CRAF-767) for MEDEVAC resulting in FAA certification, Liaison for the 250 bed MEDEVAC Staging Facility and Senior Flight Nurse assigned to the MEDEVAC Control Element prior to Operation Desert Storm. On active duty in 1993 as Commander of Aeromedical Forces for Operation Continue Hope, Somalia, 1601 Airlift Support Group (Provisional). She directed MEDEVAC transport at Mogadishu, Somalia, including wounded U.S. Army Rangers during the events of Black Hawk Down, October 1993. Eileen transferred to the 89th Aeromedical Staging Facility, Andrews AFB, MD and retired in 2000 after 28 years of service. Eileen served in various capacity of non-profits including, a Fellow in the Aerospace Medical Association; several Chairman Positions for the Charleston SC Region Red Cross, Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Program, Society of Air Force Nurses; Board of Directors Montgomery County VA Red Cross; Vietnam Veterans of America, and Women In Military Service. Numerous awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3), Air Force Commendation Medal, AF Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal (5), Outstanding Reserve Flight Nurse - 1978, Aerospace Medical Association Flight Nurse (Mary T. Klinker Award 1995), Joint Base Charleston Volunteer Excellence Award 2013, Clara Barton Meritorious Leadership Award, Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award 2013 and 2014 by Daughters of American Revolution, and 2008 Presidential Call to Service Award, presented by George W. Bush in Charleston, SC. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society recognized her 2016 in Washington, DC with the Citizen Honors Award for lifetime selfless service in support of veterans through her volunteer work with the American Red Cross, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion, totaling over 22,000 hours. She was VFW Post 445 Charleston Service Officer 2005-2016, and volunteered at the Charleston Veterans Administration Hospital. In lieu of flowers, Eileen has asked donations be made to American Red Cross, 2424A City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC 29406 (Service to Armed Forces fund) or VFW Post 445, 1639 Camp Rd., James Island, SC 29412 (Veterans Relief Fund). A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 18 at Bible Methodist Church, 529 Stadium Dr., Findlay, OH at 1:00 p.m. As published in The Blade Published in Toledo Blade on Feb. 12, 2017

Ulysses Hamilton

9 AES (Tachikawa)(11/61-6/65)(C-54, - 118, -121, 124, - 130); 13 AMAS (Travis)(6/65-7/69)(C-131, - 135, -141, C-9); 902 AES (Clark)(7/69-10/70)(C-118, -121, -130); 57 AES (Clark)(11/71-7/72)(C-141). Hamilton, Ulysses, born. May 2 1936, passed away Jan 8, 2012, US AIR FORCE, MSGT, VIETNAM Sacramento Valley National Cemetery Dixon, Solano County, California

Judith F. Hanson

Born June 3, 1942 passed away Feb 9, 1999.

Mary Carol Henry

Mary Carol Henry passed away 2009 no obituary is available.

Gilbert Hank Henry

1734th ATS(AE) (Kelly-Brooks)(5/53-6/56); 7416 AMEGp (Evreux AFB, France)(7/56-6/58); 14 AMTS (Brooks - Kelly)(6/58-12/65); Det 2, 2nd AMEGp (Athens, Greece)(12/65-6/68); Det 2, 375th Aawg (Maxwell)(6/68-11/69); flown (C-54, -47, -131A&E, -119, 123, - Gilbert Otto Henry, Jr. 74, a resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away from a sudden illness on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. Mr. Henry was retired from the United States Air Force...

J

James Leonard Heyen

Chief Master Sgt. James Leonard Heyen passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at the age of 66 years. This wonderful man was born January 17, 1944, in Hondo to Leslie Robert and May Lillian Paulsen Heyen. €œJimmy” was preceeded in death by his parents, and sister, Evelyn Joyce Heyen Griggs. Survivors include his wife, Trudy Pettyjohn Heyen; daughters, Jamie Heyen Kindred and husband, Douglas and Misty Rose Daiberl and husband, Brett; sons, Kirk Heyen and wife, Nori, Marty Rose and wife, Dawn, Mervin Rose III and wife, Cathy, Michael Heyen and wife Marrisda, and Ty Nelson and wife, Rebecca; brothers, Robert Heyen and wife, Kay, Dennis Heyen and wife, Betty and Kenneth Heyen and wife, Marilyn. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Maddison Sollock, Kacy and Logan Kindred, Maeghan, Caleb, Eli and Liam Heyen, Autumn and Bryan Rose, Megan and Dallas Rose, Amanda and Haley Daiberl, Michael, Isaiah, and Mariah Heyen, and Ella and Libby Nelson. He joined the United States Air Force May 2, 1964. He served as a medic during a year-long tour of duty in Vietnam, flying in helicopters treating the wounded in the air and on the ground. His deep love and pride for his country led him to serve a 20-year military career. He became a physician’s assistant, retiring as a chief master sergeant June 30, 1984.  He continued his career as a physician’s assistant working in rural health clinics until his poor health from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam forced his retirement. Visitation will be Sunday, June 27, 6 to 7 p.m.  Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Monday, June 28, at New Fountain United Methodist Church. Pallbearers were Ronnie Muennink, Kyle Heyen, George Proctor, Ron Heyen, John Heyen and Ryan Bitner. Interment with full military honors was at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Albert B. Hindman

Albert B. Hindman, 82, a former resident of Lapine, AL passed away Tuesday June 16,2010 at his home in Elberta AL. Graveside services will be held on Friday at 10:00 am at Forest Hills Cemetery in Snowdoun, AL. He is survived by one daughter, Barbara A Manning; two grandchildren, Barbara M. Gonsalves and Fredrick M Manning III; and several great grandchildren.

Beverly Jean Harris Hinkle

Sadly, Beverly Jean Harris Hinkle passed away on 9 May 2021.  Bev—occasionally known as “Princess”—was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her nursing degree/license from Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital in 1969 and entered the Air Force. She rose to Captain as a Flight Nurse, flying highly stressful missions to Alaska, Hawaii and the Philippines during the Viet Nam War. After working at French Hospital in San Francisco, she was employed by Irwin Memorial Blood Bank in San Francisco when she took friends of her father sightseeing to Sonoma. There, she wandered into the Sebastiani Vineyards tasting room on December 3rd 1974 . . . and came out with the heart of host Rich Hinkle.

Together forty-six and a half years (and six days), they are the parents of Curtis Hinkle and Tamara Leavitt. Bev Hinkle is also survived by soon-to-be daughter-in-law Hannah Miller, sister Pat Haddock, brother-in-law Brian Haddock, son-in-law Kyle Leavitt, and grandson Landon Leavitt.

A joyful hiker and generous partner and mother, her career centered around more than three decades of teaching nursing at the Santa Rosa Junior College, where she was a founding member of the deliciously rebellious “Bad Girls.” According to her wishes, she will be cremated. Donations to the American Cancer Society and/or the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation would be welcomed for a nursing scholarship in her name.

A service commemorating her life will be held at 5pm on May 22, 2021 at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beverly Jean Harris Hinkle please visit our Tribute Store.

Charles Cephas Hipps

21 AMES (Sewart AFB, TN-squadron of 1st Aero Med Group)(64-68); "Operation White Eagle" (65) later became 56th and 57th AES; 9 AEG (Tachikawa)(66); 9 Gp (Clark)(68)(flew with 901st, 902nd, 903rd, 56th and 57th); 1st Gp (Pope)(70); Vietnam (71) Charles Cephas Hipps Born January 1, 1937 passed away April 17, 2013 at his residence.

Douglas L. Howard

Douglas L. Howard Sr., 79, passed away on August 14, 2013, at his residence. Funeral services were held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2013, in the chapel of Heritage Memorial Funeral Home with burial in Parkway Memorial Gardens with full military honors. The Rev. Wayne Searcy officiated. Mr. Howard was born in Piedmont, Alabama. He was the son of the late Thomas and Minnie Ola (Thacker) Howard. He was retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years of service where he received a Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam. After leaving the military, Mr. Howard worked and retired from Robins Air Force Base where.

Katherine Hughart

As a Navajo woman, mother of four and Navy veteran turned nurse, passed away  12 July 2020, Shawna Snyder was dedicated to helping people.

In March, as COVID-19 spread, her husband, Ernesto Burbank, said he “begged her to leave her job.” She refused. Recently promoted to a leadership position, Snyder worried that if she left, “other nurses might get scared or the team might not be as strong,” he said.

Registered Nurse Shawna Snyder and her husband, Ernesto Burbank, who sang Native American songs before she died of COVID-19 in July. (Photo courtesy of Ernesto Burbank)

Burbank, a tattoo artist, said he supplied Snyder and her hospital team with disinfectant wipes from his shop, and she bought extra N95 masks for her shifts at Banner-University Medical Center South. (Banner Health declined to comment on Snyder’s death or access to masks and other personal protective equipment.)

Snyder tested positive after working on the same floor as COVID-19 patients, Burbank said, and was hospitalized, battling the virus through May and June. Burbank said he held his wife and sang Native American songs to her “before she took her journey.”

Burbank and her two youngest children have moved to be near her grave in Tsaile, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation Reservation. In Tucson, he said, their 2-year-old son insisted on sleeping outside the room where his mother had first self-isolated, hoping she would come out.

On the reservation, Burbank is building Shawna Rae’s Farm, a multipurpose home and cultural center, dedicated to helping Navajo youth and preserving culture. It’s something he and Snyder dreamed of.

John Hussey

9th AES, RP during early 70s and 80s Born June 3, 1931, in Iowa, John Hussey passed away Aug. 6, 2000, at David Grant Medical Center. A resident of Vacaville for 14 years, Mr. Hussey retired from the Air Force as a master sergeant after 35 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Maria of Vacaville; sons, Brandon, James of Vacaville, John of Rome, N.Y., Wyman of Missouri, Jette of Oklahoma, Jalene Riley of Tulsa, Okla.; daughters, Jalene Riley of Tulsa, Wylene Albertson of Missouri; and 10 grandchildren. A mass of the resurrection for John Clayton Hussey, 69, of Vacaville will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Father William Feeser will officiate. Interment will be at Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Nadeau Family Funeral Home.

Donald Hutchinson

12 AMES (McGuire)(8/64-2/67)(C-131A)

Donald Hutchinson passed away on 2/25/2017 per white pages.  Updated 6/16/19 by Ted.

Rodney Janzen

9 AMES (Tachikawa)(57-61)(C-54, -47)

Rodney Janzen was born on Jul 11, 1935 and passed away on Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010.  He was a resident of San Antonio TX.

Carolyn Allen Johnson

Carolyn Allen Johnson, born Jan. 13, 1924, passed away peacefully Oct. 14, 2002. She is survived by Frank Johnson, her husband of 48 years; her brother, Gordon Allen of New Hampshire; four sons; three daughters-in-law; seven grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other "adopted" children and grandchildren. A decorated USAF Flight Nurse, she served in the Korean War and at assignments around the world. After retiring to raise her family, she served in medical facilities around Tampa. She continued to serve as a volunteer with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and then, for many years, with Meals on Wheels. Donations to Meals on Wheels are requested in lieu of flowers. Visitation is Oct. 18, 6-8 p.m. at Blount, Curry, & Roel, W. Bearss Ave. Services will be Oct. 19., 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, N. Boulevard, Tampa.

MSgt Denning Cicero "D.C." Johnson 

y

Perished in the C-5A "Operation Babylift" crash, April 4, 1975 US Air Force Master Sergeant Denning Cicero Johnson passed away April 4th, 1975 in Binh Hoa, South Vietnam. He was 36 years old and was married. Denning died when his plane crashed. His body was recovered. Denning was born on August 1st, 1938 in Union Township of Pender County, North Carolina. MSGT Johnson is on panel 01W, line 121 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. Vietnam Veteran, Native of Dunn, NC. A Flight Member of the C5A "Babylift" Air Plane crash in Vietnam. I was stationed with DC Johnson at Rhein Main AB Germany in the 60's and was stationed with him at Clark AB, Phillipines in the 70's. We had a lot fun flying to Athens Greece and other countries in Europe. I rembember that day in April 1975. I was watching the news at Bob St Maur house when we found out about the C5A Babylift aircraft crash. I still stay in contact with two survivors. Sgt Phil Wise and Msgt Olen Boutwell. I would like to hear from any family members. JOHN HIGUERA. We all use to call him D.C.(Denning C. Johnson). He and I were stationed together several times. As medics flying air evacuation flights for the Air Force we served together both stateside, overseas, and Vietnam. I can't remember which was the hardest for me to take, hearing that D.C. augered in with a plane load of Vietnamese orphans in 1975 or learning that no one has placed any rememberance here. D.C., great job, you cared, and so do I. We miss you. John E.(Jack)Richards, TSG USAF (Retired). Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt, Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas, Texas. MSGT Johnson was KIA on 14 April 1975, the Official end to the conflict was 7 May 1975. This makes him the last documented North Carolina Casualty that was Killed in Action in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas Texas, Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt. This American Hero, served with Honor and died with Courage! 'The initial mission of Operation Babylift to bring Vietnamese orphans to the US in the few remaining days before the Republic of Vietnam fell. The C-5 departed Saigon-Tan Son Nhut Airport at 16:03. Twelve minutes after takeoff, after climbing through FL230, there was what seemed to be an explosion as the lower rear fuselage was torn apart. The locks of the rear loading ramp had failed, causing the door to open and separate. A rapid decompression occurred. Control and trim cables to the rudder and elevators were severed, leaving only one aileron and wing spoilers operating. Two of the four hydraulic systems were out. The crew wrestled at the controls, managing to keep control of the plane with changes in power settings by using the one working aileron and wing spoilers.The crew descended to an altitude of 4,000 feet on a heading of 310 degrees in preparation for landing on Tan Son Nhut's Runway 25L. About halfway through a turn to final approach, the rate of descent increased rapidly to 4,000 feet per minute. Seeing they couldn't make the runway, full power was applied to bring the nose up. At 50 feet, the throttles where retarded to idle and the C-5 touched down in a rice paddy. Skidding about 1,000 feet, the aircraft again became airborne for a half mile before hitting a dike and breaking into four parts. The cargo compartment was completely destroyed, killing 141 of the 149 orphans and attendants. Only three of 152 in the troop compartment perished. Five of the flight crew, three of the medical team, and three others lost their lives, but 175 of the 328 aboard survived.' Source: Air Force Magazine, August 1991. He is the Son of Mr and Mrs Atlas Johnson and Mrs Essie Denning Johnson, Pender County, NC. He is the Father of Sandra Denise Johnson and Marilyn Yvonne Johnson Pickering. He served with the 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 13th Air Force. He was awarded The Airman's Medal Posthumously, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal with multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, The Achievement Medal and The Commendation Medal.     Burial: Greenwood Cemetery  Dunn Harnett County North Carolina, USA
 

Roger J. Keeney

OLAA 902 AES (DonMuang, Bangkok)(8/68-8/69); 11 AAS (Scott)(8/69-8/70); 903 AES (RVN)(8/70-7/71); 902 AES (7/71-2/73); 57 AES (Scott)(2/73-6/85, then retired); Civilian Mission Controller (6/87-present)(Flew C-118, -131, -141, -9) oger J. Keeney, 59 of Highland, IL born July 27, 1944 in Bartlesville, OK passed away Wednesday June 9, 2004 at Scott Air Force Base Medical Center. Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Sunday June 13, 2004 at Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday June 14, 2004 at Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL with Rev. Jim Robinson Officiating. Burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO

Frieda E. Keso

Frieda Keso passed away 30 January 2003, from (1907-2003) she was a nurse who served for 20 years in the military. After retirement she returned to her hometown of Ripon and made her mark as a nurse with her concern for improving the hospital and developing programs to help the elderly.

In this year of the pandemic, the Ripon Historical Society wants to honor nurses and look back to the past to learn the history of nurses from Ripon.

Even though women took care of their sick families and children, nursing did not become an acceptable profession for women in America until the Civil War. During the war, the need for qualified nurses rose and, in 1861, the first nursing course to train nurses was established.

As time went on, nursing and teaching became the two acceptable careers for women. Although, many times if the woman married, she had to give up her profession.

Frieda Emily Keso (1907-2003) was born and grew up in Ripon, graduating from Ripon High School. She attended Columbia School of Nursing in Milwaukee.

After working as a nurse for nine years, she entered the Army Nurse Corps during World War II. Over the years, Keso had many types of advanced nursing training including flight nurse training.

After several war postings, she became chief nurse of the 100th Evacuation Hospital. Her unit served in four major campaigns: the Battle of St. Lo, the Crossing of the Rhine, The Battle of the Bulge and the Crossing of the Elbe.

She was awarded the Bronze Star for her administration of the nursing service. After the war ended, she became the chief nurse of the 101st General Hospital in Berlin, Germany, a 1,500-bed hospital.

After 37 months in the European Theatre, she was moved to New York to the Brooklyn Air Force Base.

During her three-year assignment, she was instrumental in starting the transportation of war brides into this country, the repatriation of the war dead and the Displaced Persons Program.

After 20 years of service and now an Air Force Major, Keso retired. The Army Air Force became the Air Force in 1947.

Keso returned to Ripon and became an active community member. She served on the original Senior Citizens Committee and established the Meals on Wheels program.

Keso was the first nurse to be elected to the Ripon hospital board of directors and served for nine years on this board. She was concerned with providing 24-hour coverage by a physician in the emergency room.

She served on the hospital buildings and grounds committee and was active in helping to complete the Clara Zobel Baker Outpatient Clinic.

The Nurses of the 101st General Hospital in Berlin, Germany gather for a photo. Frieda Keso was the chief nurse just after World War II.

She also was a member of the Ripon Hospital Auxiliary. In 1962, she worked to set up the Parkview Nursing Home and was the nursing home’s first supervisor.

Besides serving on various committees and belonging to many area organizations, Keso also worked at the Ripon College infirmary and in the health offices of Green Giant and Speed Queen.

Keso’s obituary from the Ripon Commonwealth Press was 4-inches wide and 15 1/2-inches long. This alone speaks for her dedication to nursing and the community of Ripon.

She is buried at Ripon’s Hillside Cemetery.

William (Bill) Kilrain

903rd at Qui Nhon Vietnam and the 902nd AES at Clark (around late 60's). While in Qui Nhon Vietnam he served with distinction and helped repel an enemy attack when they tried to overrun a position where he as staging. He received the Bronze Star with "V Michael William Kilrain,Age 55, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2012. In Michaels' honor, Paddy (Trish) would like for you to spend a day with your family as a tribute to his life.  Obituary for Michael William Kilrain, written by his wife, Paddy (Trish) Maruska Several weeks ago, a nurse offered me a fortune cookie from the clinic cookie jar. I took one, opened it, & read, “You will have many friends when you need them.” Indeed! Thank you all for helping me through this most difficult time. Michael William Kilrain was born on Long Island, New York, to Bill & Theresa Kilrain. His sisters Robin & Trisha, & his brother Thomas followed. His dad was a medic in the United States Air Force, so they lived in various parts of the world such as Germany & the Philippines, & stateside in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, & New Mexico. Bill retired from USAF in the early 1970s after serving three Tours of Duty in Vietnam, doing Air Evacuation of our wounded troops; they settled in Albuquerque, NM. Mike graduated from Eldorado High School in 1976, worked on transmissions for several years, then joined the New Mexico Air National Guard in 1980. Mike was an Honor Graduate at Chanute Technical Training Center. Mike served our country for twenty-seven years as a crew chief on the flight line of the 150th Fighter Wing, working on A-7s & F-16s until his retirement in 2007. He earned many awards, including Superior Performance Award 1993-2003, Aircraft Maintainer of the Year 1991, Outstanding NCO of the Year 1995, Senior NCO of the Quarter October-December 2000, & Outstanding Senior NCO of the Year 2001. While Mike worked for Uncle Sam full-time, he also attended evening college classes full-time, often taking two & three courses each nine-week semester. Mike loved football; but when he needed to study, do research, or compose a paper, he turned off the Sunday NFL games. Mike maintained a 3.5 GPA while earning an Associate in Applied Science Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics, & Master of Aeronautical Science. Mike was not a “cowpie” kind of guy. He held himself to a high standard, & he expected much the same from others. Upon retiring from NMANG as Senior Master Sergeant, Mike attended CNM full-time, maintaining a 3.9+ GPA. He earned an Airframe & Powerplant Certificate, then earned an Airframe & Powerplant License from the Federal Aviation Administration after thorough, rigorous testing. Mike & I were together twenty-five years, twenty-three of them as husband & wife. He enjoyed learning, especially history; watching NFL football; listening to most types of music; walking our dogs; lifting weights; yard work; & making our house a home. I want to thank everyone associated with the Veterans’ Administration’s Continuous Infusion Clinic & Palliative Team, from start to finish & in-between: from Gloria the scheduler, through the volunteers, technicians, pharmacists, social workers, nurses, physicians, & Rich, the Oncology CNP. Hopefully, none of you veterans will ever need this exemplary group of professionals. But if you do, rest assured that they have your “six o’clock,” they will run point for you. I am also thankful to VistaCare Hospice team. It is difficult at best to go into an end-of-life/terminal situation, get set up, & assist the dying client & their family. Death: We all do it, but it remains so personal, so intimate. And to the Daniels Family Funeral Services, especially George Sanders, thank you for your compassion & expertise. My husband was agnostic most of his adult life until three or four years ago, when he became an avowed atheist. To Mike, birth was the very beginning, & death was the absolute end. He did not believe in an afterlife or spirit world. But I do believe. And, I dare say that, once Mike drew his last breath in & gently exhaled, his dad Bill, his stepdad George, his grand-mom Elsie, & countless others were all there to welcome him…to the realm of spirit. Each time one veteran is honored, all veterans are honored. Mike’s cremains will be buried with full military honors in Santa Fe National Cemetary, following a remembrance ceremony of his life. Mike & his sister Robin continued the military career tradition of their dad, Bill. They will all be honored, as well as Mike’s grand-dad, Francis, a World War I-era, “doughboy,” & all others who have served our great country in myriad ways throughout our almost two & one-half centuries. One final thought…to paraphrase novelist Thornton Wilder: “The greatest tribute we can give to our loved ones who have predeceased us is not grief, but gratitude.” Thank you, Michael William Kilrain. 

Norda May King

Maj. Norda May King (Ret.) USAF, 93, of Cheyenne, passed away on December 10, 2022, peacefully in her home with her family by her side. She was born on October 29,1929, in Lyons, NE to Fred and Ellen (Peterson) King. She was raised in Snohomish, Washington.
Norda lived an amazing life doing things that women in those days didn't do. Her military career was one of those. She was an RN that enlisted into the Air Force becoming a flight nurse on an elite flight team, Military Airlift Command of MAC. She took part in getting wounded or ill US soldiers from the Vietnam war to hospitals for treatment. To perform this amazing task Norda had to be specially trained, not only as a nurse but extensive training for airborne medical care. She helped and saved many lives both on the ground and in the air.
Norda after her time in the Vietnam war she returned home to them become an OB nurse in Alaska and at F.E. Warren Air Force Base where she stayed until she retired staying in Cheyenne the rest of her life.
Norda enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, photography, and card games. She was a member of the Moose lodge and the VFW.
Norda is survived by her life partner of 50 years, Mary R. Rimmer; sisters, Carole Schweizer and Sue Johnson both of Snohomish, Washington; sister-in-law, Murle Paris of Overton, Nevada; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dale and Terry King; and a sister, Phyllis.
Services will be held at a later date.

Madeline Patricia Kirby

Flt Sch (Randolph)(Class-49A); 1451 (Kelly)(49-50)(TAD-Westover & Fairfield-Suisuin); 1453 (Hickam)(50-53)(TAD-Midway & Osaka); (C-46, -54, -54M, -97, -74) KIRBY, Madeline Patricia, 93, of Chesterfield/Capron, Va., passed away September 17, 2016. She was born in Danville, Illinois to immigrant Lithuanian parents, the youngest of eight. After graduating from Westville, Illinois High School, she moved to Chicago and did factory work supporting the war effort. When opportunity came, she enrolled in St. Elizabeth's Nursing Program and achieved her BSN with a follow-on commission into the Army Air Corps. Initially, she worked with POWs interned in the states, then returning servicemen. Accepted into the flight nurse program of the Air Force, she sat out of the military nine months while the Air Force was being brought on line. During the hiatus, she became one of Howard Hughes' Flight Hostesses (highlighted in Life Magazine). As an Air Force flight nurse, Madeline was the sole nurse setting up medical facilities on Midway Island. She additionally served in the Philippines and Osaka, Japan caring for repatriated POWs and injured servicemen. It was in Osaka that she met the love of her life, Edward Kenneth Kirby, a Marine Corps Pilot in the Black Sheep Squadron. Departing the service, Madeline began cooking as a hobby which led to 20 years of writing a cooking column for the Tidewater News and three state rural newspapers. After Ken's retirement from 28 years of Marine Corps assignments, she went back to nursing in Capron, then Franklin, Va. Madeline was a prolific letter writer up to her death. Recipients of her wit, support and clippings of "continuing education" included children, grandchildren, childhood buddies, military coworkers, neighbors from places they were stationed and members of her church and community. Madeline met and formed friendships wherever she went on her travels and adventures. She was a mesmerizing storyteller as well as an enthusiastic singer who always "knew a song about that." Surviving are her beloved children, Kathleen Maitland (Larry), Maureen Leister (David Lowman), Patricia Kirby Castillo, Kevin Kirby (Bonnie), Colleen Ruffner (John Paul); grandchildren, Brandon Maitland and Kirby Cavicchini (Nicola), Matthew, Alexander (Elizabeth), Samantha Leister and Rachel Turanchik (William), Gabriel Castillo, Bryce and Tyler Kirby, Philip, Kirsten, Haley and Preston Ruffner; great-grandchildren, Liliana and Edward Leister; goddaughter, Jennifer Bagsby. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held October 2 at 2 p.m., St. Anne's Catholic Church, Colonial Heights, Va., with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. (Interment: Arlington National Cemetery, to be announced.)

Mary T. Klinker

Perished in the C-5A "Operation Babylift" crash, April 4, 1975 US Air Force Captain Mary Therese Klinker passed away April 4th, 1975 in Binh Hoa, South Vietnam. She was 27 years old and was not married. Mary died when her plane crashed. Her body was recovered. Mary was born on October 3rd, 1947 in Lafayette, Indiana. CPT Klinker is on panel 01W, line 122 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.  US Air Force Capt Klinker was a flight nurse with the 10th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron temporarily assigned to Clark Air Base in the Philippines, was on the C-5A Galaxy which crashed on April 4 outside Saigon while evacuating Vietnamese orphans. This is known as the Operation Babylift crash. From Lafayette, Indiana, she was 27. She was posthumously awarded the Airman's Medal for Heroism and the Meritorious Service Medal. Layfayette Leader, May 1, 1975. Funeral Services for Capt Mary T Klinker, 27, an Air Force Flight Nurse killed in the April 3rd crash of a U.S. C5A Galaxy transport plane carrying Vietnamese orphans to the United States, were held at 10am Saturday in St Lawrence Catholic Church. The Reverend Edwin Deane OFM, of Dayton, Ohio, and the Reverend Clair Bourdereaux OFM Officiated and the internment was in Saint Boniface Cemetery with Military gravesite rites by the Grissom AFB Honor Guard. The daughter of Mr and Mrs Paul Klinker of 3553 Woodmar Court. The Captain ahd been officially listed as missing since April 5. Affiliated with the 10th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron out of Travis AFB on California, she had served in the Air Force since 1969 as a flight nurse, instructor and flight examiner. A native of Lafayette, she had lived here most of her life, graduating from St Lawrence Elementary Central Catholic High School and St Elizabeth School of Nursing. Prior to joining the Air Force, she had worked for a year in St Elizabeth Hospital. Capt Klinker was a member of St Lawrence Church, the Indiana State Nurses Association and St Elizabeth Nursing Alumni Association. Surviving with the parents are four brothers, Richard P. of Lafayette, David J. of Greensboro, NC, James D and Donald J, both of West Lafayette and a Sister, Mrs Charles E Carolyn Cancik Jr of Scottsdale, Arizona. Hippensteel Funeral Home was in charge of the local arrangements. In Memory: Capt Mary Klinker was a flight nurse assigned to the 22nd Aircraft Squadron at Clark Air Base in the Philippines in 1974. As Saigon fell, President Gerald Ford ordered an airlift of all in-country orphans, many of whom had American fathers, to the United States for asylum and adoption. The 22nd, with its motto of 'Anything, Anywhere, Anytime,' was given the task of bringing those children from Vietnam to the Philippines. Klinker volunteered for the humanitarian effort, which became known as Operation Babylift. Evacuating hundreds of orphans would prove difficult in many ways. At one makeshift orphanage in a two-story French colonial villa, nurse LeAnn Thiemann recalled a 'sea of babies' across the floor, lying on mats crying, cooing, playing, and sleeping. The Vietnamese caregivers prepared the little ones for their journey by dressing them in 'lace, ruffled panties, patent leather shoes,' Thieman said. After leaving the orphanages, each group of babies was then transported to Tan Son Nhut Air Base for evacuation. The aircraft selected for this mission were C-5A Galaxy cargo planes, big enough to drive a truck into and stable enough to fly about 25 cardboard boxes holding two or three babies apiece. Thieman, who worked on the flight that followed Klinker's, recounts the apprehension that she and her colleagues felt: 'We took our seats for the takeoff, and the true terror began. Would we be shot down? Would we even get off the ground?' At 3 p.m. on April 3, 1975, the initial mission flight took off with Capt. Dennis 'Bud' Traynor at the controls, a crew of 16, seven attendants including Klinker, and 145 orphans. At 4:13, the lower rear fuselage was torn apart, and Traynor 'had to invent a technique for managing a seemingly unmanageable aircraft,' according to John L. Frisbee of Air Force Magazine. In the ensuing crash, the 27-year-old Klinker, from Lafayette, Ind., became the last nurse and the only member of the Air Force Nurse Corps to be killed in Vietnam. She received the Airman's Medal and a Meritorious Service Medal and is listed on Panel O1W Row 122 of The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Raymond Johnson, Jr. Thank you Mary Klinker for being there for the lost children of Vietnam. Vietnamese Adoptee, Wisconsin, April 1975, Tim Hoye. She served with the 22nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Clark AFB, Philipines, USAF. She was awarded The Airman's Medal Posthumously, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.     Family links:   Parents:   Paul Edward Klinker (1902 - 1985)   Thelma Mary Deane Klinker (____ - 1983)   Burial: Saint Boniface Cemetery  Lafayette Tippecanoe County Indiana, USA

Lillian (Lil) Krasnow

Lil passed away March 30, 2017.  Born and raised in New Hampshire, graduated from nursing school, worked in Boston, moved to California, then met and married Lou.  She had a full career at UCSF, Langley Porter as psychiatric nurse, and was an Air Force Flight Nurse reservist stationed at Travis AFB and in England during Desert Storm, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel.  In her retirement she pursued her passion for fine food, good wine and travel.  She embraced her job at Filoli Gardens as volunteer/docent for over 15 years.

Gilbert Kuehl

981st MAES (Randolph)(49-51); 1732nd AMES(Ramstein)(51-54); AMEGp (Comdr & Ops Off)(Ramstien)(54-55);!st MAES(Rhein Main)(55-57)

Gilbert Kuehl passed away on Oct 11, 1999, per the white pages.  Updated 6/16/19 by Ted.

Alfred ( Bud ) Lauria

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Alfred G. (Bud) Lauria, passed away in the late morning hours of Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at the Auburn Community Hospital in Auburn, New York. Age 84 years. Alfred was born on September 22, 1935 in Bay City, Michigan to the late Charles W. and Viola M. (Bellor) Lauria. On July 28, 2007 inside of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish-St. Johns Church in Essexville, Michigan; Alfred married his loving wife, Audrey Clark, and she survives him. After over 22 years of service with the United States Air Force; Alfred retired as a Medevac and Master Sergeant. A very proud and honorable period in Alfreds career with the Air Force was the 6 years that he served as a Medevac during the Vietnam War. He flew in and out of Vietnam caring for the injured and saving the lives of many. After retiring from the service, Alfred then went to work for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the United States Postal Service. He was a past member of Our Lady of Peace Parish with affiliation to both Visitation Catholic Church and St. Marys Catholic Church. Alfred was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Air Force Medevac Association. He enjoyed going roller skating, drinking red wine, and playing golf. He also had a craving for fresh sweetcorn. Alfred will be deeply missed by all, and his memories will be cherished forever.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Audrey M. Lauria; his children, Debbie (John) Brookins, Mark Lauria, and Lisa Destefano; step-child, Jeffrey (Patty) Gonz; six grandchildren, Siara (Jason) Smith, Megan Maddox, Josh Reid, Rick Girardin, Amy McCargar, and Skye Matt; step-grandchildren, Sara Gonz and Connor Gonz; several great-grandchildren; special niece, Sandy (John) LaBo; and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Alfred is happily reunited with his parents, Charles W. and Viola M. (Bellor) Lauria; and his first wife, Virginia Marie Lauria.

A Memorial Service and Military Honors Ceremony will take place at the Squires Funeral Home at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020. Officiating will be Deacon Kenneth Kochany. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, only, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services. For online condolences please visit, www.SquiresFuneralHome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alfred G. Lauria please visit our Tribute Store.

Billy Light

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Billy Light, passed away on November 15 1997 in Farmington, Missouri, leaving to mourn family and friends. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Billy Light's life. Flowers and condolences may be sent in memory of the loved one.

Eric O. Linden

14th AMTS, Op Officer (Brooks)(56- ); 12th AMTS, Sq CC (McGuire) Lt. Col. Eric 0. Linden (USAF Ret), 81, of Winter Park, FL passed away Thursday, August 23, of heart failure.A Visitation will be held at the Goldenrod Chapel, Saturday, August 25, 2001, 8-9PM. A Funeral Service will be held for Mr. Linden at Audubon Park Covenant Church, Sunday, 8/26/01 at 3PM. Reverend Kevin Brockwell will officiate. Eric was born in Hartford, CT in 1920 and spent his childhood in Rye, NY. He served in the Air Force for 28 years as a pilot and served with the 54th Bomber Wing in North Africa in 1942 as a B-25 bomber pilot. Among his many medals he received the distinguished Flying Cross. He met his beloved wife, Carolyn at Rabat, Marocco, where she was an army nurse. They were married in Algeria in December, 1943. He was active in the Retired Officers organization, 54th Bomber Wing, Rolling Hills Golf Club and Audubon Covenant Church. BALDWIN-FAIRCHILD GOLDENROD CHAPEL, 7520 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL 32792. 407-677-5091. www.baldwinfairchildfuneral.com. Published in the Orlando Sentinel on Aug. 25, 2001

Wiley Cohn Loggins

801 MAES (korea)(=50-51) Private First Class Loggins was assigned to Tachikawa Air Force Base, Japan, passed away on September 26, 1950, he was aboard a C-54D Skymaster transport departing from Ashiya, Japan when the aircraft crashed into the Sea of Japan. Private First Class Loggins was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Notes

Harlold R. Lohman

Harold R. Lohmann was born in Bartlesville, February 26, 1943, and passed away October 7, 2023, at the age of 80. Harold proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, and was a Vietnam Veteran, he was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Highland Hills Lodge, Alamo Masonic Lodge #44, and the 33rd Degree member of the Scottish Rite. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his loving wife Jeanne E. Lohmann, 3 children Wade, Chad, and Jessica, and other family members and friends.

Albert Jr. Lumpe

903 AES AFLD (Tan Son Nhut)(69-70) Albert was born on November 14, 1932 and passed away on Monday, July 4, 2011. Albert was a resident of Riverside, California.

Marlene Marshall

Marlene passed away March 31, 2016 she had struggled with her health for over 25 years. She
battled sinus issues, Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction
Syndrome/CFIDS, Parkinson's Disease and cancer. Her medical
caregivers are too numerous to mention. She saw over 30
physicians over the years. In particular, we would like to thank
the following doctors: Dr. Richard Areen, ENT; Dr. Daniel
Petersen, immune disorders; Dr. Richard Tang, primary care;
Dr. Delphine Ong, oncologist and her very able assistant Elizabeth
Knealy, RN, who was available to Marlene any time she asked;
Dr. Harvey Wolkov, radiologist; Dr. Timothy Mar and Dr. Michael
Leathers, orthopedic surgeons; and all the staff at the Sutter
Infusion center. Thanks to the Sutter Hospice stafffor their
compassionate palliative care, especially Veronica Murray, RN and
Harpreet Kaur, health aid. Marlene was blessed with the loving
care of Loti Ma'ake for the past weeks.
Most of all we thank the loving community of the UPPER
DELTA, who visited, listened, called us, fed us, and comforted us
when we were most in need. The Marshall family focused on
making Marlene's last days pleasant, full of love and kindness.
Thank you, thank you all for helping make it happen. May God's
blessings be on each of you.

Harold V. Martin

Harold V. Martin, passed away in November 2001

Everett E. Martin

Everett E Martin Born 12 May 1929 passed away 12 Apr 1997, Universal City, TX

Thomas J. ( Jim & Jean ) Mathews

Darwin N. McClure

65 AES (Res)(Travis)(70-79) CMSgt Darwin N McClure passed away July 5, 2003 Age 70 Born: June 15, 1933

Nellie V. Mclaughlin

Nellie Mclaughlin passed away 1 Jun 2006, No Obituary provided.

Robert M. Oparka

Robert M Oparka was born on August 9, 1931. He passed away on August 25, 1995 at 64 years old. We know that Robert M Oparka had been residing in Lake Havasu City, Mohave County, Arizona.

Dale H. Overton

Maj. Dale H. Overton, USAF, Ret., RN, BSN, CFRN, CRNA, PNP and D-ABC,
Age 82, passed away on March 23rd, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Violet R. Overton, two children Kenneth E. Overton (spouse Caroline) and Paula R. Ward (spouse Jesse) and three grandsons Stephen S. Overton, Jack D. Ward, and Phillip Overton. He is also survived by three brothers Bill Cotant (spouse Pam), Rick Cotant (spouse Marilyn), Mike Cotant (spouse Vonnie), his beloved cousins, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughters Malissa K. Overton aged 11 (1978), Lynnette M. Overton aged 51 (2018), brother Jimmy Contant aged 69 (2015) (spouse Linda) and twin brother Don E. Overton aged 81 (2017) (spouse Idona).  

Dale was born in Alliance, Nebraska. He graduated from the Cook County 

(Chicago) School of Nursing.  He continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania receiving his BSN and PNP.  He also received an additional diploma and certification from the USAF to be a Flight Nurse.

Dale served honorably in the United States Air Force for 21 years. He began his career as a Staff Nurse in the Spinal Cord Injury Service.  He went on to serve as a General Duty Nurse in Medical, Surgical; a Flight Nurse in Orthopedics;  Chief Nurse in Casualty Staging Flight; Charge Nurse in a Thoracic Surgical Unit and Open Heart Surgery Unit.  He then became a Pediatric Nurse Practioner and completed Anesthesia School.  He was also an Adjunct Professor of Nursing at the University of North Dakota School of Nursing. He served two tours in Vietnam, was stationed in Greenland, Spain, and many bases throughout the U.S.. 
After his military career Dale ultimately ended up in San Antonio. He worked as a nursing supervisor, a nurse practitioner, an ICU nurse and then became an assistant to the Bexar County Medical Examiner earning the title of Forensic Specialist (Certification received from the American Board of Criminalistics).  He also became the Chief Nurse for the Bexar County Correctional System.  His profound medical knowledge and expertise was used several times in court proceedings.  He retired around the year 2000 to spend his remaining years with his beloved wife.
Dale and Violet were known by many for their open hearts and understanding.  Over the years many folks who needed a temporary respite and a safe harbour were aided by their generosity.  Dale felt compelled to be of assistance to those in need.  This was reflected in his choice of career, a most giving profession.  Mr. Rogers from "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" was Dale's role model and personal hero.  He emulated his role model in his steadfastness by helping struggling teens and young adults with empathy and non-judgement. He lived his life with acts of kindness and full of love. 
A graveside service will be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery on April 18th, 2018 at 9am. A small catered reception will be hosted by the family following the service.
Per his request, in lieu of flowers,  contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St.Judes Children's Research Hospital.

AE Unit Links

• Unit Facebook Links
• USAFSAM

AMEA Links

• AMEA on Facebook
• AMEA Shop

Links of Interest

• Air Force Link
• Air Force Times
• Department of Defense [DoD] Website
• My Pay Website
• Stars and Stripes
• USAF Internet Sites List
• Women's Memorial