Sadden we have lost 20 members of Vance AFB, OK Underrgraduate Pilot Training 9UPT0 Class 68E:
(#-Indicated the three lost in Southeast Asia (SEA). Their names appear on the Vietnam Wall)
(NOTE CONCERNING THE MINITURE WALLS. The Wall is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. It stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end. (One of these walls is on display at Woodring Airport in Enid OK.)
NOTE: Class 68E took T-41 training at Woodring Airport in Februry 1967 near where the wall is set up. The wall was one of the travelling walls and has found a hone in ENID OK. The replica is (80% of the original wall) more than 380 feet long and 8 feet high at its tallest point, made of anodized aluminum. The wall is accessible to the public free of charge from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day of the year.
Last Flights as of 20 May 2026–
Caron, Robert E DOB:21 Mar42– DOD:27 Dec 2023
Carroll, Robert G. DOB:5 Jul42– DOD: 16 Nov 2020
Eskew, Larry T. DOB:13 Oct 42– DOD: 8 Dec 2022
Hazelton, Courtlan C. DOB:8 Jun 43–DOD:29 Jan 2021
Junge, Albert G. DOB: 03 Jan 42 0- DOD:28 Aug 2022
Kecskes, Stephen A.-Andy DOB:24 Feb 44–DOD: 26 Apr 2025
Lavin, Paul M. DOB:14 Apr 44–DOD:30 Jan 2014
Lindgren, John DOB:7 Oct 39 DOD: 3 May 2022
Lohse, Herman D.-Dave DOB: 17 Jul 43– DOD: 15 Jul 1990
Mosaed, Ahmad I. Deceased per Hall & Cagle- dates unknown
Motyka, Edwin J DOB: 10 Nov 39- DOD: 06 Nov 2022
Nolte, Ronald W. DOB: 12 Apr 41– DOD: 02 Jul 2019
Preston, John A., DOB: 15 Aug 40–DOD: 19 Oct 2023
Riggins, Dennis D.., DOB: 23 Nov 41–DOD: 27 Nov 2025
#-Schiele, Craig B.,.. DOB: 09 Aug 43–DOD: 24 Oct 1970-SEA-CH-3
Sinclair, John W. DOB:.. 22 Oct 44– DOD:11 Jan 2010
#-Strout, Roger H.,.. DOB: 9 Jul 43 -DOD: 17 Dec 1968-SEA- C-123K-
Thompson, Gary L. DOB: 27 May 41 — DOD:28 Nov 2004
Ullman, Walter L. DOB: 28 Sep 44 — DOD:7 Apr 2016
#-Willett, Jr., Robert V. DOB: 05 Aug 44–17 Apr 1969 DOD:25 June 1979-MIA SEA F-100-
OBITUARY of deceased:
Robert George Carroll
October 13, 1942 – November 16, 2020
If you’re about to take out the trash, stop. Consider the lessons of Robert George Carroll who entered eternal life on Monday, November 16, 2020. His spirit is carried on by his wife of 53 years, Elaine Carroll, daughter, Jeanna Carroll James, five grandchildren, and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life from Texas to New York, Sweden, and even the moon and back. All who knew Bob were blessed by his stories (at least 50% true), magic tricks, knowledge of unusual things, and love for people. Bob never met a stranger and if you needed help he’d give you the shirt off his own back. We learned many valuable lessons from Bob during his 78 years, among them: Never throw away a twist off bottle cap, you can put them on chair feet so they slide easy. Cheese with mold is perfectly fine, you just cut that part off before you eat it. Use by date does not mean expired, it is probably still good and therefore should not be in the trash. Dogs are family who never talk back and love you even when you don’t love yourself. When you find a woman you love marry her, there’s no need to wait. Serve in the military and be proud to be an American. Elaine Carroll is the best cook on the planet and she’ll make her famous caramel bread for Bob’s coffee group, Masonic lodge, church group, Magic Club, and more, just ask him. Elaine’s homemade bourbon balls, however, are his and the one food that is not for sharing, especially with kids. That’s his good bourbon! If you see someone standing alone at a party, in church, or anywhere, go over and say “Hi, I’m Bob.” Eat lunch with friends. Repeat. Join a masonic lodge and learn how to be a better man. Go to a nursing home and talk to everyone, even if they can’t hear you or never talk back. Learn to fly airplanes. When you can’t fly anymore because you are too big and eyes aren’t so great, learn how to be a hospital administrator instead. Invite new friends to Thanksgiving dinner. If they are from another country and you have trouble understanding them, smile and point. Learn close up magic tricks with cards and join a magic club. Visit patients in the hospital and share magic and fantastic stories. Teach your daughter how to swear (she’s going to learn anyway), punch, and shoot. If you are in the Air Force, teach your daughter how to fly airplanes. Honor your fellow soldiers and first responders. Talk to wait staff and learn their names and stories. Volunteer at the local elementary school to help kids read. Tell about your dyslexia and how you were held back a grade. Help anyone struggling to get their kids into a car or anyone who just looks lost. When your daughter brings home friends who need a dad, be their dad, too. Walk down the aisle for your “adopted” daughter proudly and with love. Take food to your homeless friends under the bridge. Join a masonic lodge on the moon because it will be awesome. Make olive butter. When you retire, be a volunteer police officer and you can win awards for your service then, too. Get a four legged partner and welcome her to your family after years of police service. Practice mental math until you can do magic tricks and solve complicated problems faster than a calculator. Travel with friends, especially to magic conventions, fishing trips in Alaska, Sweden, Germany, the Nordics, and Russia. Listen to Swedish lullabies. Join a coffee group and gab every week with friends. Find a good minister, priest, and Rabbi and talk about religion with them regularly over coffee or lunch. Tell your son-in-law you love him. Learn something new every day. Play corn hole, dominos, and chess with your grandkids every chance you get. Don’t let them win, they’ve got to learn how to win themselves. Teach your grandkids how to swear when beaten at corn hole, dominoes, or chess. Go to the movies. Love everyone you meet and then go eat together. Tell your daughter you’re proud of her. Tell your wife you love her. Be a better man. Bob was born on October 13, 1942 in Binghamton New York to Howard and Jean Carroll. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from University of Kentucky and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Hardin-Simmons University. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, his daughter Jeanna James (husband Daniel); his grandchildren: Emma James, Alexander James, Josh James, Rachael Nguyen (Ban), Bryan Finley-James; aunt: Mary Lois Carroll; nieces and nephews; Shane Gregg (Torie), Lizzy, Layne and Alexis; cousins: Lois Ann Spreen (Pete), Stuart Carroll (Liz), Stuart Carroll, Jr, Ann Carroll, Gail Gnatek, Barbara Koch, Greg Gilbertsen and Thomas Gilbertsen.
John W. Sinclair – SINCLAIR, John Walter, 65, of New Kent, passed away January 11, 2010. He is survived by his beloved children, Katelyn and John Sinclair. Burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery, April 29, 2010 at 12:45 p.m. Vincent Funeral Home, Providence Forge, handling arrangements.
Paul M. Lavin (Colonel USAF Ret) LAVIN, Paul M., Colonel USAFR [Ret.] 69, of Dayton, Ohio passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2014 after a two-year progression of ALS / Lou Gehrig’s disease. Paul’s warm smile and compassionate generous nature made everyone feel special. He embodied gratitude for life’s goodness, cherishing, above all, those he loved. Paul believed that the measurement of life was not about how much money you make, but those you mentor and help through life. He was strong in his faith and always looked at the bright side of life. For these and all his gifts we are blessed to have had him in our lives. Paul loved sailing, eating lobster and clam chowder and being on the water. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on April 14, 1944 to the late James J. and Rita I. (Murray) Lavin. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty years Beverly (Frederick) and Tucker, their faithful cocker spaniel. Paul is also survived by his children: Jennifer (Paul) Heath, and Scott (Christine) Frederick of Seattle, Washington and Brigit Lavin and Mara (Todd) Nerlinger of Dayton, Ohio, Grandchildren: Sasha, Ava, Rachel, and Grace of Seattle, Colton and Matthew of Dayton; a brother Colonel Kevin (Carol) Lavin of Charlottesville, Virginia and nephews, nieces and a multitude of friends. Paul graduated from Central Catholic High in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1961 and St. Anselm’s College in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1965. He accomplished graduate work in Economics at the University of Illinois and Wright State University. He was commissioned as an Air Force Officer through Officer Training School in 1967 and completed pilot training in 1968 at Vance AFB, Enid, Oklahoma. His first assignment was flying C-7A aircraft in Vietnam. He transferred to Dayton in 1969 where he was assigned as a pilot / B-52H aircraft commander in the 17th Bomb Wing on Wright-Patterson AFB. That tour of duty included 108 ARC Light bombing missions over Vietnam and many other operations. In September 1973, Paul transferred to the 907th Tactical Airlift Group of the Air Force Reserves at Rickenbacker ANGB, Columbus, Ohio. During the next 23 years he flew C-123 and C-130 cargo aircraft, in the United States, Europe and Central America. He was activated and deployed during the First Gulf War (Desert Shield/Storm) in 1991, where he served as the Director of Operations for a C-130 wing in Oman and Saudi Arabia. Upon his return he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. Paul then held various command and senior staff positions at Rickenbacker ANGB and Wright-Patterson AFB, retiring in April 1997. His military honors and decorations included: Command Pilot, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, 9 Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medals, and Southwest Asia Service Medals. In 1974 he began his licensed real estate career, specializing in commercial sales, leasing and consulting. He was employed by Oberer Development Company and Gem Savings before becoming a partner with Midwest Brokers and later Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors. During his career he brokered many small and large commercial contracts in the Miami Valley. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 2, 2014 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E Stroop Rd., Kettering. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, February 3, 2014 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association fighting Lou Gehrig’s disease (www.alsa.org). Send condolences to the family by signing the guestbook at www.routsong.com. The family would like to thank the VA, Southview Hospital, Graceworks at Home, OSU, Cleveland Clinic, and Case Western as well as numerous friends and neighbors for their wonderful help and care.
Walter Lee Ullman— AUSTIN, TX – Walter Lee Ullman, 71, formerly of Muncie, IN, flew home to be with his Savior on April 7, 2016 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, in Austin, TX. Walt, as he preferred, was born on September 28, 1944, in Muncie, IN. He graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1962, and Ball State University in 1968. He completed Air Force pilot training in 1968, and served in Vietnam where he earned his captain’s wings. After Vietnam, he returned to Muncie to pursue graduate studies, eventually completing his Masters in Journalism and Public Relations in 1979. His career included Allegheny Airlines, Bendix Corporation, Dee Howard, and the Boeing Company. After twenty-six years in the great Northwest, Texas called him back home to be nearer to family. Walt enjoyed jogging, the outdoors which included bird watching and most of all, his service as Elder at the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Kent, WA. He is survived by Virginia Coop-Ullman, 80, his wife of forty years; two biological children, Scott Andrew Ullman (wife, Constancia) and Anna Christine Lewis (husband, John); five step-children, Deborah Gill Graves (husband, Howard); Sheryl Bedell Abrams (husband, Brian); Michelle Lynne Grossnickle (husband, Paul); Jeffrey Howard Bedell (wife, Mitzi); and Gregory James Bedell; also twenty-one grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Maynard Ullman and Alberta Perkins Ullman. Services are 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 10408 Highway 290 West, in Austin, TX. A fellowship gathering will take place after the service at the church. Interment will follow the next day, April 14, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. with full military rites at the National Cemetery at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates any consideration for donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation or Hospice Austin Christopher House.
Ronald G. Nolte Ronald G. Nolte age 78 of Waucoma, IA died Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 8, 2019, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma with Rev. Aaron Junge celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Waucoma. There will be no visitation held prior to the Mass. Born: 12 April 1941, Hospital, New Hampton, IA, Chickasaw County Parent’s: Alois and Catherine (Korzendofer) Nolte, Education: St. Mary’s, Waucoma and Waucoma High School Class of 1959. (Salutatorian) Attended Upper Iowa & 1996 graduate of Iowa State University Military: Enlisted Air Force, 9 September 1966. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, 25, November 1966 @ Lackland AFB TX, Graduate of Air Force Pilot Training, 9 February, 1968 @ Vance AFB OK, Several advanced pilot training schools, March – July, 1968 @ Stewart AFB TN, Southeast Asia, August 1968 – January 1970, as Copilot & Pilot/ Aircraft Commander flying more than 190 combat missions in Vietnam. Langley AFB, VA, (with a deployment to Europe in 1970) February 1970 – February 1972, as Pilot/Aircraft Commander with the additional duty of squadron and wing air operations scheduling officer. Other specialized schools and qualifications: Basic Survival, Sea Survival, CDS (Container Delivery System), LAPES (Low Altitude Parachute Extraction), HALO (High Altitude Low Opening – parachute personnel drops), Nuclear Qualification. Separation from active duty, February 1972 with the rank of Captain. Honorable discharge 25, August 1986. Major individual decorations in descending order DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), AM (Air Medal) with 5 OLC (Oak Leaf Clusters), VSM (Vietnam Service Medal), AFEM (Air Force Expeditionary Medal), AFOUA (Air Force Outstanding Unit Award) with “v” device, NDSM (National Defense Service Medal), SAEMR (Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon), RVCM (Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. Duty stations included Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Philippines, Vietnam, Virginia & Europe. Employment: Grain Merchandiser, The Pillsbury Company, August 1972 – September 1974. Returned to the family farm in October 1974, after his father’s death. Membership: Lifetime member of the Iowa State University Alumni Association. A lifetime member of Iowa VFW at large. St. Mary’s Parish, Waucoma. Survived by: nephew, Dan (Chris) Hageman of Austin, MN; niece, Kathy Hageman of Atlanta, GA; nephews and nieces, Nicholas, Caleb, Rylee; brother-in-law, Leonard Hageman of Lawler, IA. Preceded by: father in 1974, mother in 2003, sister Marilyn Hageman in 2015, and many fellow military pilot friends.
Courtlan Crooks Hazelton (Colonel USAF Ret) Tyler – Court was born in Riverside, California and spent his youth in Southern California and Phoenix. He attended The Webb School in Claremont, California and continued his education at Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School. He earned a Master of Economics degree. After college he went to Vance AFB, Oklahoma for pilot training in T-37 and T-38 aircraft. Then he was assigned to McConnell AFB, Kansas for gunnery school and checkout in the F-105. While stationed in Kansas, he visited friends in Dallas who introduced him to future wife, Linda Goss. A combat assignment to Takhli RTAFB, Thailand started in 1968. He flew over 100 missions in Southeast Asia followed by an assignment to the D.O.D. Language School where he became fluent in Spanish resulting in an assignment to Howard AFB, Panama Canal Zone. There he flew A-37 aircraft and made many life-long friends.
After separating from the USAF, Court toured Central and South America and finally returned to Dallas to claim Linda and resume flying with the Air Force Reserves at Carswell AFB, Ft. Worth, Texas. At Carswell he would be flying F-105 T-Stick II aircraft until the eventual transition to F-4’s. Court was promoted to fighter squadron commander and eventually retired from the Air Force at the rank of full colonel while working at the Pentagon. He and Linda initially lived in Dallas while he was participating in the Reserves and working in the securities business at Blythe Eastman Dillon. They moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and eventually to Tyler where Court continued with his own private securities and investing business. Ben Hazelton, his father, along with Fran Hazelton, his mother, and Ben Hazelton Jr., his brother and his wife, Gina predeceased him. Court is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda, and a brother, John Hazelton and his wife, Subie, of Dallas. Other survivors are John Hazelton, Jr., Dallas; Taylor Rachael, Alexandria, Virginia; Mike Hazelton, Phoenix, Arizona; Kevin Hazelton, Phoenix, Arizona; Chris Hazelton, Harrison, New York; Elizabeth Pearce, Corte Madera, California; Megan French, Moreno Valley, California; Ben Hazelton, Phoenix, Arizona; and a sister-in-law, Irene Werner and her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Hannah, of Boston, Massachusetts. Court enjoyed a variety of interests including hiking, skiing, and chasing trout in the American West, attending opera performances, studying history and spending time in the company of family and friends, including four-footed companions, Oreo, Ruby, Sammy and Oso Negro. While in Albuquerque, he served on the board of the Foundation of the Albuquerque Art and History Museum. Court continued his life-long interest in aviation as a member of The Historic Aviation Museum in Tyler and association with fellow aviators.
John O. Lindgren, Jr., (Lt Col. USAF (ret))
John O. Lindgren, Jr. was born in Hilo, Hawaii on October 7, 1939. Died May 3, 2022, Corona del Mar, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, John O. Lindgren and Billie Jean (Garrett) Lindgren and his sister Greta Jean James. He is survived by his children Lance Eric Lindgren and Heidi (Lindgren) Boyce and his loving wife, Gale Marie Atwood.John graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, WA, graduating with the class of 1957 and attended the University of Washington for a year until receiving an appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy. He graduated from the Academy in 1962 and accepted a commission in the U. S. Air Force. He then attended the University of Southern California until 1964 and was awarded a Masters Degree in Engineering. He started his Air Force career, at Edwards Air Force Base, CA where he was assigned to the Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and the Flight Test Center. He attended pilot training at Vance AFB, OK, where he was a Distinguished Graduate of Class 68E. During his flying career he flew the C-141 transport and in Vietnam, he flew the HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant helicopters and was credited with 5 combat rescues. After Vietnam, he was assigned to Travis AFB, CA, where he flew the C-5 aircraft and retired in 1986 as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his career, he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Five Air Medals and a Purple Heart as well as two Distinguished Service Medals. After retirement, John worked at McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach as a Manager of Advanced Programs and later at Ingram Micro as Federal Programs Manager for the Government Division. He served on the Board of Directors of his homeowners’ Association for ten years and on the management team at the American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach. The inurnment will be at the Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar, CA on May 21st, 2022 at 12:00 pm Pacific Time.
Edwin (Ed) Joseph Motyka (Colonel USAF (Ret)) Col. (Ret) Edwin (Ed) Joseph Motyka, 82, passed away while travelling in Turkey on November 6, 2022. Ed is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mei. He is also survived by his daughter Tamra Dale (William) from California and son Joseph Motyka (Kari) from Florida. He was the beloved Dziadzi to Xander, Austin, and Harrison Dale, and by Jade, Kai, Li, Mya, and Noa Motyka. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by all. Ed was born in Brooklyn, New York, then lived in many locations across the world as a proud member of the Air Force, most notably at Scott Air Force Base in southern Illinois, where he and Mei raised their children, before entering the Diplomatic Corps in 1984. Overall, he served in the United States Air Force for over 30 years, retiring as a full Colonel and Command Pilot, in 1992. In Sebastian, Florida, he was an active member of VFW 10210 and American Legion Post 189, continuing to serve in various volunteer roles until his death. Ed loved the country he served. A few of his accomplishments include flight instruction for the Reza Shah’s Air Force, design input for building Ronald Reagan’s Air Force One, source selection for the C-17, being the Military Attaché for Poland and Czechoslovakia from 1985-1992, and bearing witness to the fall of the Berlin Wall, an apt capstone to his military service. Following retirement in 1992, he continued to work as a volunteer for the VFW, teaching the history of the country and military he revered. He always felt the need to instill a sense of patriotism in others. Also in retirement, he loved traveling the world with his wife, and spending as much time as possible at home with his grandchildren. To honor his memory, a celebration of life will be held at Fountainhead Funeral Home (7359 Babcock Road, Palm Bay, Florida) on Saturday, November 26, from 9am-11am. There will also be a full military regalia farewell service at the VFW Post 10210 (815 Louisiana Ave, Sebastian, Florida) on Saturday, November 26th at 1pm. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery February 23, 2023 at 3:00pm. May he rest in peace.
Albert Gordon (Pinky) Junge, (Lt Col. USAF (Ret)) Albert Gordon (Pinky) Junge, 80 of Van Buren passed away Sunday, August 28, 2022 in his home. He was a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Air Force serving as a pilot. He was a member of the American Legion Post 31 in Fort Smith and also a member of the Old Fort Gun Club. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Van Buren serving as a Deacon and an Elder. He was preceded in death by his parents Nolan and Justine (Seaborn) Junge; one brother Edson. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years Nancy of the home; a daughter Caroline Junge of Van Buren; a sister Lorraine Whittington of Joplin; two nieces and two nephews.
Family will visit with relatives and friends Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 4-6 PM at Ocker Funeral Home 700 Jefferson Street, Van Buren.
A memorial service will be held with full military honors at 11AM, Friday, September 2, 2022 at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.
John A. Preston:
John A. Preston, 83, of Chino Valley, Arizona, passed away from natural causes on Oct. 19, 2023, after a year and a half of declining health. He left behind his wife of 59 years, Christy; his son Chris, daughter-in-law Michelle, and grandson Cole, of Garland, Texas; and his son Mitch of Tucson, Arizona; as well as his sister Sami Anderson of Goodyear, Arizona. No services are planned. John was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Aug. 15, 1940. When he was a year old, his family moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he completed his education, practiced law, and flew F-102s for the Air National Guard. In 1973, he moved to Prescott and worked for a local firm, later becoming a partner. In 1979, he opened his own office as a sole practitioner. His clients appreciated his compassion, integrity, and willingness to go to trial on their behalf. In 1979, he moved to Chino Valley and embraced the rural lifestyle, even raising his own beef, beginning with an orphaned calf, which he bottle-fed, given in lieu of a fee by one of his clients. As his sons became involved in baseball, he was instrumental in the development of a Mickey Mantle League in Prescott, in order to provide the older players with more opportunities to develop their skills and become competitive at the higher levels. He retired from law in 2002, but continued to provide property management for one of his clients, and later his heirs, until 2022.
Stephen Andrew Kecskes (Lt. Colonel, USAF Ret)
February 27, 1944 – April 26, 2025 (81 years old)
Stephen Andrew Kecskes Obituary: In loving memory of Stephen Andrew Kecskes of Austin, Texas, who departed this world on April 26, 2025 at the age of 81. Stephen Andrew leaves behind a legacy remembered by family and friends. As we bid Stephen Andrew farewell, let us not mourn the absence of his physical
form, but rather celebrate the essence of his spirit that lingers in the spaces between moments. For Stephen Andrew is not truly gone, but merely transformed, his energy intertwined with the fabric of the universe itself, forever dancing among the stars.
Larry T Eskew (Lt Colonel Ret) July 5, 1942 – December 8, 2022
Lt. Colonel (Retired USAF) Larry Talmadge Eskew, 80, of Charleston went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Hubbard Hospice House West in South Charleston. Larry was a retired pilot with the United States Air Force and West Virginia Air National
Guard. He did his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in December of 1966. He was awarded the following accommodations: 20 year WV Service Ribbon, AF Training Ribbon, AF Service Medals, 5 AF Longevity Service Award 4 devices, SAEMR AF Man Power and Reserve SM Arms Expert, 3 Combat Readiness Medal with two devices, 2 Air Force outstanding unit awards, National Defense Service Medal. He is preceded in death by his parents; Harold Eskew, Sr. and Freda Debord Eskew. He is survived by his sons; Erik T. Eskew, L.T. (Amanda) Eskew II, Zach (Casey) Eskew, daughters; Karly Eskew, Amy Mallory, brother; Harold Eskew, Jr. sisters; Patricia Swofford,
and Kristy Eskew, grandchildren, Ava Eskew, Josie Eskew, and Bella Eskew. A memorial service will be at 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Hafer Funeral Home, with Pastor Austin Harper officiating.
Craig B. Schiele (Captain USAF-KIA) WASHINGTON (AP) — The remains of two Air Force men killed in the Vietnam War have been identified and are being returned home to their families, the Defense Department said Monday. Master Sgt. Thomas E. Heideman and Capt. Craig B. Schiele, both of Chicago, were crew members of a helicopter that crashed in the Laotian jungle on Oct. 24, 1970. A rescue mission the next day found no evidence of survivors, the Pentagon said. In 1995, the remains were recovered during an excavation of the crash site and taken to the Army’s Central Identification Laboratory-Hawaii, where they were identified as those of Schiele and Heideman.
Robert V. Willett, Jr. (Major USAF- KIA)
*** Captain Willett was a member of the 309th Tactical Fighter Squadron. On April 17, 1969, he was the pilot of a North American Super Sabre Fighter (F-100D) on a mission near Saravane Province, just inside Laos and south of Khe Sanh, South Vietnam, where his aircraft was shot down by hostile fire. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. WILLETT, ROBERT VINCENT JR. Name: Robert Vincent Willett, Jr.
Rank/Branch: O2/US Air Force
Date of Birth: 05 August 1944
Home City of Record: Great Falls MT
Date of Loss: 17 April 1969
Country of Loss: Laos
Loss Coordinates: 161700N 1064500E (XC860999)
Status (in 1973): Missing In Action
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: F100D
Refno: 1427
SYNOPSIS: Robert Willett was married only six weeks before he went to Vietnam. His job there was piloting the Super Saber jet, the F100 (also sometimes called the “Hun” or “Lead Sled”). The F100 was a fighter bomber, and good at top cover and low attack, primarily used in Vietnam for close air support. On April 17, 1969, Willett’s plane was shot down over Laos in Saravane Province, just inside Laos, and south of the city of Khe Sanh, South Vietnam. Circumstances surrounding Willett’s loss indicate that there is a strong probability that enemy forces know his fate. When 591 American prisoners of war that were released in 1973 by the Vietnamese, Willett was not among them. He was among nearly 600 Americans lost in Laos who did not return. Laos was not included in the agreements ending American involvement in Southeast Asia, and the U.S. has never negotiated with the Lao for American prisoners they held. Even though the Pathet Lao stated on several occasions that they held American prisoners, not one man held in Laos was released.