sj
Staff member
Northwest Arkansas
Every year on Memorial day I try to take time to reflect on those who by their choice, or not by their choice, have served for the rest of us in some capacity in our military.
I put aside the questions I may have about right or wrong, justified or unjustified, purpose or no-purpose, and focus only on remembering the sacrifices and efforts so many have put in to defend our country's values. I know there are many of you out there, in supercub land, and my hat is off to you. Thanks for what you have done, or are doing, for me.
Today I will attend a funeral of another great veteran, Ed Duckworth. I met Ed first because he was the Safety Program Manager for the local FSDO, in fact, Ed put on more safety programs in one year than any other SPM in the country - by almost a factor of 2 - AFTER he retired from TWA. Ed took us under his wing when we were first starting our little safety show that we eventually went on to do at Oshkosk 2000, and a numerous national aircraft type conventions.
Ed served in the Korean war, and he flew WWII fighters all the way to 747's with TWA. I will never forget the stories he told me about checking himself out in a Beech 18, and in a PBY - both times with numerous folks along who wanted the flight time.
Ed was a great friend to aviation, and to everyone he met. He was, without doubt, also a noble military servant to all of us. We will miss him, and those like him.
Thanks again, to all of you who have selflessly served the rest of us.
sj
Link to Ed's obit:
http://www.legacy.com/kansascity/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2276435
I put aside the questions I may have about right or wrong, justified or unjustified, purpose or no-purpose, and focus only on remembering the sacrifices and efforts so many have put in to defend our country's values. I know there are many of you out there, in supercub land, and my hat is off to you. Thanks for what you have done, or are doing, for me.
Today I will attend a funeral of another great veteran, Ed Duckworth. I met Ed first because he was the Safety Program Manager for the local FSDO, in fact, Ed put on more safety programs in one year than any other SPM in the country - by almost a factor of 2 - AFTER he retired from TWA. Ed took us under his wing when we were first starting our little safety show that we eventually went on to do at Oshkosk 2000, and a numerous national aircraft type conventions.
Ed served in the Korean war, and he flew WWII fighters all the way to 747's with TWA. I will never forget the stories he told me about checking himself out in a Beech 18, and in a PBY - both times with numerous folks along who wanted the flight time.
Ed was a great friend to aviation, and to everyone he met. He was, without doubt, also a noble military servant to all of us. We will miss him, and those like him.
Thanks again, to all of you who have selflessly served the rest of us.
sj
Link to Ed's obit:
http://www.legacy.com/kansascity/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2276435