Nov 11th, 2015

Veterans I am Thankful for Today

Posted in Aviation News

Here is a partial list of the veterans I considered today while sitting at Conner Middle School (see the blog above)

My Dad – US Army 19858-1960, served in Korea.  Drafted shortly after he got married.

Steve Ritchie – US Air Force, served in Vietnam.  Constant supporter of USAFA:  First Air Force Ace in Vietnam.  Picture included below.

John Madden – US Air Force, served in Vietnam.  Not the football coach.  A humble Boeing employee in the 1990s who helped a young PhD student, me, do a quality dissertation.  Accidentally, I found out that John had shot down 3 Migs in Vietnam.

“Chief” Bender – US Army or Marines, served in the Pacific in WWII.  Reds Director of Player Development for decades.  Helped me so much with my book on the Big Red Machine.  Lived until 2008 with a Japanese bullet in his hip.

Howard Bowling – US Army, served in Europe in WWII.  Went to Heaven in 1998.  Lived the last five decades of his life with a German bullet inches from his spine.

All Vietnam Vets – When so many chose not to serve, or just plain ran, these guys answered the call.  And we didn’t bother to thank them when they came back. Thank you now!Capt. Richard S. Ritchie

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