In Memoriam

I never personally knew McFly, but as a fellow Snake, I appreciate and honor his memory, contribution to the 466FS, and legacy. God speed, brother!

Dillon was my bestfriend and I miss him so very badly.

your entire family was so proud of you and your accomplishments. your dad terry mcfarland often spoke to me about your life in the air force and how proud he was of you. you'll always be remembered with the utmost of respect.

McFly was the finest officer, fighter pilot and friend a man could ever have. I could always depend on him to make me laugh, teach me something I should have known and be there when I needed advise. I was lucky enough to have spent my year remote with him in Korea and served together at Eglin in the 85th TES. He is the reason I stayed in the USAF and went to Fighter Weapons School. McFly opened his heart and house to his friends at all times. His family is just as amazing. They rarely had a weekend to themselves either in Vegas or Florida. They welcomed my wife and I into their home many a Friday or Saturday night while going through Fighter Weapons School or when just in town visiting. Every visit was a lifetime memory of how great a family could be. The times we spent with Josh and Ash are the reason my wife and I decided to start our own family. They were such an incredible joy to be around and made you incredibly proud of them at every turn. Josh and Ash were the type of children every parent dreams of raising. They are a direct reflection of their parents.

McFly's memory will never fade. He was the ultimate warrior fighter pilot, the unrivaled leader in the air and on the ground and the best friend anyone could ever meet. I am honored to have known, worked and enjoyed friendship with he and his family.

I know McFly looking down on his family from above with great pride. He's probably sipping a Jack & Coke while smiling as he watches Josh & Ash grow into adults. His children are continuing his legacy of absolute perfection and excellence in everything they do while his wife Sandy carries on his tradition with incredible class and style.

McFly, I will always miss but will never forget you. You were a "once in a lifetime" friend I was fortunate enough to meet.

Mcfly was the greatest husband, dad, fighter pilot, brother and friend there was. After the wow of the first time that we met Dillon, we realized what a ton of fun he could be. From the late nights of card playing, to watching (and listening to Dillon yell) baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball there will never be another one like him. We wish that we could have know him longer because he showed how to live life to the fullest. We think of you often and you will always be missed.

Where do I begin??? What a man Dillon McFarland was!!! Everytime he walked into a room, the whole room light up. He was the kindof man that everyone wanted to be just like. You are truly missed and thought about daily. We love and miss you each and every day!!! You would be so proud of Sandy and the wonderful job she has done the past 4 1/2 years in raising your wonderful children.

I only briefly knew Dillon in life, but I have gotten to know him quite well in death. His family and friends have shown me that he was very loved and is deeply missed. He left a lasting legacy and continues to inspire. That is a full and meaningful life.

I'm the daughter of Dillon McFarland and all I can say about him that he was the best dad anybody could ever have! He taught me so many things about life and taught me so much about sports. :) I miss playing basketball and softball with him in the yard and I would always show him up....! I love him very much and nobody can or will ever take his place. I love you DADDY!

Dillon was such an amazing man! He loved his family and his country so much and he always brightened any room when he walked into it. We had many great times with him and Sandy and we keep his picture in our kitchen to this day to remind us of what a great person he was! We miss you today and always, McFly! Sandy, we love you!

What a great friend he was. Although he couldn't waterski very well or gamble w/o either losing his shirt or getiing in trouble w/ mama, he sure could pound the beers and fly one heck of a jet!! we miss you lots.. your nellis bucaneer buddy "otis my man" brian smith

I am Dillon's Mother-in law. He was like a son to me and I loved him so much. He always made me feel welcome in his home. My heart went out to my daughter, Sandy and Josh and Ashley as I was about three years older than Sandy when I lost my husband and her Dad. This was a rough go for Sandy and the kids, however, they are strong and they know life goes on. Seems like they are doing the best they can. Dillon will always live in our hearts. Joleen Shaw

On this Memorial Day--as in the years past--we remember our dear friend, Dillon. He was a valiant warrior and we feel honored to have known him. He and Sandy helped us adjust to life with children with humor and kindness. We watched with awe their love for each other and their children. We are better for knowing him and miss him very much.

He was such a strong person and we know he would be proud of the strength that Sandy, Josh and Ashley have shown as they have bravely carried on without him.

Let me tell you a little about my brother and friend Dillon McFarland. Dillon and I were born 3 days apart back in 1962. We finally met up at the US Air Force Academy graduating in the class of 1984. Dillon was born to fly and his aviation career was shrouded in excellence from the early days of Undergraduate Pilot Training to his enormous contributions to our current and follow on fighter aircraft. He was a pioneer in developing the tactics, weapons and sensors that brought the US Air Force into the modern age of around the clock precision combat operations. His keynote accomplishment was to make the US Air Force fighter pilots and their aircraft more lethal and survivable well into the 21st century.

During his early years, his superior aviation prowess earned him Top Flyer honors in a class of 60 pilots at Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). He then went on to prove himself at Lead-In Fighter Training (LIFT) and Replacement Training Unit (RTU) as a most promising fighter pilot. He became combat mission ready during his first operational F-16 assignment to Nellis AFB, NV in 1986. While assigned to the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, he distinguished himself by becoming a 4-ship flight lead as a Lieutenant. Only a very few Lieutenants were chosen to be 4-ship flight leads during this era. He went on to become both an aggressor with the 64th Aggressor Squadron and Fighter Weapons Instructor Course graduate while at Nellis. Only the top 1% of fighter pilots ever achieves either of these credentials but Dillon accomplished them both making him a member of a very elite group.

Dillon volunteered to take his expertise to a remote assignment at Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea in 1991. There he helped many inexperienced F-16 pilots become combat mission ready as the 80th TFS weapons and tactics officer. While in this capacity, he earned the distinction as a “Top Performer” during a Pacific Air Force’s Operational Readiness Inspection. After his one year remote tour, he was “by name requested” to return to Nellis to become a project officer for Tactical Air Command’s elite 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron. This squadron is responsible for Developmental, Operational and Tactics Development Testing and Evaluation for the Air Force’s combat aircraft.

For the next 6 years with the 422nd TES and the 85th TES at Eglin AFB, FL, Dillon devoted his efforts to improving the lethality and survivability of the Combat Air Force (CAF). During his tenure in test and evaluation, he was placed in ever increasing positions of leadership as F-16 Project Test pilot, Project Officer, Program Manager, Flight Commander and Assistant Operations Officer. His responsibilities included aircraft avionics upgrades and weapons and tactics testing for all versions of the F-16C (Block 30/32/40/42/50/52).

He flew in over 500 test and evaluation missions that have influenced every aspect of fighter operations over the last decade and will continue well into the 21st century. Over his six year test and evaluation career, he participated in over 50 major tests including these special programs: Block 40/42 Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN), Night Killer Scout (KS), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Precision Guided and Inertial Aided Munitions (PGM/IAM) evaluation, Block 50/52 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) Targeting System (HTS), Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD), Mixed Fighter Force Operations (MFFO), All Aspect Adversary Counter Tactics (AAACT), Foreign Materiel Exploitation (FME), Modular Mission Computer (MMC)/Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP) and Fighter Enhancement Program (FEP).

He had the lead role in the initial tactical testing of Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and the fielding of compatible aircraft light modifications for cockpit and external lighting. His NVG procurement and tactics development decisions affected the modification and employment of over 2000 F-16 aircraft deployed worldwide. This one area alone has done more to increase the overall combat capability of the CAF than any other improvement in the last decade. He was also instrumental in evaluating many new technologies including: Paveway III/GBU-24 Laser Guided Bomb (LGB), Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD), ALE-50 Towed Decoy Countermeasure, AIM-9X High Off Boresight (HOB) missile, improvements to the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and Fighter Data Link (FIDL).

Not only did he fly and manage these programs but he also made critical recommendations for improvements and procurement of follow on technologies and avionics upgrades. His daily interaction with the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisitions and Headquarters Air Combat Command was instrumental in acquiring new technologies. These technologies revolutionized modern warfare by allowing US forces to fly, fight and win around the clock. We can look at the overwhelming success of recent conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq to see the impact that Dillon's efforts have had on our country’s ability to wage war with very few losses.

Due to his exemplary work in the areas above, Dillon was again hand picked to serve in the very elite Advanced Programs office for the last four years of his test career. These programs have and will continue to keep us decades ahead of potential adversaries which translates into assured victory with minimal losses.

His legacy will live on long after the F-16 is retired from the force. Dillon was singled out by the Air Force to help create the next generation of fighters. He was one of a handful of initial cadre to serve as a core pilot for the F/A-22 RAPTOR and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) from 1994-1998. In this capacity, he demonstrated a visionary role and was responsible for revolutionary cockpit/avionics design/integration and display/sensor fusion. He had direct involvement designing Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) and Pilot-Vehicle Interface (PVI) avionics features for Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missions. He personally identified human factors design deficiencies of the F/A-22 missile select switchology during initial simulator testing. His

recommendations corrected the deficiencies and optimized HOTAS capability to employ AIM-9X in the visual arena. The next generation of Air Force fighter pilots will indeed reap the benefits of Lt Col McFarland’s brilliant and visionary role in these programs.

After completing 14 years in the active duty and accomplishing more than most would in two careers, Dillon decided to it was time for his family to put down solid roots. He looked for a place where their children could get a great education, participate in excellent sports programs and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. They fell in love with Layton, Utah. They quickly became very active members of the community.

In 1998, he was hired by American Airlines as a Flight Engineer on the B727 where he was based at Dallas/Ft Worth International Airport. He later transitioned to First Officer on the B757/767 aircraft.

His love for aviation and service to country would not allow him to give up flying fighters completely. Shortly after being hired by American Airlines, Dillon joined the 466th Fighter Squadron at Hill AFB as a traditional reservist flying his favorite fighter - the

F-16. This new lifestyle proved to be a great fit for him and his family. Although they had only lived in Layton for 4 years, they considered it their home.

While assigned to the 466th Diamondbacks, Dillon picked up where he left off in active duty. He became the tactical expert and focal point for weapons and tactics in the unit. He led the squadron through many avionics, weapons and tactics upgrades that he had developed years before. He also took those upgrades to the combat arena with numerous successful deployments in support of Operation Northern and Southern Watch (ONW/OSW) over the skies of Iraq. He made history during his deployment to ONW in 1999 when he became the first Air Force Reserve pilot flying a Block 30 F-16C to self designate a Laser Guided Bomb using a Targeting Pod in combat. On 8 Jun 99, Dillon took off from Incirlik, Turkey in support of the northern no-fly zone over Iraq with the call sign Keystone 1. He was fragged against a C3 node. After taking AAA fire from Iraqi forces and given clearance to take the target out, Dillon dropped two GBU-12 LGBs and self designated the weapons on the target. Battle damage assessment verified that the target was completely destroyed. This event brought his career full circle from procuring and testing the weapon system to actually employing it in combat.

Just as he was about to take on a command position in the squadron and deploy for Operation Iraqi Freedom, his life was taken during a combat training mission over the Utah Tactics and Test Range on 13 Nov 02.

In a little over 18 years, McFly (as he is affectionately nicknamed) distinguished himself as one of the most recognized tactical experts in the entire CAF. There is not a US Air Force fighter base on the globe that you can visit that a majority of the pilots would not know him and his contributions to tactical aviation. He was and still is the greatest fighter pilot I have ever been associated. But more importantly, he is my brother and friend. Although aviation was a large part of his life, his focal point was his devotion to his family. I still have the unique pleasure to be a part of the most important part of McFly’s life through my friendship with his wife Sandy, son Josh and daughter Ashley.

McFly was a great aviator, teacher and leader. He will be forever missed.

I was the NCOIC of the 64th Aggressor Squadron Life Support shop when I first met McFLY. Without exception he was one of the greatest young officers I have met.

Dillion always took the time to visit with and Mentor the enlisted in the organization. I was and am shocked to see his name listed. I hadn't seen him in years but I can still see his smile. God Bless ya Mcfly.

Its been 5 years since my dad has passed away and it feels like its getting harder and harder as the years go by! I always thought it was supposed to get alittle easier but I guess I was wrong. I can't tell anybody how much I miss him and I just don't know what to do anymore!

Dad, I love you so much and miss you incredibly!

Oh my gosh, five years.........what I wouldn't give to sit next to Dillon and listen to him tell some funny story (maybe like the CORNFLAKE BOOGER story for instance) !!!! God, he was funny !!!!!!!!! Handsome, charming, funny, smart, so good at everything he ever did.........no wonder we all miss him so much !!!!

McFly has been gone for awhile but it seems like only yesterday that I flew with him for the last time on that fateful day in Nov! McFly touched the lives of everyone he was associated with! He was my friend, my buddy, my pal. All his Golf Dog Buddies are getting ready as I speak to honor him with a toast on hole number 1 for Golf Dog Tourney 2008 just like we have for the past 5 years. His buddies will be en masse reminiscing about all the great times and all the laughs that Dillon brought to all of us. You will be missed by the campfire during the Elk and Deer Hunts as we wonder if you will lose your horse again! We miss you at the squadron, We miss you at the football games, we miss you at the club on friday nights, we miss you all the time! Your family misses you dearly but how proud you would be to see how your kids have matured and grown up! What a beautiful daughter and handsome son you raised! They would make any father proud. They miss you terribly! Sandy misses you more than words can describe just as we all do! McFly you were the best ever! Via Con Dios to Mi Amigo!

I first heard Dillon's name through a good friend we both had in common during High School. Our friend told me he had a best friend at the Academy named Dillon McFarland; so throughout that first year I kept looking for a Dillon McFarland. Well, one day, while all of us freshmen are supposed to be at attention, quiet and going about our business. I see a classmate walking at attention toward me and I first see the name tag McFarland. I then glance up at him and see him grinning and his eyes canted looking right at me and he said "you know Richard?

'. It was that same look I saw in 1980 that is shown in the pictorial memorial of him done in 2003. Ironically enough it was through our mutual friend's family that I heard of his passing.

I think of Dillon, Sandy, Josh and Ashley often. I still have the picture of y'all on the refrigerator (the wall of fame) of the family and dog sitting on a picnic table in the snow. This must have been soon after leaving Niceville for Utah. My son played baseball with Josh so our families spent a lot of time at baseball parks together. Dillon was always such a positive force and an excellent role model. I know he's missed by many.

Dear Ashley, Josh, and Sandy,

It isn't about religion, I think I have understood that there is a natural process underway.. It is more about the natural way things are after we go...

I am a 1969 Grad and I buried 25 of my dear friends before I was 30. I also had to bury my roommate from the Academy...

I was at the other end of those F-16 improvements in the mid 80's. I did literally everything Dillon touched in our jet. I am very sorry, it is not fair. that he is gone.

I have had a few simple experiences with my losses, and I am convinced our job, after we go to the other side, is to stand a pace behind another aviator at a bad moment whispering in their ear to help them along... That is what men like Dillon has to do. We don't fly these jets alone.

The movie "A Guy Named Joe" got it exactly right. Turner Broadcasting shows it once in a while on their Classic Movies channel. Please catch it!

My roommate Gary did that once for me once when my airplane was literally coming apart and there he was at my shoulder.

A '66 grad I know had a short visit from his daughter after her fatal car accident on her prom night just to let her parents know she was all right.

God Bless You All...Keep the nose in the Blue!

Missing my bestest friend ever so very much!!!

Dear Sandy, Josh, and Ashley,

As this 4th of July passes, I pray for the hero's I have been blessed to know. Dillon is one of them.

We think of you often.

Lori, Mike, & Lissa

I still think about this tragic accident and have such compassion for Sandy and the children. I wince when I see the notes from Josh and Ashley. Life can seem so unfair at times. You seem to have held up so well as a family. God Bless You! Your Father was man among men and a true hero. I continue to pray for you and McFly's friends. Bill

Sandy, I've just learned of your loss and I've been sending prayers your way ever since. I know it's been a long time since Pikes Peak Comm. College, but I remember those days often. I know you've had to deal with the loss of your dad and sister and it just doesn't seem fair that Dillon was taken so early. You were always a sweet and wonderful friend so I'm sure your support system is huge!

Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you.

Deni

A friend of mine just recently told me about the tragic loss of Lt Col McFarland. I worked with him in the Advanced Programs Office at Nellis AFB. I was an NCO, but he treated me as an equal and most of all as a friend. I played many fun rounds of golf with him, I remember his wife surprised him with a new set of golf clubs, he was so thrilled. It was an honor and pleasure to work with him. My sympathy to all of his family.

Mike (Mikey Colian, USAFR

You`ll always be in my heart buddy.I can`t believe it`s been 8 years since I got the terrible call from Butch. I think of you on a regular basis. My best memories of childhood will always include you and the entire McFarland family.

Just finished looking at Josh's Academy pics on Sandy's FB. It's like going back in time and seeing you. I didn't know you well in HS, but I remember your smile. It is the same smile that looked back at me today in pictures of Josh. We are getting ready to have our 30th HS reunion, and you will be there along with us all. I pray you are flying the clouds with Jesus.

In Utah visiting my son Jason for Thanksgiving who is stationed at Hill AFB. First thing to come mind was Dillon and his family. Looked them up on FB/Internet. Technology, Unbelievable. Anyway, Memories of DHS and sports crossed my mind. Then we crossed paths again ~15/16 yrs later walking down the hall at Lockheed Martin Fort Worth TX who builds F-16/F-22/F-35, we cross paths again. What a small world. God be with him and his family.

8 years just passed! I can't believe how fast time has passed. Getting through life everyday is still so hard. I just applied for graduation and everything that I have done up until now has been for my dad! Graduating from college is my biggest accomplishment and I know he is looking down on me and pushing me still to do my best! I love and miss you so much.

What?! Not "Mc Fly"! I remember when he was in the 474TH. at Nellis flying the "A" model, and I was in the Agressors when he was flying the Blk 32.

hell of a stick!! will miss him.

Just remembering how awesome my bro was at mt wedding and how I gave him props in the program as "bother of the groom" instead of the brother he was. Class act on my part as always.

McFly was one of those 1 in 10 Million who show up, excel at everything they do almost effortlessly, are smart, handsome, friendly to all, selfless, devoted . . . then die way too early and leave us all with a "what the heck just happened" feeling. I knew McFly from my days at the TEG iat Eglin AFB and as a fellow First Officer with American Airlines. He never forgot anyone he knew and always had a smile and happy hello when he saw you. I was never able to spend much time to become a really close friend to McFly, yet I think of him often and miss seeing him on the line. I believe he set the example on how we should live our lives . . . to the fullest!

It is a true testament to LtCol McFarland legacy all the kind words which have been spoken of him. I remember the call to ready a rescue helicopter to travel from Portland, Oregon to the Hill range to search for him and his missing jet. I also remember being told to stand down because they had been found. A moment of sadness came over me then, and reading these messages from friends and family brings back those memories. But now I smile to learn how his life impacted so many people in such a remarkable way.

My very best to all of you.

Gregory Gaunt, MSG, USAFR

Davis-Monthan AFB AZ

I was roommates with Dillon back in Rebeleven when we were doolies. Not only was he a great guy like everyone hear says but I know for a fact how much he loved you.

I just listened to the song "I'm All Out of Love" by Air Supply and it made remember

one weekend night when he was talking to you on one of the squadron pay phones. I think I had just hung up with my family and I walked by the booth he was in. He was talking to you and there were tears in his eyes. Later on in the room he talked about that song and how much he missed you. You were truly the love of his life!

It will be 12 years this year since we lost MCFly. I miss laughing, hunting and drinking beer with him. There hasn't been a day that I haven't wore his McFly morale patch on my flight suit. I really miss you!

Dillon today I met an old friend for the first time your beautiful bride Sandy. She as are all of the McFarland's will always have a special place in my heart and she really impressed me with her kindness and thoughtfulness. She is as I always knew from afar the special lady you married. I hope that you have met my son Matthew in heaven since he was wrongfully taken from us keep him under your wing he could really use a friend like you.

I had the honor of flying with Dillon on our SFO-HNL trips for American Airlines. I say "with him" rather than "him flying with me" because he was the type of man and aviator I was proud to be associated with. It has been many years, but I pause on this Memorial Day to thank him and his family for the sacrifices he made and for the ones they continue to endure. It is for people like you that we say THANK YOU!

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, 2017. I can't believe it's been 15 years since I had the honor of folding the flag at the services for "McFly" and preparing it to be presented to Sandy. I would like to pay LTC Dillon "McFly" McFarland a visit tomorrow with family and friends before we enjoy the day at home. I want to reflect on what this day and these weekends are really suppose to be about. I served with "McFly" in the 419 Fighter Wing, but I never knew him personally. I do however, think of him often and want to thank him and his family for his service and sacrifice.

MSGT (Ret) Dave Graham

419 FW Honor Guard

The McFly hat that Dillon gave me still sits in my office. I tell his story and his memory and legacy goes on. The miles he could cover on the ground in the Colorado Mt. in a day of hunting most couldn't cover in a days drive. He was a wonderful person.

It has been a long time but the smiles and memories he and his family bought us will always be remembered. I hope Sandy and the kids are well.

Sgt. Dave Peterson, Durango Police Dept.

Memorial Day 2023. Where does the time go? It has now been over 20 years since the day that McFly had his last sortie. Time stops for none of us. I had known him since he was Lt, flown against him during his upgrades to Flight lead as an Aggressor, served with him when he became an Aggressor and was fortunate to be his Squadron commander at Hill. In my 38 year career, he was one of my absolute favorite pilots to fly with…so much so that when it came my time, as a Colonel, to have the last fighter sortie of my career, I picked Dillon to be my wingman! It was a glorious 2 V 4 and we prevailed right up until the last guns only engagement when in true fini flight fashion, he hawked the flight as I went 4 v1 against the bandits. I did get a couple of them but eventually was out of smash and ideas …all the while with McFly reporting from above that I had them cornered! Glorious! It was just 3 months later that he had his fini flight. Life can be unfair and sometimes cruel ….his last day was both! Of all of the people that I mourn and think about on Memorial Day, he remains at the very top. Never forgotten….