In Memoriam

I would like to say that I attended Maj. Gilbert's memorial service in Balad AB, Iraq and I did my little share to help with the investigation team. Maj Gilbert was a good man, husband, father, officer, pilot and a warrior. He was a hero and he became the inspiration to some of us stationed overseas.

I am a B course student in the 62FS, "Spikes", and Trojan was one of our instructors. This dude was the shit. Everything you could ask for in a person and a great fighter pilot. His love for God, Family, and Country were apperant in everything he did. He will be missed and will be in my prayers everyday.

I had the priviledge to be a Crew Chief in the 62FS and work with Trojan. He was as cool as they come. One of the most enjoyable people to be around on the line. I hope that many of his students that went through B course with him can adopt his ways.

I knew Maj. Gilbert personally when he was my pilot while stationed at Aviano AB in the "Triple nickel". He was a great man. Our paths crossed again at Balad AB, Iraq. I talked to him by the jet before he flew that day, and it seemed just like old times. Maj. Gilbert died while on a strafing run on some insurgents that had been killing American soldiers. He will always be remembered as a true HERO! Rest In Peace.

We will always remember you, and we will keep your family in our prayers. Thanks for serving us: living and dying to keep our freedom alive.

Going to your funeral at Luke was the saddest thing I've ever had to do. I miss you dude. We had some fun flights. I know you "looked down" and saw how many of the fellas made it back to Luke from all over the world. It was a telling tribute in how highly we all thought and still think of you. RIP.

Durden

I didn't know this man, but, I enjoy reading these tributes. My husband is a jet mechanic and has worked on alot of engines. He enjoys his job and takes it seriously so these brave pilots fly safely.

We admire them for doing more then there job. And every time I see them fly over us on our base or where ever we are. I say a prayer for there safety and say may God bless you and yours. My son will be a fighter pilot, and I hope that others will say the same for him when they see him. :)

I was at Balad when the incident happen. He fought to protect others on the ground from enemy fire and made the ultimate sacrafice.

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." General George S. Patton

I had the opportunity to work with Maj Gilbert during a Banner mission in Brasilia, Brazil. We ran into each other again in Kirkuk, Iraq in 2006. I can't remember the exact date, but we recognized each other and talked briefly. He must have had the accident shortly after. I will keep the Presidential business card he gave me in Brazil as a personal reminder of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

TSgt Jeff Nieding

Ginger... Thank you, your husband saved my teams life.

Maj. Gilbert's remains have never been recovered, yet the government considers him "accounted for." His family, one of whom is a personal friend, has been asking questions and getting unsatisfactory answers. After going to several members of Congress and raising their eyebrows, Troy's sister will appear in a news story tonight on WFAA. Please keep her and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to pursue the recovery of this fallen hero's remains.

I just saw the story, and I hope this family finds peace and I wish there was something I could do to help.

An Airman, a Wingman

For the love of God, bring this hero home. This family is waiting to receive him and give him the burial that this hero deserves.

Trojan, Ginger, may God go with you...

Tough to believe it has been six years already! Your example as an Airman, Wingman, Warrior and most importantly a Christian, remains as strong as the bridge named after you here at Luke AFB! Keep flying cover for us and we will see you again soon!

my team was tasked with linking up with the 25th infantry Stryker brigade in Camp Taji. we rolled out for a 30 day mission in which we recovered the engine and comms equipment from the aircraft. we lost three soldiers looking for Maj. Gilbert. but intel from local villagers indicated he had been captured and killed by insurgents. I pray they find him as it has always haunted me that we did not. we did however find his survival equipment and a power bar he had eaten. I think of it every thanksgiving as we were in contact the entire time we searched outward from the field were the bird came down. I was un aware that the mission the little bird he was protecting had been made public.