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.

the prosperity and progress of a nation lies not in

wealth but lies due to the purest efforts of the men like the one above i simply donot know him that who he is or was but by studying him in the article with due respect i wanted to share few words i am just a university student but am writing with great passion for these men

REGARDS Anas.

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