In Memoriam

Col Anderson was a man who never looked down on no one and who was well respected by the maintainers. I was stationed at Hill AFB 16thTFS when we lost him he was allways remembered as a man who stopped and told all of us "hello how are you" Never a frown on his face.

I remember this man very well. He always gave us all inspiration at work. I was also in the 16tfs when this happened and it was very sad. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

I was Col Anderson's adjutant. He was always positive but realistic. He told me a lot of inside information about the squadron and the people he dealt with, subordinates and his supervisors. Sometimes he would have me come in his office and shut the door and just let out about how his day was going...good or bad. He was fair with everyone and had no favorites. He was very comical and especially about political correctness. I had just moved on to the Phillipines 6 months before his death. I was very saddened by his death. He was a great and good man, and the most honest and fair supervisor that I ever had in the Air Force.

Dick was shocked as I arrived at Homestead AFB for F-4 RTU in 1981, after 8 years flying HH-3E Jolly Green choppers. "How does a 32 year old helicopter pilot get a slot to F-4 school?" was his daily question! I got to fly many sorties with Dick in my pit; and I think he was just trying to make sure I wasn't going to hover down the ILS glideslope! He ws a great pilot and instructor. While flying every day, nearly a 'hard crew' concept, we became good friends. On the last flight at Avon Park, I waxed him on the scoreboard, and he said "you are ready"! His attention to detail throughout training was top notch. I spent 42 months of my 20 years in flight training, and Dick was the best IP I ever flew with.

Lt Col Andeson was my comander at the 16th TFTS. He was approachable, genuine and humble to all of us. He remains in the top 3 commanders of my 28 year career! He reenlisted my husband and I in a joint ceromony, encouraged me on my career path, kept me out of trouble with the Wing Commander, and celerated the birth of my first child. I could not ask for a better leader! It was my priviledge to maintain his flight equipment and serve in his squadron. The day he died I was heartbroken and grieved for a long time.

I worked at HST tower from 1977-1981. Maj (at the time) Anderson was our favorite SOF as he livened the work place with his funny stories and laughs.

I had earned an F4 ride and some of the SQ Heads weren’t in favor of my ride since I was about 3 weeks from getting out of the AF. Major Anderson made it happen and gave me the ride. Burner climb to FL230 and the ride fulfilled the “super sonic club”requirements over the Warning areas. I occasionally listen to the cassette recording of that ride.

I’ll never forget him, and a proud to say that he gave me the name “centerline” as that’s where I parted my hair.

I was an aircraft electrician at the 16th AMU when Lt Col Anderson died. I remember talking to him just the day prior when he stopped by an aircraft that I was working on to say hello. Very genuine person.

Wow! Found this page today, Veteran's Day, when I decided on impulse to do an internet search on my dad. My mom and I got teary reading all the fond things people had to say about him. Knowing he is still remembered with such affection, 37 years after his death, means everything. Thank you to everyone that shared their memories.

I arrived as an brand new "A1C" for my first shift in the 16th TFS the night of the accident. Lt Col Anderson has welcomed me personally and had been in contact prior to my arrival. What an impact he had in that very brief time. All of us should follow such an example