In Memoriam

I still remember the parties that your "B" course had back at MacDill.

I spent 2 years with Ralph at the Academy in 23rd squadron. I left in the summer of '82 but remember Ralph as a great guy, varsity soccer keeper, and was saddened to hear about his plane crash.

Thanks to those who created this memory board, Ralph was a great guy.....I never saw him after high school. I was at his memorial service in his hometown of Pittsford, NY. ....his dad encouraged those who were pilots to stay the course.

I was on my third F-16 assignment when in the fall of '86 Ralph arrived at the 17th FS "The Hooters" at Shaw AFB, SC. He fit well within the rest of the LPA and was smoking his way through MQT when the accident occurred. He was a great addition to the squadron and I will always remember him and that fateful day. Cutch

I knew Ralph at Pittsford Mendon High School. He was always a friendly guy who seemed to be the all american boy. We all thought he was great.

Ralph's tragic accident was my first introduction to the lethality of peacetime fighter ops. As a fellow Lt at Shaw but down the flightline in the 21st TASS, I never forgot that unfortunate night. His accident stayed with me throughout my later Viper career as an example of how quickly things could go wrong. His sacrifice kept a lot of us alive. Godspeed Ralph.

I played soccer with Ralph. Really one of the most straight-up guys I have ever known. I haven't seen him in years but now that I look back, his unusually good character stands out all the more.

This lieutenant gave his life to his country. During peacetime, we worked hard at Shaw to be prepared for anything. I have kept the article from the paper all these years to remind me how precious my time in the Air Force was. Somehow, I picture him flying an F-16 in heaven, and I know we are safe. I promised to always remember him. It seemed so wrong at the time that his life was so short. but in heaven, time stops.

We were teammates at the Academy. Your courage and integrity lives on.

I went to elementary school in Greece NY with Ralph up until about 4th grade. I remember him even then as an upstanding and honorable kid. I like to think his soccer greatness started way back in Greece, not Pittsford. :-)

I only recently learned of his death and was saddened by so much potential cut short.

Best to all his friends and family

I just looked at my Honor Grad Certificate from Keesler AFB. It was signed by Louis P. Cyr, Commander, Hq, School of Applied Aerospace Sciences (1975). I immediately thought of Ralph. One word that describes Lt Cyr - Awesome!!! My last visit with the Lt was at the Shaw AFB O CLub just days before the accident. I've never gotten over the loss of one of the USAF's finest. I also remember my neighbor and great friend - Captain Doug Bradt as well as Pete "Oly" Jahns and others who now fly the skies way up high. Miss my USAF Brothers and Sisters.

as a crew chief for the 17th at the time-still remember to this day the young pilots we had.he was well liked by the maintainers and respected. treated all with respect.i drive by the location everyday going and coming from work and still think of that night. his loss is not forgotten.

I worked the crash investigation as a maintenance advisor. I did not know Lt Cyr but felt like I did after the 30-day investigation. I had a Great Uncle from Pittsford, NY who knew the Cyr family. This crash was nearly 30-years ago but some of the events of the night still deeply touch my soul. RIP Lt Cyr.

I have known Ralph since we began playing soccer together at age 12. He had maintained incredible integrity and was a person you could count on, through thick or thin. He loved every facet of what he was doing in the Air Force, and that, singularly, is the only consolation for his loss. I miss him. He didn't always take the most popular stance...but he always represented what was right and good. He is the kind of son we would all want to claim as our own. Even 30 years later, his memory burns strong. A reflection of his character.

This page is truly exceptional. And quite a surprise.

A great tribute to a great friend of many, no doubt.

Ralph and I were friends in high school and middle school. We were soccer teammates since the 9th grade. I can honestly say we became better friends the longer I knew him.

I began to admire him more if that's possible, as he shared some stories of the academy and his accomplishments of his young career in the Air Force.

I am glad this page exists for us to share in his fine memory.

His loss is still at times unimaginable.

I miss you Ralph.

Thank you all for your memories.

I was stationed with Lt. Cyr at the 17th TFS at Shaw,AFB. We played on the squadron flag football team together. We interacted a lot when he came into the Life Support Shop for his gear prior to heading to the flightline. We were not only comrades, but became friends. His death has touched me deeply til this day. RIP my friend !

Ralph was a good friend during F-16 RTU at MacDill. We flew together occasionally but we spent most of our time at the bar or at my apartment. Ralph would share dinner with my wife and me and the two of us would study, chair fly, and share our dreams and our concerns.

Even 30+ years later I often think of him and miss him.

Husband was stationed at Shaw AFB and was with first responders representing Bio Enviro. It was a sad time and terrible loss for the entire base and community. May his family find comfort that in our memories and prayers.

Really happy to see so others remember Lt. Cyr. I was on duty that night and just remember how it struck everyone on the flightline. Total disbelief. We were all so close on the flightline at Shaw no matter which squadron you were in. I remember Lt. Cyr from the flightline, flag football, and for his polite friendly warning that I had not put my hat on when on the other side of the flightline. I had only been at Shaw for less than a yr and he actually stopped me to explain he wasn't harassing me. Just wanted me to understand that the next person may not be from the flightline. Saw him 2 days later at shopette w/hat on and he just kinda gave me the friendly nod to say, "see that's better". I'll never forget that moment or him. I had never been that close to a in living color fighter pilot before accept tv. I was mesmerized and in awe. The crash was two weeks later. Some things just stick with you. RIP Lt. Cyr. Thank you for that day and your service to America!

Spent last two years of USAFA in CS-06 together and as classmates. Fondly remember Ralph and airband nights in front of the C-store. Also remember Ralph and his BMW jetting through C-Springs. What a great guy. I remember the night I read the news in the paper while stationed in Sunnyvale. Devastating. His legacy lives on and he will always be remembered.