Posted: 3/31/2015 7:07:15 PM EDT
|
Today, we laid my great uncle James "Toby" White to rest. He received a very touching full military funeral complete with a roll call, three shot volley, and Taps. A CH-47 Chinook, the very aircraft he flew all those years, paid its respects with a fly by.
I know this is TMI, but I wanted to share his service record. You can't feel anything but proud. He joined the United States Army in 1957 and served for thirty years having attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. His assignments and positions of responsibility while in the Army included Chinook Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and Test Pilot. During his service, he served two combat tours in Vietnam, and served in numerous other areas, both foreign and domestic. His assignments included Germany, Korea, Fort Benning, GA, Barbers Point, HI, Fort Eustis, VA, Fort Rucker, AL, Fort Walters, TX, Fort Campbell, KY, and finally retiring from Hunter Army Air Field in Savannah. Subsequent to his retirement, he joined the firm of Lockheed Martin as a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter Test Pilot. His military awards and decorations include The Legion of Merit, The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, The Bronze Star with V-Device for Valor, four Air Metals, Meritorious Service Metal (12 Oak Leaf Clusters), The Army Commendation Metal (16 Oak Leaf Clusters), The Broken Wing Award, The Master Aviator Badge, and a number of campaign service ribbons. |
|
There is nothing like a great uncle. Mine was tops too!!! I still miss him.
Prayers for you and your family in your time of loss. 
May our Lord and Savior say: "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the house of your Lord," when your great uncle is greeted at the pearly gates! |
|
Condolences and respect given while standing at the position of attention.
Another Georgia Boy passes who 'did his service.' Like the old timer's would say. DFC. Don't see many of those these days that warrant the award. If you don't mind saying, where was the funeral? I am considering the logistics of interment in Canton National Cemetary. |