This is a list of those FACs who took their last flight during 2023 and some from other years because we recently discovered their passing.

Flew West 2024 Slow hand salute to these brave warriors

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Announcements:

• 08 Jun 24: Hen Min Hiu, Cutie 11, Flew West on 15 Jun 2024 in Las Vegas NV.  What follows is a very nice tribute:
  

Hen Min Hiu, a FAC in Vietnam from Oct 1968 until he was shot down in July 1969, flew West on 15 June '24, at his new home in Las Vegas.   In Vietnam, he was based in Tuy Hua Province in support of  South Korean troops, mostly out in the wilds.  He survived his shoot down and was pulled from the wreckage  by the South Koreans.

His injuries were severe and over the years have resulted in dozens of surgeries.  After years of recovery he became a very successful lawyer on the West Coast.

Audrey and I have visited with Hen Min and his wife Arlene, periodically here over the decades.  We always marveled at how he maintained such a positive view of life despite his recurring FAC related injuries.  He always seemed to have "that" smile.

Some may remember that Hen Min was the Manager of the first "FAC Reunion" here in Hawaii.  That's when Bill Ernst helped us install the FAC Marker at Honolulu's "Punchbowl Cemetery." 

Hen Min is survived by his 3 sons and wife Arlene.  They plan to conduct his funeral at (would you believe) "Punchbowl National Cemetery," Honolulu, this year on 15 October.  We will of course, keep folks apprised of details.  One thing Arlene asked me in our recent phone conversation was about how to arrange for a fly-over during the ceremony.

I'd appreciate any help that can be offered on that one.  We have a few ideas to follow up on.  She did mention that one son was an F-22 pilot here at Hickam AFB and he may be able to work something.  I also know a couple pilots who have conducted Fly-bys in small private aircraft over the years, so I'll be talking to them.  Meanwhile, I'd appreciate any ideas from you all, who might have an inside scoop on how to facilitate making that happen.

I'll send along the Obituary as soon as it is available.

As we say, "A slow salute to our departed comrade."

Thanks, Toby,
Covey 252 / 152 / Trail 67

• 07 Jun 24: Major Edward L. Claiborn, Helix 21, flew West in 2019.  He flew O-2s for the 20th TASS out of Chu Lai. Ed was the ALO for the 198th Light Infantry Brigade starting in August 1968.  Slow hand salute for this brave warrior.
  

• 11 Mar 24:Lt Col (USAF Ret.) Albert Muller, Nail 10, flew west on 16 Nov 23.  Al flew OV-10s for the 23^rd TASS out of Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base. Al was a life member of the FAC Association.  His full obituary can be read at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/albert-muller-11544639. Slow hand salute for this brave warrior.

• 15 Feb 24: Craig Steven French, Cutie, flew west on 13 July 2023.  Craig flew O-2s as a FAC for the 21 TASS out of Phan Rang in 1971 and Osan for the 19^th TASS in 1972.  He was an Air Force Academy graduate, class of 1969. During his tour he was awarded a DFC and 7 Air Medals.  His obituary can be read at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/portland-or/craig-french-11375136  Slow hand salute for this brave warrior.
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• 10 Feb 24: LtCol USAF Ret. Aaron B. “Buck” Loggins, Bird Dog 81, took his final flight 10 February 2023.  He was 91.  Buck flew O-1s for the 20^th TASS out of Kontum, DaNang, Ubon, and NKP.  He had two tours. 1963 to 1965 and again in Jan 73 to Aug 73.  Along the way he earned a PhD and had a second career teaching electronics and mathematics.  His obituary can be read at https://www.frenchfunerals.com/obituaries/ltcolaaron-logginssr  A slow hand salute for this accomplished warrior.

  
  

• 10 Feb 24: Col (USAF Ret.) Norris J. Krone Jr., Bird Dog 43, flew west on 28 June 2019.  Norris was a member of the 20^th TASS from September 1970 – March 1971.  Dr. Krone earned a PhD in Aerospace Engineering.  He is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.  His obituary can be read at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/norris-krone-obituary?id=1829587.  Slow hand salute to this comrade-in-arms.

• 10 Feb 24: Maj (USAF Ret.) William Henry “Hank” Hilbun III, Dixie flew west on 08 September 2023.  Hank flew 0-1s for the 23^rd TASS out of Nakhom Phanom, Thailand. He was among the first detachment of USAF pilots to serve in Laos during 1966 with Capt. Benn Witterman. Hank was awarded the DFC, Bronze Star, Air Medal with (3) OLC and the Purple Heart. He was an instructor pilot at Williams, Wright-Patterson, Hanscom and Eglin AFBs flying T28s, T33s, T37s, T38s. The “01 Birddog” remained his favorite aircraft. After he retired in 1974, he was a Program Manager for ITT and Hughes Aircraft.  Slow hand salute to this comrade-in-arms.