Memorial for Richard C. Hale
Memorial for Richard C. Hale |
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In Honor of Richard C. Hale
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Richard C. Hale
1946-2006 I would like to let you know that Richard C. Hale passed away on September 3, 2006 just a little over 8 months after being diagnosed with lung cancer... He was a helicopter mechanic while serving at Camp Holloway. I am his widow so if you have any questions please let me know. FYI The VA did say that his death was related to Agent Orange. Kathy Hale Kathy, Thank you for letting the 170th know of Richard's passing. Very sorry to hear of your loss. I will update the 170th Web Site Roster information to show: Hale Richard C E 68 170th AHC (Died after Tour 09/2006) There is a 170th Reunion upcoming in St Louis - August 7,8,9,10 and I will make sure our Missing Man memorial makes note of his passing and the relation to Agent Orange. If you have anything further that you want posted for Richard on the 170th web site please just let me know. Any Photo(s) - 170th Stories, personal memories, memorial text... I can put together something Here are other 170th Contacts listed as CC: Paul Wilson - Bikini Point of Contact, maintains Unit member database George Crawford - Last Bikini Commanding Officer, keeps member information flowing to the 170th members we have contact with. Good contacts to have if you need anything related to the 170th... Again, Thank you for taking the time to let us know about Richard. Henry Winther 170th Assault Helicopter Company 1st Flight Crewchief Kontum '70-'71 170th Memorial Page - Created from information provided by The Hale Family
Richard C. Hale Rich enlisted in the US
ARMY in 1967. He received basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and
AIT at Fort Eustis, VA. Rich was then stationed in Viet Nam from
January 1968-January 1969. While stationed in Viet Nam Rich also
worked briefly at Bam Be Thout and Don Ba Thin. After serving 1 year
in Viet Nam as a helicopter mechanic he was then stationed at Fort
Hood, Texas. For a short time he was assigned to a motor pool with
the 47th Medical Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. After
discovering Gray Army Air Base across the road from Fort Hood he
asked to be reassigned over there. May 23, 1969 Rich was assigned to
the 181st Av. Co., 55th Aviation Battalion at Ft. Hood. He
remained at Gray Army Air Base until his discharge on June 4, 1970.
Dec. 6, 1969 Rich
received a Letter of Appreciation for his outstanding performance as
Senior Helicopter Mechanic signed by CPT Benny J. Archuleta,
Maintenance Officer. May 20, 1970 Rich received a letter of
Commendation for excellent performance as a maintenance crew leader
signed by CPT. Randall P. Smith, Service Platoon Leader. Rich had a love for
flying most of his life. As a child he went to the Monmouth Airport
in Monmouth, IL and viewed a Ford Tri Motor plane. He spoke of this
memory fondly many times through the years. Rich also flew radio
controlled planes during his youth. In the early 1980’s he
obtained his private pilot license. In the 1980’s or 1990’s
he joined EAA and became a member of Chapter 350 EAA Monmouth, IL.
and remained an EAA member until his death. He served in the various
offices of Chapter 350. Most notably he served as their President
several times. Chapter 350 also was involved with North Central EAA
for many years and Rich served on their board of directors. Rich and another member
of Chapter 350 became partners in the purchase and restoration of an
experimental airplane. Unfortunately, the plane was not finished and
flyable before Rich passed. His partner now owns this plane and
plans to finish it. A special highlight of
our lives was our ride in a hot air balloon on September 24, 2002.
This was fantastic. For several years there has been a hot air
balloon festival in our area. Rich was delighted to take the
grandchildren to see the balloons especially in the evening when they
had the “glow”. Our children and grandchildren also
enjoy the model railroad and trains that Rich built.
The annual Stearman
Fly-In: Rich always took a week of vacation at this time. He was
either manning an EAA booth, parking airplanes, or just walking
amongst the planes and people having a great time. We really enjoyed
the “Big Band”, dinner, and dance held at the airport
hangar. Rich didn’t dance but he did admire those who could
“shake a leg”. There really wasn’t
much Rich didn’t like in life. Almost anywhere anytime someone
wanted to go and do something he was ready. When our children were
young we went camping a lot (using our Coachmen fold down tent
camper). We went to a lot of amusement parks, school functions. He
helped with the boy scouts. Rich was always helping with the big
family dinners. One regret he had was selling the 1957 Chevy Impala
Convertible that he once owned. It was light lavender in color.
Many times he tried to track it down.
Rich was diagnosed with
small cell carcinoma (a very fast growing lung cancer) in December
2005. Without chemo he might have 6 months left to live or with
chemo maybe 18 months. Rich chose to have the chemo. In April 2006
we were told that he was in remission and
maybe might live 3 years. That was not to be. In June
the cancer had spread to his brain and in July to his liver. While
in the hospital most of what Rich talked about was flying, airplanes,
and airports. Rich spent a month in a care center where he received
physical therapy. He worked so very hard at the therapy and had a
positive attitude (or was it denial?). Our son made arrangements for
Rich and all of our grandchildren to fly together one last time. In
August 2006 Rich, myself, our daughter in law, all 6 grandchildren,
and a great nephew flew over our local city and surrounding area.
This was the first flight for 4 of our grandchildren. Everyone loved Rich.
He was a loving husband, proud father, and doting grandfather. He
was the kind of grandfather that all children would love to have.
How appropriate that he passed away when the biplanes were arriving
in town for the Stearman Fly-In. Rich passed away on
September 3, 2006. He was honored by the Patriot Guards who stood
guard during his funeral service and escorted him to his final
resting place. The Stearmen also flew the missing man formation. A
Veterans Memorial was completed in 2007 and was dedicated to all Knox
County, IL veterans on Memorial Day. Rich’s name can be found
there.
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