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Charles "Chic" Burlingame, 1949-2001 |
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Charles "Chic" Burlingame, 1949-2001 |
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UPDATE NOTICE: A recent article in the 22 June 2004 edition of the Wall Street Journal, written by Debra Burlingame, makes a telling statement on our national political scene and how some have twisted the horror of 9/11 to suit their own ends. You can read the article here.
For those who knew Capt. Charles Frank Burlingame III, news that terrorists had wrested control of his aircraft and plunged Flight 77 like a guided missile into the Pentagon conjured unbearable images of the last moments of his life -- and those of his passengers.--Washington Post, Friday, September 14, 2001
On
Saturday, September 8, Naval aviator and former Saratoga shipmate
Charles "Chic" Burlingame was mowing the lawn at his Virginia home,
listening to the Navy-Georgia Tech football game...while wearing his
USS Saratoga cap.
"He loved that cap and his association with Saratoga," said his wife Sheri, an American Airlines flight attendant. "That was the last cap he wore before putting on his uniform for his flight on Tuesday," she said quietly. "The Saratoga cap is still hanging on the peg in the laundry room where he hung it."
"He loved the Navy," said his younger sister Debra Burlingame, an attorney from Los Angeles. "Chic actively participated in a foundation that mentored young people considering attending Annapolis and a career in the Navy."
- (Click here for a message from Debra Burlingame)
- (Click here to access a Real Media tribute from Brad and Debra Burlingame to their brother)
Burlingame flew F-4 Phantoms with VF-103 (The Sluggers) aboard USS Saratoga from 1976 to 1979. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with the Class of 1971, which celebrated its 30th reunion the weekend following the terrorist attacks.
Chic will certainly be remembered by his classmates, and his aerodynamic personality will serve him well in his future as a Naval Aviator!- Class of '71 Lucky Bag (Yearbook) excerpt for Charles "Chic" Burlingame
(Click here for the full text of his yearbook entry.)
At the reunion his classmate and friend Captain Frank Culbertson,'71 USN (Ret.), commanding the International Space Station (ISS), sent a recorded message to the class honoring Chic. Culbertson's message culminated with the haunting notes of Taps, the first time that melancholy bugle call was sent from space to earth.
(Click here to hear Captain Culbertson's message.)
In addition to his wife and sister, he is also survived by a daughter, Wendy Burlingame; two brothers, Dr. Mark W. Burlingame, of Lancaster, PA and Bradley M. Burlingame, of West Hollywood, CA; grandson Jack, and stepsons John and Chad Harris.
Born in St. Paul, MN, Chic Burlingame was the oldest of four children. The family grew up on or near military bases, although Chic spent a good part of his childhood in Orange County, California. His father, Charles Frank Burlingame Jr., joined the Navy as a teenager during World War II. According to Debra Burlingame their father was also a carrier sailor, serving as a Machinist Mate aboard USS Antietam. He later instructed pilots-to-be on the Link trainer at Corpus Christi. After the war he re-enlisted in the Air Force, serving twenty years.
"Dad's greatest dream was to be a pilot himself, but the war ended before he got his chance," said Debra. "Chic and my dad really shared this dream of being a Naval aviator."
Charles Burlingame had been known since infancy as Chic. "His grandfather was known as Charlie, and his father was called Chuck," his wife recalled. An aviation enthusiast from the age of six when he built a model airplane as big as he was out of scrap material, his boyhood dream was to attend a service academy and become a pilot.
He fulfilled the first part of his childhood dream by by earning a presidential appointment (from Lyndon Johnson) to the United States Naval Academy in 1967, the year he graduated from Anaheim High School.
"Chic was always very proud of that presidential appointment (as opposed to congressional) for one reason and one reason only, and that was because of our father's status as retired military," said Debra.
After graduating from Annapolis with the Class of 1971 and a brief assignment at sea, Chic went to Pensacola to learn to fly.
"Chic excelled in flight school," recalled Annapolis classmate and fellow American Airlines pilot Mike Marks. "He was very proud to have his dad in attendance when he got his Wings of Gold."
Chic transitioned to tactical jets at Naval Air Station Kingsville in Texas, In the fleet, he flew F-4 Phantoms aboard the USS Saratoga. According to his peers, he was an accomplished carrier aviator .
Like most military pilots, Burlingame considered the most difficult flying job in the world to be landing a fighter jet on the deck of an aircraft carrier as it pitched at sea in the dark of night. Once, his brothers recalled, he put a jet down safely on its belly when the landing gear malfunctioned.
He left the Navy in 1979 to pursue a flying career with American Airlines. He was furloughed in 1980 and went to work in the Washington office of Lockheed Aerospace. According to classmate Marks, Chic was well thought of at Lockheed -- to the point that even after his recall to American in 1984 he stayed on as a consultant with Lockheed until 1987.
"He was a consummate professional pilot for the airlines, but never let that get in his way of being well liked,"added Marks.
"He always had the answers, and he always would solve the problems, but this one [September 11] was bigger than him," said Mark Burlingame, who said his older brother was intensely serious about his responsibilities as a commercial pilot.
"I don't know what happened in that cockpit, but I'm sure that they would have had to incapacitate him or kill him because he would have done anything to prevent the kind of tragedy that befell that airplane."
"If he couldn't save that plane, nobody could," said, Debra. "We want to tell his story so that people who had loved ones on that flight will know that he would have sacrificed himself to save them."
Brother Mark, a heart surgeon, recalls his brother saying that in a plane crash, "Whatever happens to my aircraft, I know that I'm going to suffer the same fate. The pilot rarely survives."
Friends and family remembered him as a man who was unabashedly patriotic, who embraced military life even after he retired from active and reserve duty. He remained active in the Naval Reserve, including a recall to active duty during the Gulf War. His last reserve assignment was at the Pentagon, where he served until he retired with the rank of Captain in 1996. When his plane went down, it ripped through a section of the building that includes the Navy Reserve offices.
"One of the true ironies of this crash is that it was into the Pentagon, where he worked for many years," said brother Brad, a tourism executive. "The people who perished in that crash could very well have been his friends and colleagues."
His airplane crashed the day before his 52nd birthday in the shadow of Arlington National Cemetery where his recently deceased parents are buried. His siblings are hoping that he may be laid to rest near his parents. "Arlington was a sacred place to him," Mark Burlingame said. "We think he would have wanted it that way."
(A memorial fund has been set up in memory of Captain Burlingame. Select this link to read more about this fund)
USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc. thanks Chic Burlingame's family, friends and Naval Academy classmates for their contributions to this page. Additional information was obtained from the Washington Post, USA Today, ITN News and the website of the United States Naval Academy.
Photo Album:
Condolences and Memories :
Captain
Burlingame made an entry in the Saratoga Guestbook in the early days of
the project. His short remarks are presented below - you can read the
original entry in context with others made during that time by selecting this link.
What a great project. Nice job! LT Charles Burlingame.
Pilot, VF-103, Slugger 1976-1979
Charles Burlingame
Oak Hill, VA USA - Monday, July 10, 2000 at 7:37 am.
Many who served aboard Saratoga in the 70s, and those who worked with Captain Burlingame during his career at American Airlines, have fond memories of him. In the spirit of Chic's original entry into our guestbook, we invite you to share your remembrances here.
Messages Follow:
Like many others, I never met Chic but can still feel a kinship to the man. Straight out of school I joined the Navy and reported to VF-103 as an AT. I did'nt enter the service until 1984 but having served with VF-103 and making two cruises on the USS Saratoga there is a bond that weaves the fibers of our lives together. A strong and unbreakable bond that time can not erode. Chic's family has lost a great deal but I know it must be comforting to know just what he meant to so many people some of whom they have never met. I can tell by the postings that Chic was not the average run of the mill man. During a lifetime I would dare say that you would only meet a hand full of men of his character. I am currently in the reserves and can only hope and pray that Chic's fate does'nt befall me but just in case it does I can only hope pray that I can surround myself with dozens of Chic Burlingames.
MA2 Mark Simpson USNR
msimpson3@carolina.rr.com
Kings Mountain, NC USA - Friday, March 4, 2005 at 1:52 AM.I served on Saratoga 77-81,and although I was not in a squadron, (ships company E div.) I saw the link about Chic, and got out my 79 med. cruise book, and found his photo. I am a firefighter now,and was on duty on 9/11. We were watching live when the second plane hit the WTC. Needless to say we were shocked and outraged. Even though I never knew Chic I feel he has touched my life! God bless him, and all his family.
Michael Meginnis
Rockingham, N.C. USA - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 11:02 PM.Dear Chic, Yesterday marked the six-month anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Sheri and I attended a memorial service on the south lawn of the White House in which President Bush and the ambassadors from 23 different nations declared their commitment to wipe the scourge of terrorisim from the face of the earth. As I sat there looking at this beautiful historic building, the White House, I could not keep from thinking of you in those final moments six months ago as your plane, on a direct collision course and minutes away, suddenly did a sharp banking turn away from the West Wing before plunging into the Pentagon at over 420 MPH.
We may never know what happened on the airplane that day. But I know this, Chic Burlingame went down swinging. They didn't deserve it, but the cowards who perpetrated this evil act got to see how an American Patriot dies, with courage, dignity and the unwaivering belief that one man can make a difference. You did, Chic. You have. I'll never forget you, big brother. "Popeye-arm" Debra
Debra Burlingame
debraburlingame@prodigy.net
Pelham, New York USA - Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at 9:54 AM.My condolences to the family of Capt Burlingame. I was in Chic's American Airlines new hire class of June 29,1979. When we were recalled after furlough, I did not return to American Airlines.
I remember Chic as an outstanding young man. One day at the the American Airlines flight academy, we got into discussion about the jets we had flown in the military. Chic did not think much of my Air Force C-141 because he was a fighter pilot. For that reason there is no doubt in my mind he did not give up his jet without a fight. My prayers will always be with his family
Mike Hatcher
TEL25@aol.com
Pine Mountain Club, Ca USA - Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at 12:24 AM.I served in VF-103 from 1968 to 1971. I did not have the pleasure of serving with Capt. Burlingame. But my years as a radar technician, whose job it was to debrief Pilots And R.I.O's after sorties, did teach me a great deal about the dedication, loyality, and bravery displayed each and every day by officers much like the Capt. I was very proud to serve under all the officers in my Squadron, Juinor to Senior. Each one of them emulated and acted in the finest traditions that the Navy could possibly require. Becasue VF-103 was absolutly the finest Naval Aviation Squadron ever assembled, I am positive that Capt. Burlingame upheld those traditions with honor and to the highest degree.
I am proud to have served with men of that caliber and considered myself a shipmate of Capt. Burlingame. May he rest in a Hero's peace.
Sincerely, Kenneth E. Silver AQF2, 1968-1971
KEN
SILVER
SARASOTA, FLORIDA USA - Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at 2:56 PM.26 November 2001, sent to many members of USNA '71: US Marines are now engaged on the ground in a hostile foreign land and the war on terrorism ratchets up. I am thankful and secure in the knowledge that all of those wonderful Marines, from BGEN Mattis, the Brigade Commander, on down, at one time or another have almost certainly been directly exposed to the powerful military leadership and personal charisma of our own John Sattler, Commanding General of the Second Marine Division. I am thankful for John's great patriotism and courage, his enormous tenacity, his immense concern for the welfare of all Marines, his great physical and moral strength, and his proven ability to make the right decisions and to get the mission accomplished, and for the extent to which he has imbued the Marine Corps with those values and characteristics. The other side does not have anyone of his caliber...not in Afghanistan, nor anywhere else. Whether directly or indirectly, John now wields the swift and terrible sword that will help avenge Chic's death, and bring those that have and would continue to harm us to justice.
Lambert Heikes
bheikes@pax.hjford.com
Lusby, MD USA - Monday, December 17, 2001 at 2:02 PM.To All: Just wanted to add a few things to Lambert's report. Chris Weaver was also present and presented the flag that covered Chic's coffin to his wife Sheri. The Army did a great job for the complete funeral, including the horse drawn caisson that carried Chic's casket to the gravesite. The Navy Honor guard was impressive and consisted of not only the squad that fired the 21 gun salute and honor guard for the casket but also a company of sailors to render honors during the ceremony. Senator George Allen delivered a eulogy that was touching without being political, and presented a Virginia State flag that had flown over Virginia'a state capitol at half mast in honor of Chic. The Washington Times carried a very nice article the next day and reported the number of people attending the funeral at 500. I can only second Bo's comment that it was an altogether fitting tribute to Chic. Dave Vandover LCDR(ret.) USNA Class of 1971
David Vandover
dave_vandover@metters.com
Clifton, VA USA - Monday, December 17, 2001 at 8:15 AM.Chic's funeral Wednesday, a touchstone for many of us as we struggle with the tragedies of 9/11, was a fittingly elegant and glorious tribute to our fallen classmate, friend, and national hero at the Chapel on Fort Myer and Arlington National Cemetery.
American Airlines was very well represented by uniformed captains and crewmembers, as they were at Chic's memorial service in the Naval Academy Chapel on 20 September. And of course, also well represented was the Class of '71, USNA. VADM Tim Keating, Fred Klien, Mike Marks, George Flynn and Frank McAfee were among the honorary pall bearers. Tom Laboon, Walt Havenstein, Perry Martini, Jim Gosma, Ross Burkhead, Brian Horais, Chuck and Jan Boyer, Bill Hoover, Finley Foster, CassYoung, DaveVandover, Pete deVos, Teddy Snoots, Ozzie Fretz, Bob Wagoner, and possibly others I regrettably cannot bring to mind at the moment, attended. Please forgive my oversight(s). Tim provided a eulogy, as did Senator George Allen. Tim, soon to be Commander in Chief, Fifth Fleet, highlighted the days we spent together in Bancroft Hall in the late 60s, then reassured us all that the military component of the war on terrorism would be relentless in bringing terrorists to justice. Sen John Warner attended, too. Munt, handsome and suave, read Scripture. The Army provided the traditional caisson and ceremonial chapel ushers. The Navy provided a full Honor Guard and the firing squad. A soloist rendered a memorable Amazing Grace in the Chapel,and the Navy bugler issued a flawless and haunting rendition of taps at the grave. We all walked behind the caisson from the chapel to the grave. A low and solid ceiling, probably about 400 over and 1/2 mile for the aviators, precluded the scheduled fly over. American hosted a lavish reception at the Hilton in Alexandria following the services where we gathered to be of moral support to each other and to Sheri and the proud Burlingame family. The services at the grave appeared live on CNN.
Lambert Heikes
bheikes@pax.hjford.com
Lusby, MD USA - Friday, December 14, 2001 at 11:02 AM.As a friend of the family, I have known Chick since he was 11 years old at Bolling AFB.. The upbringing he received from his parents was carried on till that fatal day. They left Bolling to relocate in Los Angeles area and I visited them there twice, was in touch with his parents and knew how well Chic was doing in LA. Then Chic came to the Academy and visited us a few times and he exhibited all the same characteristics that was instilled in him by his parents. I have seen him several times since then and always knew how much he loved his parents, the Navy and flying with American Airlines. The last two times I saw Chic was under unfortunate circumstances � at the death of his father in 1999 and at the death of his mother in 2000. One half of the Burlingame family gone in three years. The last time I spoke to Chic was two weeks before the Navy-Air Force game. I called him to see if he could get us some tickets at mid price range. He said no problem, called and told me he had them and had gotten us a parking ticket also. He was to mail them to us. Unfortunately, September 11th prevented him from mailing them to us. While attending The Memorial Service for Chic at Annapolis, his wife, Sheri, handed me the envelop with the tickets and I told her I would mail the check. She said �No, Chic likes doing it this way� He got us great seats and great parking ticket. Although we are Air Force, on the day of the game, we cheered for Navy and Chic. I must add that Sheri, his wife, by bringing those tickets amongst all the pain she was suffering is to be commended. Everyone who has been close to any member of the present or deceased Burlingames know that you have been in the company of an extraordinary close-knit family. Chic will be truly missed and will always be remembered.
Joan Olexa
(loving friend or the Burlingames).Joan Olexa
joanregina@AOL.com
Washington, DC USA - Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 7:47 PM.I am also a member of USNA 71. I was in the drum and bugle corp with Chic at Navy, I am also a carrier pilot and served on USS Saratoga in the 70's too. I am deeply saddened with his loss. My words can not express the sorrow, or the appreciation of having known Chic. I want to express my condolences to his family. God Bless you.
Lew Mason
lgmason@atnet.net
Moses Lake, WA USA - Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 3:57 PM.Today we laid to rest a fallen comrade, a classmate, a beloved husband, a brother, a friend and a true son of the Navy. This lays heavily on our hearts tonight. We will always remember Chic's sterling character, his kind and giving soul, his strong loyalty to duty and country, his love of family and friends and his never to be forgotten smile. We can each be thankful that we were, in some way, a part of his life. Today, let us put aside our mourning and celebrate his life. This is what he would expect from us - this is what Chic would want us to do. Let us honor him in this way.
Jeff Kingsley
jkingsley1949@yahoo.com
, USA - Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 10:22 PM.I retired from the Navy as a Chief Corpsman, but that is not where I knew Captain Burlingame. I work with him on countless occasion as the Purser Flight Attendant on many of our flights between Dulles and Los Angeles. He was always very professional and made sure his entire crew knew they have his support 100%.
James Hartshorn
XNavyMedic@aol.com
Chicago, IL USA - Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 12:37 AM.We served together in a reserve unit..he was my Ops officer and than Executive officer. I had also been in VF-103 and on the Saratoga some years before him so,in a way we had a "connection". One thing for sure..there was NEVER a dull moment when Chic was around. And..no one wore the uniform with more pride.
Bill Fagan
wafagan@yahoo.com
Midlothian, Va USA - Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 12:02 AM.As a fellow USNA '71 Classmate, Naval Aviator and American Airlines Captain, I'll always remember Chic as one of the best of us. For the rest of my flying days I'll be wearing a miniature set of Navy wings on my uniform - for Chic. We're going to miss you buddy! Try not to be judging us by your standards Chic, OK?
Frank Wnek USNA '71
Captain, American Airlineswnekfm@nqi.net
Harpswell, Maine USA - Monday, December 10, 2001 at 10:31 PM.I'm a plankowner of the Sara, and a native New Yorker, the memory of 9/11/01, & those who lost their lives at the WTC, the Pentagon, & PA is permanantly etched into my heart. I hope his family knows they are not alone in their grief & somehow we will survive & go on for them!!
Tony Carbone
tonytommy2001@yahoo.com
Jacksonville,, FL USA - Thursday, December 6, 2001 at 12:20 PM.The pilot of the plane that was flown into the Pentagon is going to get a burial at Arlington National Cemetery after all. Army officials had earlier denied the request from the family of Charles Burlingame because he didn't meet an age requirement.
C.M. Anderson
charles.anderson@snet.net
VF-103 74-77, USA - Thursday, December 6, 2001 at 7:11 AM.Announced today on CBS, Mr. Burlingame will be buried in Arlington, the Army had previously denied this because he failed to meet an age requirement.
C.M. "Sparky' Anderson
charles.anderson@snet.net
Prospect, Ct USA - Thursday, December 6, 2001 at 7:05 AM.I am proud to serve and follow in the footsteps of such great men. I supported VF-103 during 94' cruise. May good memories linger.
Alton R Abrams
ctch21@aol.com
Pinetops , NC USA - Thursday, December 6, 2001 at 12:45 AM.As an enlisted AC aboard the Saratoga in 1978/80. I did not personally know Mr. Burlingame. But I�m sure we crossed paths in the passageways or in Airops/Cattc. I do remember his name on the Stat boards while he made traps aboard the old Sara. Now as a professional Firefighter/Captain and having spent many hours searching for victims and brother firefighters at Ground Zero at the W.T.C. You realize what a small world we do live in. To my fellow shipmates and Brother Firefighters, We must never forget.
To the Burlingame family, Our deepest condolences, and our hopes that in time your sorrows will turn to happier times and the fond remembrances of our loved ones
Steve DeCeuster
Puckheadde@aol.com
, USA - Sunday, December 2, 2001 at 8:41 AM.My name is John Miner,and I was attached to VF-103 and deployed on the USS Saratoga during 1986-1990.Even though I did not personally know Chic, I feel deeply honored to have served in the same Squadron as him!I feel that Chic is a Hero!
John Miner
jminer@rochester.rr.com
Rochesteer, New York USA - Monday, November 19, 2001 at 7:44 PM.As Chic's friend, classmate and fellow naval aviatr and fighter pilot, I will always remember Chic whenever I see blue sky above and the sun at my back. My wife, Mary Ann and I were privelged to spend several social occasions with Chic, and saw how his warm smile made everyone feel welcome and accepted. May his memory be eternal.
John Conkey '71
Mary Ann Conkeyconkey71@home.com
Port Matilda, Pa USA - Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 2:23 PM.Chic lived his life fully and with great exuberance; he died a fighting hero. Both his life and his death shall serve to inspire countless others as we go forward. The world is a better place because of Chic, I'm proud to be his classmate. Lambert Heikes USNA '71
Lambert Heikes
bheikes@pax.hjford.com
Lexington Park, MD USA - Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 12:06 PM.Our Classmate Chic has made the ultimate sacrifice - we all know he went down swinging. Although we lived on opposite sides of Bancroft Hall, I remember seeing Chic around The Yard and later at Pcola where we worked together to earn our wings. Please know the rest of us, Chic's extended family, share your grief and sorrow. USNA '71
Bob Miller
robert_miller@navsup.navy.mil
Carlisle, PA USA - Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 8:53 AM.Chic was always a class act that we wanted to emulate and follow. I particular thing I remember of Chic was that when we got our wings of gold, Viet Nam was drawing down and not as many pilots were needed in the Fleet. Chic was one of the few of us who got F-4 orders directly to the Fleet out of the Training Command. He was the man! And will be sorely missed....
J. T. Morris
jtsmgb@aol.com
Annandale, VA USA - Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 7:45 AM.Living in Northern Virginia, I have had the "opportunity" several times to drive by the section of the Pentagon hit by Chic's plane and see the result of that attack. As the word got out that a claasmate was the Captain of the aircraft, it came immediately clear that the tragedy has touched so many of us - there are very short "degrees of separation" for all of us. For you, that degree of separation does not exist and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Dalton
tdginc@erols.com
Warrenton, VA USA - Monday, November 5, 2001 at 10:02 AM.To the Burlingame family: When I saw Chic's picture flash on the news, I pulled out my Luckybag to see if it was really him. I'm not sure if I knew Chic from classes we shared, midshipman cruise or flight school, because we were not close friends. But I knew him well enough to remember a classmate I was proud to have served with. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Bob St.Germain, Class of 71
rstgermain@worldnet.att.net
Houston, Texas USA - Monday, November 5, 2001 at 9:35 AM.To Sheri and all the Family - I'm still thinking of Chic and the great smile he always had. He never failed to light up a conversation, and from time as midshipment together through USNA Homecoming Golf Tournaments, to Class of '71 DC luncheons, he never failed to be an all around great guy. I miss him and will forever thank him for his loyal service to his country and our Holy Cause of Liberty - he was a freedom warrior, and may lives are better because Chic lived. Take care, Sheri, and all of Chic's family - our thoughts and prayers remain with you. Terry & Mary Ellen Foust
Terry Foust
foust@bww.com www.bww.com/foust
Oakton, VA USA - Sunday, November 4, 2001 at 11:57 PM.Dear Mrs. Burlingame,
Although I didn't serve with Chic after graduation, I wanted to let you know how very proud I am to be called his classmate (USNA '71). You & your family are in my prayers. May God give you comfort & peace. Patrick DunfordPatrick Dunford
pjdunford@aol.com
Hopewell, VA USA - Saturday, November 3, 2001 at 11:26 PM.I served onboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60) in �79, and while at sea I spent a lot of time on deck watching the many squadrons including VF-103 Sluggers Launch and trap both in the day light hours and well into the night. I am sure in one of those many times the aircraft from VF-103 I view, Chic was probably at the controls of the F-4 Phantom. I never personally knew Chic, but I do know he was doing what he loved to do the most back on September 11th... He was "Flying."
God Bless Chic, and May God Bless America
Bob Query
, New Jersey USA - Saturday, November 3, 2001 at 1:05 AM.As the events of Sept. 11 unfolded I wondered what the chances were of knowing someone involved in the tragedy. I was shocked and saddened to read Chic's name on TV. I was a classmate of Chic's. We didn't know each other very well..had a few classes together over the years. But I knew him well enough to remember that smile. I've since tried to remember when we might have seen each other last. It was probably in Pensacola in early 1972...maybe during our preflight classes or while grabbing a burger at the BOQ. It was a long time ago, and a greater portion of our lives has past since. But that doesn't lessen the sorrow. It is amazing the bond we share as Academy grads and particularly classmates. To Chic's family: it was my pleasure and honor to have known him. God bless you all....and God Bless America.
Jim Dokos
dokosj@ida.net
Idaho Falls, Idaho USA - Friday, November 2, 2001 at 4:21 PM.I'm so sorry for the loss of Chic. My condlences to all of Chic's Family and Friends. Today I have added Chic's name to a list of Friends I lost on 11 Sept. 2001. classmate's 1967 Anaheim H.S.
Col. John McCall USAF
Johnmccall2@hotmail.com
Everett, WA USA - Thursday, November 1, 2001 at 3:03 PM.Mrs. Burlingame,
My sympathy on your loss.
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