This past Memorial Day we ‘liked’ and ‘shared’ many photos in honor and memory our heroes. I’ve been thinking about the military, and the sense of pride I feel at being able to call myself a Veteran.
I’ve decided to post some of my own memories about my service. Some of the posts will be actual accounts, while others may be fictional but based on actual events.
As Memorial day has just passed, I want to mention an event in honor of those I served with.
January 25, 1987 An EA-3B Skywarrior from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2, crashed while landing on board the Nimitz in the Ionian Sea, at 2328. The front wheel caught the barricade net and the aircraft skidded across the flight deck, going over the edge and breaking apart as it struck the water. Lt. Cmdr. Ronald R. Callander, Lt. Stephen H. Batchelder, Lt. Alan A. Levine, Lt. James D. Richards, AT2 Richard A. Herzing, CTI3 Patrick R. Price and CTI3 Craig H. Rudolf were killed. (http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm)
I only vaguely remember this event. VQ-2 was my squadron. That A-3 was one I’m sure I’d washed a few times. Plane washes were NOT fun. “Det Nimitz” was one that I’d helped prepare for. I didn’t know the service members who died – except for one. I didn’t know him well, but I remember Rick had dark hair, he was very friendly and he and his roommate threw one hell of a party. One other thing that has stayed with me, is the fact that he always played with my daughter. She had a stuffed rabbit she carried around, and for some reason, Rick always referred to it as “Bunny Bear”. Why I remember that of all things? I don’t know. But after 30 years I still remember him and wish I’d known him better.
sharenee.com 
