THE WALL OF FACES

Russ is a graduate of the USAF Academy, Class of 1968. This is his senior year photograph and year book entry.

In this photo, taken in Vanderberg Hall at the Air Force Academy in 1967 or 1968, Russ is second from the left. At the far left is his roommate, Dick Perry. On the right are Class of 1969 members Bill Marvel (with hamster) and Ross Wieringa.

We went to the same High School (Cameron High School).

Russ -- I only knew you for your first class year at the Academy. You and Dick Perry roomed together and Ross Wieringa and I were next door, class of 1969. You were First Squadron commander first semester 1967/68 and always were polite and friendly to the underclassmen. I remember when I had Linus the Skydiving Hamster, who survived many a parachute jump from the 6th floor at Vandenberg Hall in the small parachute rig my mom made for him. Pets were illegal, of course, but you looked the other way and I appreciated it. Linus lived a full life and died of old age at my parents' home in Kansas City. If only fate would have allowed you the same kindness. You'd be my age today, 56, probably with gray hair, or at least much less of it of any color. I know little about what happened to you. I heard that your AT-37 was hit by ground fire on either a strafing or bombing run in Cambodia and that you ejected too low for survival. How much of that is fact versus fiction I will probably never know. You were a nice guy, Russ, a real gentleman who never lost his temper or his cool. I wish you well.

Russ was my friend. We trained and flew together. He gave more to us and our country than we can understand. God bless him!!