Posted on 07/17/2009 9:09:02 PM PDT by Tex Pete
Found out about four hours ago that my good friend, CW5 Ret. William F. "Sonny" Hinchman, was killed in a helicopter crash today.
Sonny finished his second tour in Iraq in January, IIRC, and retired from active duty in April. He was working for Xe(Blackwater) at the time of the crash. He was a helicpoter pilot for many years, flying primarily Blackhawks and Kiowas.
My heart is broken. Sonny was one of the funniest, nicest human beings you could ever meet. He was working in Iraq so he could be home for football season to watch his stepsons play football for TCU (TE Logan Brock, LB Tanner Brock) and Copperas Cove, Texas HS (DE Cooper Brock). Sonny was the greatest stepfather, and was so proud of his kids.
I just found this quote from another deployment:"Michael, a soldier in Iraq who has a blog on the net, cited some Kiowa pilots from the 1st Cavalry Division that had been dropping soccer balls from their helicopters after completing their missions. One story in particular really struck a chord.
“I remember this one time when we came down, ready to drop a few balls and we see this kid standing off in the distance. He had his arm cocked back to his ear, just ready to hurl a rock at us. I pulled one of the balls out and tossed it to him. The kid just stood there for a second, like he really wasn’t sure what to do, but then he dropped that rock, grabbed the ball and gave us the thumbs up. That was cool.” --Chief Warrant Officer Sonny Hinchman, Kiowa pilot."
I miss my friend. RIP Sonny.
Ping to War News
Sincere condolences to you and his family.
Rest in Peace.
May his soul rest in peace
God Bless this American hero.
MY condolences to you and many Prayers for the family...
We've all lost another good man. One of our best. I'm so sorry.
A fallen American in Iraq.
I am so sorry for yours and his loved ones loss.
Amen.....God be with his family, friends, and fellow patriots in Uniform.
Of whom the world is not worthy.....
Rest in peace Sonny.
You have my deepest condolences.
I am sorry for your loss and the loss of a good man. My dad was an Army helicopter pilot when I was a kid, so I always say an extra prayer for these guys.
I’m so sorry to hear of the lost of another American Hero warrior! God be with you and the family!
Beautifully said.
My condolences and prayers for those who loved him.
Prayers sent to this brave hero.
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