Texas Tech Graduate and F-16 Pilot Crashes In Iraq (background about pilot downed earlier this week)

If anyone is anywhere near Houston, they ought to join us in Kemah for a lessons learned event. The organizers are trying to set these events up to HEAR from the voters more than to SPEAK to them. Let's be a part of fixing things

Later that night Kemah has a christmas boat parade!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1746691/posts)

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 1225-06
December 03, 2006

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert, 34, of Litchfield Park, Ariz., died Nov. 27 when his F-16C fighter crashed 20 miles northwest of Baghdad, Iraq.

Maj. Gilbert was assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and was previously carried as "Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown," awaiting positive DNA identification of remains from the crash site.

For more information related to this release contact Luke Air Force Base Public Affairs at (623) 856-5853.

http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10246

From a Luke AFB news release.
FAMILY STATEMENT

The following is a statement from the Gilbert family to the Phoenix, West Valley community.

"Troy was first and foremost a wonderful husband and father. His Christian faith, personal values, and work ethic guided his personal life and his career as a military officer. He was highly respected by and deeply loved by so many. At the time of the tragedy during combat operations, he was unselfishly protecting the lives of other American military members. We, his family, cherish the worldwide prayers and support during this extremely difficult time."

TRUST FUND FOR GILBERTS ESTABLISHED

For members of the public interested in assisting the Gilbert family, Fighter Country Partnership, a community support organization for the men and women of Luke Air Force Base, has established a sub account under the 5013C Foundation for the Gilbert Family.

The title of this account is "The Gilbert Family." Interested members of the public may write a check to "The Gilbert Family" and drop the check off at any Credit Union West Branch or they can mail the check to Fighter Country Partnership at 500 North Estrella (estraya) Parkway, Suite B-2, PMB #479, Goodyear, Arizona, 85338. Fighter Country Partnership emphasizes that this may be a tax deductible donation. For more information, contact Steve Yamamori, FCP executive director, at (602) 369-3531.

For any member of the public using a financial institution outside Arizona, you can ask the financial institution for assistance in electronically wiring the funds directly to the Gilbert family account. For information on electronic wiring, financial institutions can contact Robin Reed at Credit Union West at (602) 631-3218 for more information, to include routing/account information.

Here is an email from my cousin, a fellow pilot, about the death of Troy "Trojan" Gilbert.

Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 7:59 PM
Subject: Trojan

Fellow Trojan friends,

Maj Troy “Trojan” Gilbert was the pilot who tragically crashed in Iraq this week. His name was officially released today and I’ve taken portions of what was released to convey to you. His official status is listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown pending final AF confirmatory analysis. Until a change in status occurs, the official process is in a “hold mode,” however we are moving forward with support. Ginger has expressed her thanks for you and all the prayers. If you want to continue to pass words through Kari, she relays those to Ginger. As we progress, more opportunities will emerge for you to personally express your condolences and I will keep you updated on these opportunities.

A trust fund for the family was established today through the local Fighter Country Partnership and donations are being accepted. You can donate by writing a check to “Gilbert Family” and mailing it to:

Fighter Country Partnership

500 N. Estrella Parkway

Suite B/2 PMB #479

Goodyear, AZ 85338

I will provide any updates as I receive them. Feel free to forward to Nickel Brethren that I may have missed.

God bless you all for your support for the Gilbert Family in this tragic time.

Once Green…..Always Green

Dizzy

BRENT GILLESPIE

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