Jim Campbell's Latest Somewhat-Irregular Aero-Column
I'm going to keep this
missive short and sweet...
Most folks equate the word "hero" with some death-defying
act/feat and/or risky behavior.
I don't.
While it comes in many forms, Heroism (as I see it), comes to
pass when someone puts the welfare of others before their own...
even when risk is not part of the equation. It staggers me how many
times such heroism appears among us -- especially among we
flyers.
A recent case in point... for nearly two weeks, people who knew
a fallen pilot well, and those who never met him, worked in concert
to rescue/find him. As ANN has reported, they poured their hearts
and souls into this search. Tragically; the joy of a rescue was
denied them and the Air Force has now reluctantly called off the
search for retired Muskogee, OK, physician Jack Nolen. Dr. Nolen
disappeared, January 14th, somewhere in the midwest, while
flying his Kitfox Lite2.
As ANN reported on Friday,
the Oklahoma Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has scoured hundreds of
square miles between Paris, TX, where the aircraft was last seen,
and Shawnee, OK, hoping to find some sign of the 72-year old
physician. Gone... but never forgotten.
Somewhere, someday, some poor soul will stumble across this
aviator's hidden location and finally start a course of action
that will take him home to his loved ones and his final resting
place. A mystery will be over, and the many people who hoped to
save his life will shake their heads, think (or pray) about it a
bit, and make ready for the next time they are called upon to
search for a lost flyer.
Much has been written
about the Civil Air Patrol and all those who help in trying to
rescue fallen pilots, but this most recent search brought home the
emotional investment these folks take on when they leave the
comforts of their homes in the attempt to rescue people they've
never met. Such selflessness is rare... but not among CAP and the
many law enforcement and civilian assets that are put into action
when a plane goes down.
If ever my wings let me down, I hope that those who come to look
for me have half the passion and integrity we've seen, in bits and
pieces, among those who went looking for Doctor Nolen. Their work
was blessed. Their spirit was indefatigable... heroes all. Let me
say what Doctor Nolen could not... thank you. You did your
best.
And from the very bottom of my heart... I thank you, as
well.
Jim Campbell, Aero-News Network,
Editor-In-Chief