The Khobar Nineteen

In Loving Memory of the nineteen men who paid the ultimate price for freedom at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

 Patrick AFB, Florida

Capt. Christopher J. Adams

Rescue HC-130 Pilot Capt. Christopher Adorns, called “Chris” had two loves in his life; His best friend and fiancée Air Force Capt. Karen Oullette and their new 32-foot cabin cruiser, dubbed the “Diamond Ring.” He named his boat for his girl, because after their wedding, the couple was going to sail Diamond Ring to the Bahamas for the honeymoon that never was. Most of their friends received their wedding invitations days before the blast. According to friends, Adams knew he and Karen were going to get married five years ago. It was the last thing on their “Five Year Plan” that was right on schedule. “Chris would drop everything in a second to stop and help someone else,” said fellow Capt. Ted Ferguson, who also was Adams’ roommate and friend of six years. Adams’ peers said his concern was always his people. “That was his job as an officer. When he made a decision as an air craft commander, his concern was always his crew – what was best for his crew,” said Capt. George Kochis, pilot. “And every one’s input was important, from the junior airman up. Ferguson agreed: “Chris would do anything for the good of the squadron and its people. One year, Chris volunteered to take a Saudi rotation for a married guy so he could spend the holiday with his family.” Adams also volunteered for and participated in airlift operations during Operation Desert Calm, and was selected to fly a sensitive mission filming the oil fires in Kuwait during Desert Storm. He later deployed to Provide Promise, the humanitarian airlift into Bosnia, and flew 16 missions under combat conditions. Hudson and Adams were with Chris the day before he left for Saudi. They took Diamond Ring for a voyage on the Indian River and ran her aground. Hudson said they spent a good part of the night trying to get the boat free so they could dock it and catch his flight the next day.

Captain Leland T. Haun Clovis, California

Capt. Leland “Tim” Haun

Rescue HC-130 Navigator Anyone who didn’t know Capt. Leland Haun would describe him as a quiet person. But he was very well rounded according to his peers who describe him as a Jokester, artist, comedian, ferocious reader of books, but first and foremost as a family man. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts from Fresno State University in July 1989, and joined the Air Force that some month. His first duty assignment was to the 41st Electronic Squadron at Davis Monthan, Ariz., where he made quite a name for himself during a training exercise, according to Johnson, then a loadmaster with the 41st. “On the HC-130, we do a lot of radar jamming,” Johnson said. “During this particular exercise, their objective was to knock out the communication with the ground battle field. Instead of hitting the battlefield, Haun cut the comm between the chow hail and the battle line. Nobody got called for breakfast or lunch, so everything came to a standstill. They got debriefed and told that certain frequencies couldn’t be jammed anymore because people had gone 18 hours without eating.” He was known for those same types of antics at the 71st. He joined the rescue squadron here in June 1994. He was credited with saving a life when he participated in a rescue off of ship, 1,600 miles off of the coast of Florida. Haun, a former college volleyball player, distinguished himself in Saudi as well. He received a ton of mail while deployed. “He always had mail coming from his family. Constantly, and he always sent letters to them too,” Kochis said. “He would get at least two letters every day!” “How can I explain how great the guy was?” Jenson asked. “I mean, I know how I feel, but I can’t describe it. There real!’ aren’t any words. But that’s what he was…great.”

MSgt Michael G. Heiser Palm Coast, Florida

Communications System Operator

Master Sgt. Michael Heiser, an only child, joined the US Air Force on the ironic date of June 25, 1979. Soon after he was selected to attend the military academy Prep school in Colorado Springs and after that, moved up on the hill to the US Air Force Academy. He, being one of the oldest members of this class, chose to leave after the first year and went back into the enlisted ranks enjoying a rewarding career as a communications specialist aboard the Gulfstream fleet affectionately referred to as Air Force Three. Many years of world travel finally wound down and the final assignment was when he joined the 71st Rescue Squadron attached to Patrick AFB near home in December, 1995 as a  C-Flight superintendent. He hadn’t been at the squadron long before he went away to the HC-130 Combat Rescue School at Kirtland AFB, N.M., which is a must for all members of the squadron who participate in rescue operations. He graduated from Kirtland and had only been back in the squadron for a few months before he was sent to Dhahran to put to practice what he spent months learning. They were there to protect The No Fly Zone.

Heiser was new, but he made a good first impression on his flight commander, Capt. Ben Walsh. “When I called him in and told him he was going to be the new flight supervisor, Heiser expressed concern to me that he was too new to do a good job. I told him I knew he could do the job or I wouldn’t have selected him. He was that conscientious.”

Like Adams, Heiser was in the process of settling down in a new house with his fiancée, when he was killed.

SSgt Kevin J. Johnson Shreveport, Louisiana

A1C Justin R. Wood

Hometown: Modesto, California HC-130 Loadmaster The loadmasters affectionately referred to Senior Airman Justin Woods as “Junior” because the 20-year-old was the youngest member of the squadron. Junior joined the 71st Rescue Squadron Jan 5, 1995. He was the first active-duty loadmaster to go from civilian to fully qualified loadmaster, a job normally reserved for experienced personnel. He was on his second deployment to Saudi Arabia and two weeks shy of his 21st birthday. He packed a lot in his 21 years, flying 34 combat missions, and his actions contributed to the squadron being credited with saving 10 lives. Squadron members say Woods is the guy who kept everyone laughing with his Jim Carrey “Ace Ventura” impressions. He was always on, according to Master Sgt. Julien Johnson. “He was just like a puppy. The energy he gave off to the rest of the squadron was uplifting,” said Johnson, a fellow loadmaster. “There wasn’t a down side to Justin. He was full of energy. He could put a smile on anyone’s face.” That’s the hard part for his buddies in Dormitory 506, said Senior Airman Robert Carden, who was Woods fellow loadmaster and dorm neighbor. “We are like a family. He was always making everyone laugh. He was the happiest person I knew,” said Carcieri. “You couldn’t walk by him without cracking a smile,” said Johnson. “The only time I ever saw him down was when he fell in love with Pocahontas at Disney World.” But that was Junior being Junior, Johnson said. “He was always moving, doing something. Once, we were in Las Vegas and he won $90 at a nickel slot machine. When they (casino officials) found out he wasn’t 21, he was asked to leave the premises and not come back.” That was cool with Junior. He took the money, bought inline skates and spent the rest of the time skating there. “That just the way he was,” said Johnson. “He was an entertainer. I still can’t believe he’s gone.

Eglin AFB, Florida

MSgt Kendall K. Kitson, Jr.

Nickname: “K.K.”

Hometown: Yukon, Oklahoma

Down to earth sense of humor best expressed with simple anecdotes: “Let me look into my crystal ball and see what I can find to support the mission.”

He always kept his cool as production superintendent even when the jets were not cooperating.

He enjoyed fishing and boating and playing volleyball with the troops in Saudi.

TSgt Daniel B. Cafourek

Hometown: Watertown, South Dakota

33 FW Maintenance Professional of the Year for 1995.

Considered by most as the “Resident Mechanic of the F-15.

The consummate professional, indisputably recognized as the squadron’s finest crew chief. He carried out his duties with quiet resolve and dedication to detail. The first certified technician in the wing.

He had one of the largest hearts and strongest commitment to friendships and family. His stoic demeanor was shed when carousing with friends. That’s when his fun loving and utterly hysterical persona shone through. He loved his wife, friends, fast cars, tuning up his 93 Mustang, and rock and roll.

TSgt Patrick P. Fennig

Hometown: Greendale, Wisconsin

Flightline Expeditor

Pat was well traveled with 7 assignments in 16 years of service.

He excelled as a Flightline Expeditor because he was able to juggle the many demands of the daily flying mission while taking care of the young men and women on the flightline. He was loved and respected by his subordinates because of his devotion to them.

Pat was selfless and the first to volunteer for any deployment. In the three years prior to his last assignment, he was deployed in support of Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH three times.

Pat loved the Air Force, traveling, shooting, scuba diving and spear fishing. He liked the finer things in life; gourmet food, good wine, good scotch, and wouldn’t hesitate to pay $50 for a good hand-rolled cigar.

Pat lived life to the fullest and seized every minute!

TSgt Thanh Van Nguyen

Hometown: Panama City, Florida

Born in Saigon, South Vietnam.

Nickname: “Gus”

When he arrived in the States both he and his brother had the same name. He was baptized Catholic and given the name Augustino.

He was a Gold Flag Combat Oriented Repair Initiative Manager and was directly responsible for the Wing being recognized as having the most productive Gold Flag program in ACC. He was a key contributor to a Gold Flag grand total savings of $4.61M in FY 94, 95 and 1^st Qtr 96.

He was a Vietnamese linguist protocol volunteer for Eglin AFB and also volunteered many hours in the community helping Hurricane Opal victims.

SrA Earl F. Cartrette, Jr.

Hometown: Sellersburg, Indiana

Nickname: “JR” (junior), “Spoon-man”

JR was a crew chief by trade and was assigned to the Support Section.

Known as a practical joker, JR kept the times in Saudi “light-hearted”. He also drew clown cartoon characters on the squadron bulletin board to convey light-hearted messages to the squadron.

He enjoyed auto racing and spent time rebuilding a Chevy Nova as a tribute to his Father who passed away in 1992. The car had belonged to his father who had sold it before he passed away and JR had bought it back.

SrA Jeremy A. Taylor

Hometown: Rosehill, Kansas

Jeremy was assigned to the 33d Maintenance Squadron as a jet engine mechanic.

He had an outgoing personality and enjoyed cookouts with his fellow mechanics.

He was the son of a career military father (retired Chief).

Jeremy played soccer in high school and became an avid beach volleyball player while at Eglin AFB. During the three years prior to his death, he coached children’s soccer teams on base and coached a women’s softball.

Jeremy was very close to his family and would talk with them every Sunday on the phone.

Sgt Millard D. Campbell

Nicknames: “Dee” and “Soup”

Hometown: Angelton, Texas

Dee was the NCO, Daily Flight Operations. He accepted his duties without question, carrying them out with resounding quality and expertise. He had effectively transitioned into his new position prior to deploying to Saudi. His job required technical knowledge to make quick and precise decisions. He not only performed brilliantly at that position but also at operations scheduling.

Dee was quiet and mild mannered. He was the right hand of all supervisors. He made sure all operation specialists assigned to him were well taken care of. He always made sure all the younger airmen had somewhere to go during the holidays.

He loved baseball and was drafted out of high school to play professionally, but he declined and took a scholarship to attend college instead. After meeting his wife, Marie, he joined the Air Force. He, of course, played squadron softball leading his team in hits, home runs, and RBIs.

Dee was a class act and will be missed by all.

A1C Brent E. Marthaler

Hometown: Cambridge, Minnesota

Nominated as “Airman of the Quarter” for the 58^th Fighter Squadron.

Winner of the Top Performer of the Month for TAMS Flight, January 1996.

As crew chief of the Squadron Commander’s jet, he was always observed putting in an extra effort to keep his jet flying.

Brent was known for his great attitude and politeness, and was instrumental in keeping spirits high. At shift change, he would enthusiastically yell “Good morning mid shift” to his comrades.

Brent also devoted time teaching Sunday school classes to children at the Eglin Base Chapel.

A1C Brian W. McVeigh

Hometown: Debary, Florida

Crew Chief.

Brian is remembered for the example he set for his crew and his very quiet personality.

Brian was a big auto racing fan and also enjoyed lifting weights. One pilot recalls “Brian would crush your hand when you shook hands with him at the jet”.

A1C Peter J. Morgera

Hometown: Stratham, New Hampshire

Pete came to the 33^rd from the 53d FS, Spangdahlem, Germany.

He was an Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief. He earned an Air Force Achievement  Medal for maintaining his aircraft at a 90.2% fully mission capable rate, well above the 84% Air Force in Europe standard.

 Pete had been deployed to Incirlik, Turkey in support of Operation “PROVIDE COMFORT”. He was assigned to the 33^rd OSS in January 1996 as an end of runway technician. He volunteered to go to Saudi so that he could upgrade to 5 level the right way by crewing jets.

 Pete was a reliable and hard working professional. He enjoyed playing darts, shooting pool and going to the beach. A very caring individual – never without a smile.

A1C Joseph E. Rimkus

Hometown: Edwardsville, Illinois

Nickname: “Dinky”

Member of the Weapons Load Crew.

Joseph was always very respectful and well mannered. He always wore a tie when he went to visit his grandma because she liked to see him in a tie.

He would always volunteered for additional duties and never complained.

Joseph enjoyed playing basketball. He was also a “Closet Barber”; while in Saudi, he enjoyed cutting his friends hair.

A1C Joshua E. Woody

Joshua Edward Woody was born October 6, 1975 in San Jose, CA. He attended school through the seventh grade in Los Gatos. During 1989 Josh moved to Corning where he entered Maywood Junior High School. He graduated with the Maywood Class of 1990 and the Corning Union High School Class of 1994.

At CUHS Josh lettered in wrestling and football as well as academics. Josh played football all four years at Corning High School. He was all-league his junior and senior years, a second-team all Northern Section defensive tackle as a senior in 1994. Josh was the varsity football team co-captain his senior year. Following graduation he played in the Lions All-Star North-South football game.

Wearing jersey number 88 Josh, “Woody”, earned a reputation for being an outstanding team player and leader. Josh was selected to the All-League team his junior and senior years. Many believe his best performance was during the Fall 1993 Corning vs. Foothill game that earned him a position on the Lions All-Star North team.

Early in practice for the Lions All Star Football Game a north team player, number 54, was injured and would not be able to play in the game. The north team was in desperate need of a running back but a running back could not wear the number 54.

Josh volunteered to give up his number, the number 88 he wore at Corning, and took the number 54 so that his former Corning Cardinal teammate, Earl Murr, could join the team. Earl went on to be selected the MVP of the game in a 44 to 14 north victory.

Josh had 4 solo tackles, 4 assists and 1 1/2 Quarter Back sacks in the game.

Josh worked for his stepfather during his sophomore and junior school years when he wasn’t playing football or wrestling as an electrician’s helper. During his junior year he started working at the local McDonalds Restaurant where he rapidly advanced to the job of Maintenance Manager for three McDonalds stores prior to his graduation from high school in June of 1994.

Josh enlisted in the United States Air Force March 8, 1995, taking basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and advanced training at Sheppard Air Force Base. On completion of basic and advanced individual training the Air Force assigned him to the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33^rd Fighter Wing, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Josh married Dawn Marie Riniker of Pryor, Oklahoma on February 21, 1996. They established their home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida near his duty station at Eglin Air Force Base.

Offutt AFB, Nebraska

SSgt Ronald L. King

Originally from Battlecreek, MI, Offutt AFB in Nebraska, became the home station of Staff Sgt. Ronald L. King, who was assigned to the 55th Contracting Squadron. Offutt AFB dedicated a dining facility in his memory on April 20, 2001.

The SSgt Ronald L. King Award for Outstanding Contingency Contracting, honoring SSgt. King’s exemplary service is awarded at the Air Force Contracting Awards Ceremony annually.

Wright-Paterson AFB, Ohio 

A1C Christopher Lester

Hometown: Pineville, West Virginia

Airman 1st Class Christopher Lester of the 88th Civil Engineer Group was honored by his fellow airmen at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio with a memorial service on July 1, 1996. An exhibit featuring Lester’s photo is located in Building 22 at Wright-Patterson.

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