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Thomas "Tom" E. Mason

Final Flight on March 20, 1996


THOMAS "TOM" E. MASON


THOMAS E. MASON


Thomas E. Mason was part of my first flight crew. We flew almost all missions together when I first arrived at NKP. Tom helped me out when I first arrived in NKP. I was with Tom the first time I was shot at, the first time I went to the Ville, and the first time I flew across the trail.

 

I found out about ten years ago that Tom was living in Liberty, TX. When I went there to surprise him I was hit with a big surprise. I found out that Tom had died on March 20, 1996.


Roger Veillon

6 Feb. 2007



THOMAS E. MASON

 

I remember Tom first as a friend, a friend I made while serving in the USAF helicopter family. I also remember Tom as a warrior serving our country as a combat helicopter flight engineer on CH-3E helicopters with the 21st Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand in 1969 and 1970. Tom was a man who worked hard and played hard. He had a great sense of humor which he could display in all sorts of situations. Tom and I did not fly together on a regular basis, but as I remember we did have a few missions together. I knew with Tom on the helicopter, that I was flying with a skilled professional, who knew his job and knew our mission. I knew I was flying with one of the best.

 

As our tours ended and we were re-assigned to different bases, I lost track of Tom and didn’t see him again until about 1973 when I was part of a crew sent to Edwards AFB, CA to pick up a drone recovery modified CH-3E (MARS) and deliver it to Tyndall AFB, FL. As part of our check out in this helicopter we participated in two or three mid-air drone recoveries. Tom was part of the experienced crew giving us our ride. I remember how easily and skillfully Tom went about his duties to recover the drones. He made everything look easy and right in the middle of some tense moment, he would give you one of the biggest smiles. This trip to Edwards AFB would be the last time I saw Tom.

 

I have learned in the last few days the Tom passed away in Texas in 1996.

 

Tom was part of our family, the USAF helicopter family and although he never had the opportunity to join our group of ‘Rotorheads’, I know he was certainly eligible and had he been with us now, I feel certain he would have joined.

 

I’m proud to have known Tom, proud to have served with him, proud to have had him as a friend.

 

Jim Burns

February 6, 2007



       



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