I am sharing my loss

MSG John Wirts — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 01:44:52 -0500

On feb 14 2015 our country and my family lost another WWII veteran. My father joined the Army in 1943 as enlisted. He applied for flight training was accepted graduated and was licensed as a military pilot, and sent to the Pacific Theater and Japan after the war's end. He was an Air Force Reservist and retired in 1983. He was old school military and patriotic. He got married and had 4 children 3 boys and one girl. I joined the Army in 1962 and separated in 1965 and stayed in the reserves until 2005. My brother joined the Navy and served in the submariners. My sister joined the Air Force and got married and got out after 2.5 years as they did not allow pregnant servicewomen(WAF"s) at that time. So another of the greatest generation is passed on to that pilot's heven.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 22 at 2015 1:48 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 01:48:21 -0500

MSG John Wirts, I am sorry for the loss of your father and would wish his demise was in the peace we all hunger for. Charles H Hayden

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Feb 22 at 2015 2:10 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 02:10:43 -0500

So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Feb 22 at 2015 2:11 AM

SPC Charles Brown — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 02:11:12 -0500

My deepest sympathies on your loss. Having lost my father, also a member of the "greatest generation". Thanks for your service and that of your family members as well. You are all in my prayers. God bless you all.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Feb 22 at 2015 6:22 AM

MSG Greg Kelly — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 06:22:44 -0500

Sorry for your loss MSG you have a great family.

Response by SSG Selwyn Bodley made Feb 22 at 2015 6:51 AM

SSG Selwyn Bodley — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 06:51:21 -0500

Msg Wirts, my Heart and prayers are with you during this time of loss.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 1:38 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:38:12 -0500

My condolences, MSG John Wirts. I think your father was part of the greatest generation. Thank you for your service. Your father seems to have instilled a sense of giving something back in his children, which is part of his legacy that lives on.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 22 at 2015 1:43 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:43:12 -0500

One More Roll

We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the skies, and were gently caught by God's own hand to be with him on High.

To dwell among the soaring clouds they've known so well before. From victory roll to tail chase, at heaven's very door.

As we fly among them there, we're sure to head their plea. To take care my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me.

— Commander Jerry Coffee

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 22 at 2015 1:51 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:51:28 -0500

MSG John Wirts I thank you and your family for generations of service to our Nation and am honored that you shared your loss with the rest of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Greatest Generation RESPECT!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 22 at 2015 1:57 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:57:16 -0500

MSG John Wirts I am very sorry for your loss. My family and I will add you and your family to our prayers this evening.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Feb 22 at 2015 2:02 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 14:02:47 -0500

God bless & sorry for your loss.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Feb 22 at 2015 2:08 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 14:08:40 -0500

MSG John Wirts prayers and condolences! My father and my uncles will be there waiting for them... And the stories that will flow... One wishes could be captured!

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Feb 22 at 2015 2:18 PM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 14:18:43 -0500

I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. At this time you should remember all the good time's you've had as a family.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Feb 22 at 2015 3:00 PM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:00:08 -0500

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Feb 22 at 2015 3:18 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:18:51 -0500

MSG Wirts, thank you for sharing this. May the Merciful One comfort you among all mourners....

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 22 at 2015 4:04 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 16:04:06 -0500

My condolences to you and your family during this trying time. He has left this earth to go be with the Lord, I hope knowing this provides comfort to you and yours.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Feb 22 at 2015 5:15 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 17:15:09 -0500

sorry for your loss MSG John Wirts he is and always part if the brotherhood may there always be wind under his wings

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 22 at 2015 5:17 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 17:17:06 -0500

MSG John Wirts sorry for your and your families loss RIP to your father.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Feb 22 at 2015 8:44 PM

CMC Robert Young — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 20:44:14 -0500

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 9:00 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:00:49 -0500

MSG John Wirts from the very bottom of this Southern gal's heart, I thank you and your awesome family for your service to this fine nation. I'm so truly sorry for your loss. May you find peace and solace during this very difficult time brother. Love and hugs to you!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 9:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:49:15 -0500

So sorry to hear that bad news and your loss. Bless you friend,

Response by 1SG Joe Messier made Feb 23 at 2015 8:33 PM

1SG Joe Messier — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 20:33:57 -0500

Rest well sir! Our country owes your family a debt of gratitude!

Response by MSG John Wirts made Mar 2 at 2015 12:33 AM

MSG John Wirts — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:33:06 -0500

Well last Thursday, our family interred my father's remains. We had full military honors, after much searching, and applying. My fathers caretakers did not understand the importance of keeping military records. WWII veterans do not have DD Form 214s, many of the current RSOs do not even know the War Department form to search for. If your veteran, a family member or yourself has these items squirreled away, make sure to at least have a document, letter, or note that will explain where the military records are, which ones to get out ect. The best thing you can do is register your dd-214 and discharges at the county courthouse, establish a prepaid funeral plan and leave copies of these documents with the funeral home. My running around in circles chasing obsolete abandoned numbers and redeveloping an ulcer could have been avoided.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2015 12:42 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:42:35 -0500

Sir, I am sorry for you loss and would like to thank your family for all that they have done.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 2 at 2015 12:43 AM

SPC David Shaffer — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:43:02 -0500

I am very sorry for your loss.