33 Volunteers Receive Awards On 33rd Anniversary Of Airmen Memorial

Thirty-three Blaine County residents and former residents were honored in a presentation ceremony on May 25. Staged at the Airmen Memorial in Harlem, the assembly watched as Brigadier General Trace N. Thomas conferred upon these volunteers, the United States Air Force Commander’s Public Service Award.

The process for this presentation began last August when Retired Lieutenant Colonel Frank Maguire of the USAF Reserve appealed to General Thomas for help. In his appeal, Maguire, who lives in Ohio, requested “assistance to champion the award of the Commander’s Public Service Award to several [Hi-Line] residents.”

Roughly comparable to the Air Force Achievement Medal, the CPSA is meant to recognize those who make a contribution to the Air Force mission. Maguire’s brother, Captain Kevin Michael Maguire was an aviator with the 8th Airlift Squadron of McChord Air Force Base in Washington who was killed, along with twelve fellow aviators, in the aircraft collision that occurred in the sky over Harlem on Nov. 30, 1992.

“On that fateful night, [several Hi-Line community residents] responded to the crash of two Air Force C-141B transports,” Maguire wrote in his letter. “They secured the crash scene, put out the fires, searched for the dead, protected the bodies of these young men from further harm, and selflessly gave everything they had to aid in the recovery of this catastrophe. Over the next several weeks, these patriots greatly assisted the USAF with their accident investigation, aircraft recovery operations, shelter, and a host of other needs inherent in such a large and traumatic accident.”

Thomas agreed that recognition was in order and piloted the request through the proper channels, giving rise to the ceremony.

On May 25, following opening remarks by Darwin Zellmer, vocalist Jacqueline Fogerty sang the national anthem. On the heels of her musical performance, retired Reverend Jack Mattingly offered an invocation before the introduction of distinguished guests: Janet K. Boisvert, Mark B. Diemert, George E. Dugan, Kraig A. Hansen, Arnie P. Hofer, Darius K. Hofer, Jerry W. Hofer, Phillip G. Hofer, Tom S. Hofer, Reuben M. Kuntz, Delvin R. Mace, L.G. Miller, Curtis C. Moxley, Eugene L. Pronto, Robert L. Scheffelmaer, Linda K. Wetzel, Kathryn R. Choi, Patrick D. Doyle, Marvin A. Edwards, Don E. Harmon, Ben Hofer, David L. Hofer, Peter M. Hofer, Samual R. Hofer, Stephen R. Humphreys, James P. Leo, Timothy N. MacKay, Victor J. Miller, Ann Marie Parks, Raymond D. Ragsdale, Daniel T. Spencer, Darwin L. Zellmer and Edwin O. Zellmer.

After their introduction, a reading of the award citation occurred, and Presiding Officer, General Thomas presented each of the volunteers with the CPSA, “for outstanding, voluntary public service rendered from Nov. 30, 1992, to March 2, 1993.”

In addition to their medals, each volunteer was awarded a challenge coin designed by Kirt Thompson, a comrade of those deceased who had been excused from the mission for personal reasons; and an engraved, Montana-shaped commemorative ornament dedicated to the thirteen airmen who lost their lives. This memento was designed and donated by Eva’s Laser Engraving Etc.

Following award conferment, Maguire delivered a speech. His words not only thanked Zellmer for his efforts with the Airmen Memorial Committee but for organizing the ceremony. He went on to pay homage to the lives lost and to give tribute to the recipients of the CPSA.

“Months later, as I was settling my father’s estate, I found letters my mother had written, describing the anguish she suffered with the loss of her youngest son. In them, she asked the Lord why her son was taken from her. ‘Why in the skies of Montana?’ ... She concluded it was because the Lord knew you would take care of him and bring him home. For that, I offer you my gratitude and respect. That is why I came here,” Maguire stated.

After saluting the awardees, Maguire presented Harlem Mayor Green with an engraved plaque bearing all the names of the volunteers. This will hang in City Hall.

Additionally, absent family members and friends of those who had lost their lives sent remarks of gratitude to the first responders. Among those remarks read, Thompson stated, “On this Memorial Day, I wish to take a moment to honor and thank you for your heroic service during the 1992 mid-air accident. Your courage, dedication, and selflessness during one of the most challenging moments in our airlift community’s history exemplify the very best of what it means to serve ... Your efforts to save lives and provide support in the face of chaos and uncertainty are a testament to your unwavering commitment and bravery.”

With these and other closing sentiments shared, Fogerty sang Lord, Guard and Guide the Ones Who Fly.

Hosted by the Harlem Civic Group, a reception with light refreshments concluded the afternoon celebration.

Two award recipients responded after the event: “We all experienced something at the scene that night that was only a glimpse of what our forefathers and comrades of these thirteen boys have seen and experienced in the past. With that in mind, I think we can better appreciate our servicemen and women as well as our freedom and our flag,” Darwin Zellmer stated. “This highly coveted service medal is also a form of closure since it is only for volunteers serving in a nonpaid status.”

Chinook Volunteer Fire Department’s former Fire Chief Kraig Hansen, who was in command on the night that the two cargo jets collided, recalls: “That day will always stand out to those of us who were there. It was a day of uncertainty, quick thinking, and community effort. And it’s a day that reminds us of the responsibility and dedication that comes with the job.”

Hansen went on, “This beautiful memorial was built to honor the lives lost in that tragic collision. It stands as a place of remembrance, of healing, and of connection for the families who lost loved ones, for the responders, and for the community that came together. These memorials bring comfort and remind us that even in the darkest moments, we find unity, courage, and grace.”