Memorial Squadron

05/26/2026

Today, Memorial Squadron pilots flew multiple events honoring our nation’s fallen heroes on this Memorial Day.

To each and every pilot who volunteered your time, passion, energy, and professionalism—thank you. It was the first Memorial Day in 8 years that I have not flown personally, and watching all of you carry forward our mission made me incredibly proud.

I’d also like to sincerely thank our partners at NorCal TRACON, Livermore Airport, and Five Rivers Aviation for your continued support and teamwork. None of this happens alone.

Most importantly, we remember and honor those who gave everything for our country. As always, some personal prayers are going out to my lost USMC squadronmates and their families today. Miss you guys. Godspeed Marines.
The flights today were staffed by 12 pilots, probably from 8 different airports, all braving the weather and safely flying these tributes. Both flight leads were civilians. Civilians honoring our military in this way is very special. Thank You.
USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum Missing Man flyover:
Led by Marvin, the second lead was Turbo.
The wing pilots were Paul D, Wolf, Martin, Emil, Peter C, and Doug.
California Home for Veterans, Yountville, flight members were:
DedStik, Lead pilot, Wings were Discharge, Krusty, and Greg B.
If you would like to contribute to our mission, so we may continue flying veteran funerals and national holidays, please do so here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/memorial-squadron-mission?fbclid=IwY2xjawSB6fZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5dVgxTFI1b3hXalliblJ0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgPrAHGC3UVj6h2z0va8HrnucekKPQR1HxtCp83nBmZASRoN9EDyLZ2OdGh9_aem_DaGOT1gBd20F67XzvPFuVw

04/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1683710816211779/?fs=e&mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e

04/11/2026

Unfortunately, due to weather, Memorial Squadron was unable to complete our mission today to support the 84th Anniversary of the Bataan Death March in WW2. Please read about it here, and never forget the THOUSANDS of brave Philippine and US soldiers and Philippine civilians who were massacred during this awful event. May they rest in peace. 🙏

The Bataan Death March[a] was the forcible transfer by the Imperial Japanese Army of around 72,000 to 78,000[1][2][3] Filipino (about 66,000) and American (about 12,000) prisoners of war (POWs) from the municipalities of Bagac and Mariveles on the Bataan Peninsula to Camp O'Donnell via San Fernando.

03/29/2026

Today—March 29—is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It is a national observance honoring the service and sacrifice of millions of Americans who served during the Vietnam War.
We honor you, volunteer or draftee...for answering the call your nation put forth.
The first person to greet me off the airplane after landing on US soil after the first Gulf War was a Vietnam Veteran. He was giving all of us returning troops the warm "Welcome Home" that they didn't get. That wasn't lost on me...and I told him so. He said..."pay it forward."
I took that to heart, and I hope Memorial Squadron can help in that regard.
God Bless our Troops, and all of our veterans...in all climes and places.

03/23/2026

Sharing more photos from the Missing Man flight for Colonel Robert Stirm (check the next post for the full story and news link). We were honored to fly right by SFO for this mission.
Huge shoutout to the ATC teams at Livermore, San Carlos, San Francisco, and Northern California TRACON for laying out the red carpet for us. We can’t do these events without you—you are an integral part of the team.
Trivia time: The Colonel actually trained on this same model during primary flight training, in the T-34A, early in his career. Who knows, he might have even flown this same bird! ✈️ Godspeed, Colonel!

03/22/2026

It was a profound honor to pay tribute to Colonel Robert Stirm—a distinguished American, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, and Vietnam War prisoner of war for five and a half years, who endured captivity alongside fellow POW John McCain.

The Memorial Squadron marked the occasion with a formation of eight aircraft. I was privileged to lead, with BS in the back seat, Jim I flying the -2 position, Martin as -3, and Leeroy as -4. The second flight, in close trail, was led by Angel, joined by Marvin as -2, Lip as -3 flying the Missing Man position, and WannaBe as -4.

A sincere thank you as well to our outstanding partners in Air Traffic Control—Livermore Tower, NorCal Approach, San Carlos Tower, and San Francisco Tower—whose exceptional support and seamless coordination made this tribute possible.
We're told "there was not a dry eye"...Mission Accomplished.
(Click the link for the full news story).
Also, if you would like to contribute to help us be able to continue our mission for all veterans, please do so here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/memorial-squadron-mission?fbclid=IwY2xjawQtC7lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEdGNoRGJCeVZRajRqdm96c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkhXOz7kqV4eFRcxORBbnYMloDPEXsi3vyXi5GJdDeHDLUoeOgMxLQ_hxgvb_aem_GeR55aMMEWHSmJiFnEIU0Q

In November, Colonel Robert Stirm passed away at the age of 92.  On this day, family, friends and fellow airmen gathered in San Mateo to celebrate the life of a man who endured unspeakable torture during years of captivity in the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison camp.

02/26/2026

https://dispatchesfromraimondi.com/stories/first-flyovers
If you would like to contribute to our mission, please do so here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/memorial-squadron-mission?fbclid=IwY2xjawQNg_pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3UFI3bXRCQ2lCWmlRM2Joc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuJEdQg1CdjJTYpPNG13erg1PR9zquuw6_4J5FvYIPG-E0AUhH7VRjtUZOlx_aem_2eN5_tWIxpSALhcwUaVUIA

How the Ballers Pulled Off the First Flyovers in Pioneer League History by Roberto Santiago

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

On Feb 2, 1991 we "Coyotes" of Marine Helicopter Attack Squadron 775 lost two squadronmates. They never came back from a MEDEVAC es**rt mission.
Great men, great Marines, who died so that others may live.
Jack "Homey" Edwards and Major Gene "Smokey "McCarthy, Rest Easy, Semper Fi, we've got the watch.