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"A MAN IS NOT DEAD UNTIL HE IS FORGOTTEN"

T




THOMAS J TAGGART
May 10, 1947 -  February 13, 2012

Taggart grave
281st AHC 69-70 (Bandits)
CAC 72-73

CW2 Taggart was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star. He was born in Kearny, New Jersey and is interred in BG William C Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown, New Jersey. Thomas flew for Roger Penzke Racing.




MILTON C. THOMAS
October 20, 1944 - May 16, 2008
Wolf Pack CE Aircraft 231

Milton served in the 281st AHC as a Wolf Pack Crew Chief from November 1969 until October 1970. He also served a tour with the 174th AHC.

SANFORD - A Lemon Springs man died Friday from injuries sustained when the motorized wheelchair he was operating was struck by an automobile. Milton Thomas, 64, was traveling north along Lemon Springs Road returning from a trip to a local store on his wheelchair when [ a motorist ] struck him with [a] 2001 Jeep. Trooper Tim Bolduc reported that Thomas died at the scene.

findagrave 149878036 [no photos or obit information ]




JOE B. THURSTON
May 29, 1936 - December 9, 2011

Joe Thurston smile Joe Thurston grave

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Joe B. Thurston passed away on Friday. Col. Thurston was born on May 29, 1936, in Alex, Oklahoma, where he was a distinguished graduate from Alex High School in 1954. He was an Eagle Scout and played Football in High School. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He was commissioned as second lieutenant of artillery in the U.S. Army following his graduation from OU.

In September 1965, he was assigned to Vietnam where he commanded an armed helicopter unit in the 5th Special Forces Delta Project. He was again assigned to Vietnam in 1967 and served as Aviation Operations Officer, 1st Aviation Brigade, and Army Aviation Officer, Headquarters. II Field Forces. He returned to Vietnam for a third tour in 1971 to command an aviation battery, and serve as Air Cavalry Squadron Operations Officer, 101st Airborne Infantry Division. He was a graduate of the Field Artillery Associates Officer Advanced Course, and a graduate of the U.S. Army Aviation School, Fort Rucker, Alabama and Airborne Course, Fort Benning, Georgia. He was a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia and the Air War College, Maxwell Air force Base, Alabama. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with V and three Oak leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal and one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with V and ten Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal and Purple Heart. Col. Thurston was the first Commander of the Army Space Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was authorized to wear the Parachutist Badge, Army Aviation Badge and U.S. Air Force Space Badge.

Col. Thurston was recently honored by the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. He was inducted on November 11th, 2011 in a special Veteran's Day ceremony with several other honorees, including 14 Comanche code talkers from World War II. His entire family was there to celebrate with him.

After his retirement from the Army, he held several positions within Raytheon as a Patriot Missile engineer and handled International Patriot Sales. He retired in 1999 from Raytheon. His retirement years were spent with volunteering with Special needs adults, refereeing AYSO soccer games, becoming a Master Gardner and teaching classes. He also celebrated Patriot's Day for many years with Asbury Child Development Center, by shooting rockets off for the children. He was a loving father and very involved with his grandchildren's activities.

He is survived by Janice K. Thurston, his loving wife of 49 years; four children, Thomas P. Thurston, Phoenix, Ariz., Jennifer L. Brewer, Dallas, Tex., Elizabeth Thurston-Dodd, Madison, Al., Joseph B. Thurston, Phoenix, Arizona; plus four frandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph B. Thurston; mother, Eva Inez Thurston; and brother, Phillip Page Thurston.
There will be a memorial service at Asbury United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Tuesday 13th following a reception with the family. The burial service will be held in Oklahoma at Fort Sill National Cemetery, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Family Care, 3304 West Mill Dr, Huntsville, Al 35805 or The American Cancer Society. Asbury United Methodist Church and Madison Chapel Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Condolences

From: Gary L. Stagman, In 281st AHC 66, 67, 68 & 70

I should of called many more times, but it's easy to get involved with many of the other things to help those that were there. I really enjoyed shooting the bull with Joe as he seemed to be able to make one realize their own problems aren't so bad at all. My hats off to one fine gentleman for all of the high points that he made in others lives, super pilot and knew what to do in just about every instance. Rest in peace and with no pain and suffering in Heaven!

From: Duane D. Vincent

In 1965-66 when I was a very young Crewchief, I had the honor of serving with then Capt. Thurston in the 145th Airlift Platoon in Vietnam. He was a skilled and brave gunship pilot who excelled on every mission and always brought his crew and his helicopter home safely (except once). All of the gunners and crewchiefs wanted to fly with him and I think that is the greatest compliment a pilot can have in a combat aviation unit. Crewchiefs and gunners always have their favorite pilots, and he was one of the 145th ALPs best, not just because of his soldierly qualities, but because he was a gentleman. He treated everyone with respect and we all respected him. It's always hard to say goodbye to a former comrade but he left a legacy of accomplishments, family, and friendships to envy. My condolences to his family. I was proud to have known Joe Thurston.

joe_and_jan

Dear Friends,

I regret to tell you that Joe lost his battle with cancer on Friday Dec 9th 2011. He "fought the good fight" for 9 years. I know he cherished your friendships and felt blessed that you were in his life. I do also, and while we are sad at his passing he is now healthy again and with God. A memorial service will be held today, December 13th, at Asbury United Methodist church at 3pm.

I 'll probably not get out Christmas cards this year but stay healthy and happy and we wish you all many blessings.

Fondest Regards,

Jan & Family





JAMES R. "Mom" TORBERT
February 16, 1944 - February 17, 2024

Mom Torbert and Marilyn
Jim "Mom" & Marilyn Torbert at a recent reunion.

Jim at the stadium James Robert “Jim” Torbert of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024 when his heart was done fighting. This was just one day after celebrating his 80th birthday with his family. Jim, also affectionately known as Torbie, Dad, Grandpa, Big Jim, “Mom” (to his Army brothers), and Captain, could light up a room with his positive energy. When you greeted him and asked how he was doing, he would always respond with an enthusiastic, “SUPER!” He leaves a lasting legacy on the hearts and lives of all who knew him.

Jim was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He played basketball, baseball, football, and golf at Brentwood High School. His basketball success led him to college at Texas Christian University, where he played basketball and baseball for the Horned Frogs and coached the TCU freshman basketball team in addition to being an active member and President of the Sigma Chi Fraternity chapter. During college, he joined the ROTC and learned to fly. Upon his graduation from TCU, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. In November of 1968, he began his 1-year tour of duty in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he piloted “Hueys” for the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, was promoted to Captain, and was awarded the Bronze Star. The mission of the 281st was to support the 5th Special Forces Group (The Green Berets) and provide flight support for Project Delta (the predecessors of the US Army Delta Force). He completed his army service at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and was honorably discharged.

the kitchen
The community remembers ..

After the Army, Jim moved back to St. Louis, Missouri and became Director of Admissions at Maryville University. In 1971, he met the love of his life, Marilyn. They married and moved to Dallas, Texas in 1973. Jim and Marilyn lived in Dallas for 19 years, where they had their three children. They were active members at Disciples Christian Church in Plano, Texas. In 1992, Jim’s job with Northern Telecom moved the family to Atlanta, Georgia. After his early retirement, Jim enjoyed his post-retirement careers at both Campbell Stone Senior Apartments and Trader Joe’s in Sandy Springs.

The family joined Sandy Springs Christian Church, where Jim was a member and leader for over 30 years. He volunteered his time, talent, and love in many ways: preparing and serving countless meals in the church kitchen, cooking for many Mexico mission trips, supporting veterans’ organizations and the USO, and speaking in schools about his experience in Vietnam. He lived a life serving God, others, and country.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Robin Torbert, and his sister, Jacque Tindel. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn Torbert; his children and their spouses Julie Linsley (Kenneth), James Robert Torbert, Jr. (Tiffany), and Andy Torbert (Sara); grandchildren, Walker, Tate, and Madelyn Linsley, Campbell, Ellis, and James Torbert, Suzanna and Brooks Torbert; and brother, John Torbert (Debbie). He is also survived by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 10:00 am at Georgia National Cemetery, 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA 30114. A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, with the visitation at 10:00am and service at 11:00 am at Sandy Springs Christian Church, 301 Johnson Ferry Rd., NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sandy Springs Christian Church, 301 Johnson Ferry Rd., NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sandy-springs-ga/james-torbert-11672412

_____________________________________

Jim and Jeff Murray Mom Torbert passed at 6:00 this evening from a worn out heart.

Jim was possibly the nicest guy I’ve ever met.

Send prayers for Marilyn.

Jeff

_____________________________________

Passed away yesterday. A universally liked man whether you served with him or got to know him at various reunions.
JINT

Damn. RIP Mom. Slow hand salute.
Ron Turner

Jim Baker recalls a story he included at page 161 in our book "Above The Best". He was AC on an aircraft to make the first insertion of a multi-ship mission in the Mai Loc area very far north. The insertion went well at a bomb crater on the side of a hill. But after the team debarked, the aircraft began a wicked vibration; bad enough to land at a nearby USMC firebase. Mom, the unit maintenance officer and AC of the C&C landed nearby. After observation of large holes in a TR blade and consultation prompted by incoming mortar fire, aircraft crew positions were swapped; Mom and Jim chose to fly the aircraft back to a more secure location. On real short final or at a hover, the tail rotor parted company with the aircraft thus forcing a successful autoration by Mom. Life was never dull in the 281st.

_____________________________________

Jim and Fred
Jim (seated) was heavily involved in the success of just about every reunion.
Here with the late Jerome "Fred" Beck in a photo from the 2010 reunion page.

Mom's Interview for Veterans History Project at Atlanta History.

Oral history interview for the Digital LIbrary of Georgia.

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Mitchell, Dolstein, Baker, Gourley, Pikul, Black, Budlong & me. And lots of 281st women. And Tom Ross. And get this…Mom’s son Andy arranged a Huey flyover. That as just plain cool. And a ton of Atlanta area veterans were there. I’m pretty sure he’s up there with some other Intruders smiling.
Jeff

mom's funeral
281st friends at the commitment in Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Georgia
Tom Ross (5th SF) in the green coat.

mom's funeral
Memories on display at Saturday's memorial service.

Click here for the mini-reunion at Williams BBQ after the cemetery service.




JOHNNY TURPIN
December 26, 1947 - October 11, 2006

Johnny Turpin     
(281st photo provided by Norm Kaufman)
Johnny with the 281st & Johnny in 2004

Johnny served with the 281st as a member of the Rat Pack and as a Bandit pilot during the 1967-1968 time frame.
At the time of his death Johnny was living in Newport News, VA.
He is survived by his wife Richaleen and one son.

From: Becky Whitmore [twiggsrest@earthlink.net]
Friday, October 20, 2006 :
I'm deeply saddened to inform you that Johnny Turpin passed away October 11, 2006 in Newport News,VA from a massive heart attack.
If you need more information, please contact me.

Dick, RatPack
Johnny at RatPack support of rappel trainings for 5thSF recondo school.
bgrly photo




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