Charlie Wells’ 12 th TFW Memorial Scrapbook

1. Charlie Wells’12th TFW MemorialScrapbook By Andrea Wells

3. To the members, families and friends of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, I regret being unable to attend this memorial dedication ceremony. The tragic events that occurred Tuesday are solemn reminders of the cost of freedom -in this case, for hundreds, or perhaps thousands of civilians. We've all heard about the heroic, courageous and unselfish acts of victims and rescue forces following the terrorist attacks. This brave and stalwart character is captured in the 12th’s organizational patch, Spiritus Omnia Vincet, The Spirit Conquers All. The 12th Tactical Fighter Wing has a long and distinguished history of selfless commitment to defending our great nation, beginning with the wing's activation in 1962. Through the Cuban Missile Crisis and the war in Vietnam, the 12th was home to hundreds of real American heroes -true patriots who risked their lives to protect freedom and democracy. The memorial you are dedicating today honors those courageous airmen who gave their lives while serving in the 12t Tactical Fighter Wing. To the families of those airmen, thank you for their service and your commitment to preserving their memory and the honorable lineage of the 12th. The wing's participation in Vietnam ended when it was deactivated in 1971. Its distinction of providing America with superior air power continued though when it was redesignated the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. I'm privileged to command this premier flying training wing comprised of exceptional men and women who provide and support flying training for new instructor pilots, navigators, naval flight officers and Marine aerial navigators. I stand in awe of the men and women of the 12th Flying Training Wing who are carrying on your remarkable legacy. America has endured some of the most tragic events in the last week, and this ceremony is a perfect opportunity to honor and remember all our nation's heroes. I sincerely regret missing your memorial dedication -please accept my most heartfelt support for this memorial and the people it represents. Sincerely, -SIGNED - PETER U. SUTTON Brigadier General, USAF Commander, 12th Flying Training Wing

4. 12th TFW Plaque

5. 12th Memorial Panel

6. The Memorial Wall

7. F4C (XN) 63-551

8. Memorial Podium

9. Prior to start of Memorial Dedication

10. Color Guard at ease before Memorial Dedication

11. Major Ron Doughty opening Memorial Dedication

12. Presentation of Colors

13. Invocation

14. Gene Rust greeting the Memorial audience

15. Bobby Sutton addressing the Memorial audience

16. Bobby Sutton reading the names of the fallen comrades

17. 21 Gun Salute

18. TAPS

19. Stellar Brass from Air Force Band of the Rockies

20. Retiring the Colors

21. 12th Panel and Phantom Jet

22. Members of Rolling Thunder Bikes

23. Honor Guard

24. Order of the Purple Heart Members

25. Ron Doughty and Bobby Sutton

26. Charlie and Suzy Wells

27. Honor Guard, Gene Rust, Honor Guard, Bobby Sutton

28. Tom and Toni Pirtle

29. Gene Rust, Bobby Sutton, Ron Doughty, Tom Pirtle

30. Jim and Peggy Cockerham

31. Toni Pirtle, Linda Lusby-Pingar, Mike Lusby, Charlie Wells, Max Schuermann

32. The “OFFICERS”

33. Charlie Jim Bobby Gene Max “The Sand Baggers”

34. Tom Pirtle, Jim Cockerham, Charlie Wells, Max Schuermann, Dan Feigenbaum

35. Max and Sharon Schuerman

36. Bobby Sutton and Suzy Wells

37. Charlie and Suzy Wells

38. Bobby Sutton and Charlie Wells

39. Charlie Wells

40. 12th TFW Flag

41. God Bless America