Hello to all,

I'm Wardo's oldest son. This thread caught my eye, so I thought I would comment. The funeral was Friday, the 11th of July here in Boise. People came in from all over the world. What was most touching was the amount of my dad's comrades in arms that showed up in full dress blues to pay their respects. It was most touching to see so many men he had served with, especially those from his beloved Vark days as a Panther at Lakenheath. Dad was buried at the veteran's cemetery in Eagle, Idaho, complete with honor guard, full bagpipe band and missing man fly-by with Mountain Home F-15's. The spirit of the event, although sad for us, was sacred and impressive. Dad would have been embarrassed by all the fanfare, but the ceremony was fit for an four-star. We as a family are eternally grateful to all those who dropped everything and traveled so far to honor my dad in a way that was beyond our wildest dreams. We would also like to thank all those for the hundreds of e-mails and phone calls we have received since the crash.
As for the cause of the crash, I've caught a few rumors, but I expect nothing will really be clear until after the reports come out. Dad solo'd before he was old enough to have a driver's licence and had extensive combat experience. I can't rule out pilot error, but he was as experienced as anyone could ever be. Therefore, we're being patient until the report comes out.
Regarding the donations, our family has not requested any money. That fund was set up by pilots at FedEx because many people, especially in the aviation community, had been requesting that a college fund be set up for my little sister. Dad has definitely made sure we will be fine financially, so the donation fund is completely third party.
What we have requested is that anyone who knew, worked with, or flew with my dad write down some of their memories of him and send them in to a neighbor who will be printing them in a book for our family. If you have any photos especially, please do not hesitate to send them to us.
Here is the information for the fund and the book of memories, if you wish to participate:
The Severts Family would love to hear your stories, words, thoughts and especially photos regarding Ward. He has many friends and many stories that the family would like to preserve and reflect on at a later time. We will bind them together in a book or album for the family. As you can imagine, this is a great way to help and remember Ward. Please send them as a word document attachment via e-mail to Craig Swaby at [email protected] by 30 July 08. In the subject, Please use Microsoft Word and in your word document please include your contact information. Thank You.

Many people have contacted us desiring to make charitable contributions. A 529 college fund is being established by the River Rats and Air Warrior Courage Foundation for Wardo's children. Donations to the college fund for his children can be made to:

Air Warrior Courage Foundation
P.O. Box 1553
Front Royal, VA 22630-0033
Checks should indicate donations are for the "Severts Family". Thank you so much for your charity.

If you can't get any stories in by the 30th of July, 2008 or have come across this thread at some later date, please send any memories or photos ASAP to [email protected] . Thank you all for your support, love, kindness, and above all, sacrifices alongside my father througout his career.

Cameron

 

Mr. Cameron Severts
Your letter is with love and eloquent. Your father must be proud.
I will comply.

 

Thank you Cameron

 

Thanks Cameron,

The last time I talked with your dad it was about you. He was very proud.

LAG

 

Excellent post, Cameron. My condolences to you and your family.

 

I didn't know the man, but it looks like he knew how to raise kids.

God bless you and your family.

 

Cameron, I didn't know your dad and I don't fly for FedEx; in fact I work for the Big Brown competition. As a pilot I feel a very special bond with your family at this time. Reading your letter I can tell he was very successful in raising his family and I'm certain he's eternally proud of you all right now. Take care and God Bless.

 

I don't think there is anything left to say on this subject except "God Bless the Severts Family".

I think all of us hope to raise children with as much class and decorum shown by Mr. Cameron Severts, particularly at this difficult hour.

Moderator, perhaps it's time to close this thread...with respect... and make Cameron's post a "Sticky", at least for a while.

 

Cameron,
Sorry to say I never got to fly with your dad. However, I'm sure we shared the same airspace at some point. I just hope that I'm as proud of my 5 and 6 year olds as your dad must be of you right now.

God Bless

 

Cameron,
May God be with you and your family during this time. I know that you are proud of your father, I lost my father 2 years ago and he seemed to be of similar caliber to Ward. I now feel a more deep and visceral respect and love for my father now that he has passed. I see him in me in so much of what i do and who I am, and it makes me proud as hell, I am sure that you will feel the same way too.
All our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
BD