Final Salute to Gen Olds
06-18-2007, 03:39 PM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Posts: 418
Final Salute to Gen Olds
Although words have been posted on another section, I thought it should be re-stated in the Military section.
I have had the great fortune when I was a flying with the 435th to drink and listen to Robin many times. I can still vividly remember canceling flying one day at the 435th, turning the beer light on and sitting around hearing this great man talk for hours.
Below are a few emails that have been sent around from bros in the 435th.
Gen Olds thank you for your service to our nation, being a great leader and setting the example for all of us to follow. You will be missed.
Bros,
Here is an opportunity for us to contribute to the memory of the man who defined our profession and who has now slipped the surly bonds of Earth.
http://www.river-rats.org/
http://www.airwarriorcourage.org/
http://www.af.mil/news/airman/1296/olds.htm
http://www.acepilots.com/vietnam/olds_bolo.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Olds
Robin's family has asked for any re-communication of this detail, to include the family's request for privacy at this time.
Check 12 <his signature block>,
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2007 4:54 PM
Bros,
In light of losing Brig Gen Robin Olds on 14 Jun 07, I'm forwarding our March 07 conversation for your reflection. To say we lost a leader and a warrior is a gross understatement...like being kicked in the gut, it will take some time to adjust to knowing a personal mentor to thousands is gone...words cannot describe the feelings shared by many a fighter pilot. He now joins his bros' of the WWII 434th...the ones he wept over losing and the ones who were young at heart and deep in conviction. We owe him no less and tonight I raise my glass to toast the greatest fighter pilot, leader, mentor, and friend...here's a nickel in the grass! God bless you Brig. Robin Olds, you're wit, wisdom, and passion was not lost...
VR,
--------------------------------------------------
Brigadier General Robin Olds, United States Air Force, retired, passed away peacefully, Thursday evening, June 14th, 2007 from congestive heart failure, one month short of his 85th birthday. He was born in Honolulu on July 14, 1922, the son of Major General Robert and Eloise Olds.
Up to a few months prior to his illness, Robin was frequently called upon as guest speaker and lecturer for his inspirational and motivational talks and he traveled all over the world speaking to military and civilian groups alike. General Olds was previously married to Ella Raines, who died in 1988, and then to Morgan Olds.
General Olds is survived by two daughters, Christina Olds of Vail, CO and Susan Scott-Risner of North Bend, WA; one granddaughter, Jennifer Newman of Santa Monica, CA. and half-brother, Fred Olds of Virginia. He died peacefully at his home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in the company of family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at the U.S. Air Force Academy within the next two weeks. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association towards scholarships for the children, or to assist the spouses, of Armed Forces aircrew members killed or missing in action.
Robin's family has asked for any re-communication of this detail, to include the family's request for privacy at this time.
Godspeed to a more than fine leader
Subject: A Personal Note on Brig Gen Robin Olds...
All,
Reference the e-mail below and news from Brig Gen Titus regarding Brig Gen Olds...
I spoke w/ Brig Gen Olds on the phone three weeks ago at his Steamboat residence as this same information about his health was
circulating, e.g." terminal prostate cancer, refused treatment, going back to his hooch w/ a case of scotch and finish it all there." Brig
Gen Olds laughed when I related the details, but said although he had been ill, he was now Code I and on the mend, and despite having this sad
news swirl about, it gave him a chance to speak w/ friends on the phone he had not heard from in 20-30 years. That said, at that time he said
he was not in his death bed and expected to be able to "still tell us how its done." Perhaps in the intervening timing, his health has turned
for the worse with a relapse or his condition is indeed now terminal. I will call Steamboat and some of my River Rat friends today and see if we
can get another reading on this tremendous warrior who has influenced so many.
A dear friend and mentor of mine since the early '80s and my Red River Valley Fighter Pilot Assoc. sponsor, Brig Gen Robin Olds has a
special place in my heart as he always personified, "substance over form" "and results over process." This mindset and posture often set
wrong w/ some as they were often the antithesis to this way of thinking and work style...in Brig Gen Olds' mind they worked more towards, "form
over substance" and worried more about qweep than MCM 3-1...which in my book is and will continue to be rubbish. Fortunately those lessons were
not lost on us and we still have great fighter pilot leaders & officers like Brig Gen Olds, Gen Jumper, Gen Moseley, Maj Gen Darnell, Maj Gen
L.D. Johnson, Brig Gen Kid Hesterman, and Col Nut Corley. Robin Olds, whose father was Gen Billy Mitchell's aide, a decorated WWII combat
pilot, and a Triple Ace who gave up another victory to his wingman in SEA to stay in the fight as the 479 TFW/CC illustrates his unselfish
willingness to do what's right for the team and the mission...truly a "leader, warrior, and mentor" for those willing to listen, learn, and
heed. I learned a great deal about commitment, focus, and mutual support for your fellow fighter pilot, by listening to his words about
being the lone squadron survivor in a two year span in the 434th during WWII flying from Wattisham...he still is very emotional about losing so
many bros'.
Its ironic how many of the same units he flew in or commanded, we worked to have reactivated, e.g. 435th and the 479th. His signed
photographs beside his F-4 Scat XXVII now in our AF museum, bio, and comments of his 4-ship ripping through banana valley at about 20'
avoiding SAMs and AAA sits here in my office about 8' away...always reminding me to stay focused and on target. He loved spending a week in
the 435th at RND, working from my office, wearing his 479th flight suit, talking/teaching fighter tactics to our IPs and students, rubbing elbows
w/ our maintainers, and giving me advice and grief on running a fighter operation...as a young Lt Col I could not have asked for a better
tutor...some one who deeply cared and appreciated our credo of, "Mission First, People Always" and "Mutual Support, Aptitude, and Attitude." His
last USAF flight was in a 435th 4-Ship 2v1+1 ACM sortie where he may have flown in my trunk, but it his mission and not only did he gun the
bandit, he kicked butt at Roll Call, then delivered a great 435th Dining-In address w/ our AETC/CC, Gen Fig Newton in attendance...a
memorable day to say the least and the photos of the event now hang in the 435th on RND again for Lt Col Danno Carlson and the next generation
of fighter pilots to view.
As I mentioned to him on the phone, if we lose him sooner than later, our fighter pilot world and AF will be a much lesser place. We
all owe this gentleman a great deal of thanks whether we care to admit or not. While his manner may have irritated some, his love of our
country, military, and our Air Force stands w/out equal and his deeds matched his words. In your thoughts and prayers today, let's remember
Brigadier General Robin Olds and hope we never lose sight or practice what he stood for, taught, and demonstrated throughout his life. Here's
a nickel in grass...God Bless you Robin Olds...
I have had the great fortune when I was a flying with the 435th to drink and listen to Robin many times. I can still vividly remember canceling flying one day at the 435th, turning the beer light on and sitting around hearing this great man talk for hours.
Below are a few emails that have been sent around from bros in the 435th.
Gen Olds thank you for your service to our nation, being a great leader and setting the example for all of us to follow. You will be missed.
Bros,
Here is an opportunity for us to contribute to the memory of the man who defined our profession and who has now slipped the surly bonds of Earth.
http://www.river-rats.org/
http://www.airwarriorcourage.org/
http://www.af.mil/news/airman/1296/olds.htm
http://www.acepilots.com/vietnam/olds_bolo.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Olds
Robin's family has asked for any re-communication of this detail, to include the family's request for privacy at this time.
Check 12 <his signature block>,
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2007 4:54 PM
Bros,
In light of losing Brig Gen Robin Olds on 14 Jun 07, I'm forwarding our March 07 conversation for your reflection. To say we lost a leader and a warrior is a gross understatement...like being kicked in the gut, it will take some time to adjust to knowing a personal mentor to thousands is gone...words cannot describe the feelings shared by many a fighter pilot. He now joins his bros' of the WWII 434th...the ones he wept over losing and the ones who were young at heart and deep in conviction. We owe him no less and tonight I raise my glass to toast the greatest fighter pilot, leader, mentor, and friend...here's a nickel in the grass! God bless you Brig. Robin Olds, you're wit, wisdom, and passion was not lost...
VR,
--------------------------------------------------
Brigadier General Robin Olds, United States Air Force, retired, passed away peacefully, Thursday evening, June 14th, 2007 from congestive heart failure, one month short of his 85th birthday. He was born in Honolulu on July 14, 1922, the son of Major General Robert and Eloise Olds.
Up to a few months prior to his illness, Robin was frequently called upon as guest speaker and lecturer for his inspirational and motivational talks and he traveled all over the world speaking to military and civilian groups alike. General Olds was previously married to Ella Raines, who died in 1988, and then to Morgan Olds.
General Olds is survived by two daughters, Christina Olds of Vail, CO and Susan Scott-Risner of North Bend, WA; one granddaughter, Jennifer Newman of Santa Monica, CA. and half-brother, Fred Olds of Virginia. He died peacefully at his home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in the company of family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at the U.S. Air Force Academy within the next two weeks. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association towards scholarships for the children, or to assist the spouses, of Armed Forces aircrew members killed or missing in action.
Robin's family has asked for any re-communication of this detail, to include the family's request for privacy at this time.
Godspeed to a more than fine leader
Subject: A Personal Note on Brig Gen Robin Olds...
All,
Reference the e-mail below and news from Brig Gen Titus regarding Brig Gen Olds...
I spoke w/ Brig Gen Olds on the phone three weeks ago at his Steamboat residence as this same information about his health was
circulating, e.g." terminal prostate cancer, refused treatment, going back to his hooch w/ a case of scotch and finish it all there." Brig
Gen Olds laughed when I related the details, but said although he had been ill, he was now Code I and on the mend, and despite having this sad
news swirl about, it gave him a chance to speak w/ friends on the phone he had not heard from in 20-30 years. That said, at that time he said
he was not in his death bed and expected to be able to "still tell us how its done." Perhaps in the intervening timing, his health has turned
for the worse with a relapse or his condition is indeed now terminal. I will call Steamboat and some of my River Rat friends today and see if we
can get another reading on this tremendous warrior who has influenced so many.
A dear friend and mentor of mine since the early '80s and my Red River Valley Fighter Pilot Assoc. sponsor, Brig Gen Robin Olds has a
special place in my heart as he always personified, "substance over form" "and results over process." This mindset and posture often set
wrong w/ some as they were often the antithesis to this way of thinking and work style...in Brig Gen Olds' mind they worked more towards, "form
over substance" and worried more about qweep than MCM 3-1...which in my book is and will continue to be rubbish. Fortunately those lessons were
not lost on us and we still have great fighter pilot leaders & officers like Brig Gen Olds, Gen Jumper, Gen Moseley, Maj Gen Darnell, Maj Gen
L.D. Johnson, Brig Gen Kid Hesterman, and Col Nut Corley. Robin Olds, whose father was Gen Billy Mitchell's aide, a decorated WWII combat
pilot, and a Triple Ace who gave up another victory to his wingman in SEA to stay in the fight as the 479 TFW/CC illustrates his unselfish
willingness to do what's right for the team and the mission...truly a "leader, warrior, and mentor" for those willing to listen, learn, and
heed. I learned a great deal about commitment, focus, and mutual support for your fellow fighter pilot, by listening to his words about
being the lone squadron survivor in a two year span in the 434th during WWII flying from Wattisham...he still is very emotional about losing so
many bros'.
Its ironic how many of the same units he flew in or commanded, we worked to have reactivated, e.g. 435th and the 479th. His signed
photographs beside his F-4 Scat XXVII now in our AF museum, bio, and comments of his 4-ship ripping through banana valley at about 20'
avoiding SAMs and AAA sits here in my office about 8' away...always reminding me to stay focused and on target. He loved spending a week in
the 435th at RND, working from my office, wearing his 479th flight suit, talking/teaching fighter tactics to our IPs and students, rubbing elbows
w/ our maintainers, and giving me advice and grief on running a fighter operation...as a young Lt Col I could not have asked for a better
tutor...some one who deeply cared and appreciated our credo of, "Mission First, People Always" and "Mutual Support, Aptitude, and Attitude." His
last USAF flight was in a 435th 4-Ship 2v1+1 ACM sortie where he may have flown in my trunk, but it his mission and not only did he gun the
bandit, he kicked butt at Roll Call, then delivered a great 435th Dining-In address w/ our AETC/CC, Gen Fig Newton in attendance...a
memorable day to say the least and the photos of the event now hang in the 435th on RND again for Lt Col Danno Carlson and the next generation
of fighter pilots to view.
As I mentioned to him on the phone, if we lose him sooner than later, our fighter pilot world and AF will be a much lesser place. We
all owe this gentleman a great deal of thanks whether we care to admit or not. While his manner may have irritated some, his love of our
country, military, and our Air Force stands w/out equal and his deeds matched his words. In your thoughts and prayers today, let's remember
Brigadier General Robin Olds and hope we never lose sight or practice what he stood for, taught, and demonstrated throughout his life. Here's
a nickel in grass...God Bless you Robin Olds...
06-19-2007, 03:22 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Posts: 295
RIP. Gen Olds was the speaker at my UPT graduation (02-08 Laughlin) and although I went on into the heavy world, the fact that the man was a natural leader was obvious to everyone there. He will be missed throughout the Air Force and the aviation community.
06-19-2007, 05:19 PM
#3
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Position: 767 FO
Posts: 66
I'm still in college and partly involve with AFROTC, Gen. Olds was an example for me since I saw him in the program "dogfights". His audacity and leadership was again proved in operation bolo in Vietnam.
Is because of guys like this that us students get motivated to enroll and serve instead of pursuing cash in the job market.
Is because of guys like this that us students get motivated to enroll and serve instead of pursuing cash in the job market.
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