Major Michael H. Freyholtz, 34
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| July 22, 1976 - July 28, 2010 |
Major Freyholtz joined the United States Air Force in May of 1998 and received his officer commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corp program at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force, where he received his Air Force pilot wings in May of 2000. He was selected to fly the C-17 Globemaster III out of pilot training and attended initial C-17 qualification training at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. While on active duty, he was stationed at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., and McChord Air Force Base, Wash., as a C-17 Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner.
Major Freyholtz left active duty to move to Alaska and joined the Alaska Air National Guard in May 2007. He was the first outside pilot hired for the new 249th Airlift Squadron and was highly instrumental in its stand up. Initially, he served in a Drill Status Guardsmen capacity and worked for Boeing as a full-time C-17 simulator instructor. Later, he became a full-time technician in the 249th Airlift Squadron and led its standardization/evaluation section. He was a very highly regarded C-17 pilot and the unit’s first C-17 Flight Examiner Pilot and Air Show Demonstration pilot. Most recently, he accompanied the United States Air Force Thunderbirds throughout the Pacific and demonstrated the capabilities of the C-17 to thousands of air show spectators.
He accumulated more than 3500 military flying hours in the T-37, T-1 and C-17 aircraft. He flew 608 combat hours in support of Operations Enduring Freedon and Iraqi Freedom for which he received the Air Medal.
He was a family man and father of two – a son, Trevor, and daughter, Fiona. He enjoyed family activities. He helped coach his son’s Little League baseball team and, in the winter, he had taken up snow machining and recently participated in the Arctic Man races. He built a custom home theater in his basement and regularly hosted movie nights and social events for his friends from both squadrons. He was also an avid photographer, and his images are displayed in various buildings on Elmendorf Air Force Base. He is survived by his son, Trevor Freyholtz and daughter, Fiona Freyholtz, both of Anchorage, Alaska; parents, Harvey and Mary Freyholtz of Hines, MN.
Sergeant Cicardo home town of record is Anchorage, Alaska. He and his wife, Theresa, loved to travel. He is survived by his wife, Theresa.
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Major Aaron W. Malone, 36
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| Feb 3, 1974 - July 28, 2010 |
Major Aaron Wallace Malone was killed in a tragic airplane crash July 28, 2010, at Elmendorf AFB while doing a practice flight in a C-17 Globemaster for the Arctic Thunder Air Show.
He was born Feb. 3, 1974, in Iowa City, Iowa. Upon graduation from North Linn High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1992, Aaron relocated to Anchorage, where he met his wife-to-be, Melanie Smith, while attending the University of Alaska Anchorage. They married in Bellevue, Washington, in August 1996 and have since made their home in Anchorage with their three wonderful sons, Jacob 11, Jeffrey, 8, and Alexander, 3.
His aviation career began with Era Aviation in Anchorage, flying Twin Otter and Convair 580 aircraft in Alaska and throughout the United States. Aaron graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical science. Most recently, Aaron was working toward a master's degree in family financial planning from Iowa State University. He had only two classes left to complete his degree.
In 1997, Major Malone was hired by the South Dakota Air National Guard to fly F-16s. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant by his older brother, LCDR William Malone, in 1998. He attended undergraduate pilot training at Vance AFB in Oklahoma, where he graduated with an award in academic excellence.
Major Malone was hired as a pilot for Alaska Airlines in July 2001. He relocated to Great Falls, Montana, to continue flying the F-16 for the Montana Air National Guard, commuting to Seattle for pilot training with Alaska Airlines. Immediately after Sept. 11, Major Malone was called to active duty with the Air National Guard, leading to a deployment to the Middle East to patrol the southern no-fly zone. Major Malone was hired by the Alaska Air National Guard in 2007 to join the newly formed 249th Airlift Squadron, flying the C-17.
As a young boy, Aaron was an avid baseball player, an interest he held throughout his life. Aaron loved practical jokes, fourwheeling, snowmachining, camping and spending time with family and friends. Aaron considered himself a cigar aficionado. He was an avid Seahawks and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He also had a purple belt in karate, a family activity that he shared with his wife and sons. In addition, he co-coached Little League with Major Michael Freyholtz, who was also killed in the crash. Aaron was also a mentor in the Alaska Military Youth Academy.
Aaron was a dedicated airman and aviator who loved flying and the talented people with whom he worked, but his proudest dedication and love was for his family. He gave them his love and support each day. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and co-workers at Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Air National Guard.
Aaron is survived by his bride, Melanie; his three wonderful boys, Jacob, Jeffrey and Alex; his parents, Dennis and Karol Malone; a brother, William; two sisters, Katherine and Karrie; and a large extended family.
He was born Feb. 3, 1974, in Iowa City, Iowa. Upon graduation from North Linn High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1992, Aaron relocated to Anchorage, where he met his wife-to-be, Melanie Smith, while attending the University of Alaska Anchorage. They married in Bellevue, Washington, in August 1996 and have since made their home in Anchorage with their three wonderful sons, Jacob 11, Jeffrey, 8, and Alexander, 3.
His aviation career began with Era Aviation in Anchorage, flying Twin Otter and Convair 580 aircraft in Alaska and throughout the United States. Aaron graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical science. Most recently, Aaron was working toward a master's degree in family financial planning from Iowa State University. He had only two classes left to complete his degree.
In 1997, Major Malone was hired by the South Dakota Air National Guard to fly F-16s. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant by his older brother, LCDR William Malone, in 1998. He attended undergraduate pilot training at Vance AFB in Oklahoma, where he graduated with an award in academic excellence.
Major Malone was hired as a pilot for Alaska Airlines in July 2001. He relocated to Great Falls, Montana, to continue flying the F-16 for the Montana Air National Guard, commuting to Seattle for pilot training with Alaska Airlines. Immediately after Sept. 11, Major Malone was called to active duty with the Air National Guard, leading to a deployment to the Middle East to patrol the southern no-fly zone. Major Malone was hired by the Alaska Air National Guard in 2007 to join the newly formed 249th Airlift Squadron, flying the C-17.
As a young boy, Aaron was an avid baseball player, an interest he held throughout his life. Aaron loved practical jokes, fourwheeling, snowmachining, camping and spending time with family and friends. Aaron considered himself a cigar aficionado. He was an avid Seahawks and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He also had a purple belt in karate, a family activity that he shared with his wife and sons. In addition, he co-coached Little League with Major Michael Freyholtz, who was also killed in the crash. Aaron was also a mentor in the Alaska Military Youth Academy.
Aaron was a dedicated airman and aviator who loved flying and the talented people with whom he worked, but his proudest dedication and love was for his family. He gave them his love and support each day. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and co-workers at Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Air National Guard.
Aaron is survived by his bride, Melanie; his three wonderful boys, Jacob, Jeffrey and Alex; his parents, Dennis and Karol Malone; a brother, William; two sisters, Katherine and Karrie; and a large extended family.
In another awful turn of events, Melanie's father, Theron "Terry" Smith, was piloting the DHC-3 Otter carrying 8 passengers including former Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens that crashed on Monday August 9th, 2010. He did not survive. Melanie lost her husband and father in separate plane crashes within less than two weeks of each other.
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Captain Jeffrey Hill, 31
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| May 29, 1979 - July 28, 2010 |
Captain Jeffrey A. Hill, 31, died July 28, 2010, in a tragic C-17 crash on Elmendorf Air Force Base while practicing for the Arctic Thunder Air Show demonstration.
Jeff was born May 29, 1979, in Hartford, Conn. He enlisted in 1997 and, shortly thereafter, met his wife, Rachael Brown. They were married in 1999 and had their two beautiful sons, T.J. and Tyler, while stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. They moved to Eagle River, Alaska in 2008.
His Air Force career began as an F-15 aircraft maintenance technician for the 12th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf. Hard work earned him his commission as a second lieutenant in 2002, as well as an assignment to pilot training. After successfully completing pilot training, he was selected as a T-1 instructor pilot, responsible for training the next generation of Air Force pilots. Jeff completed a three-year tour at Columbus AFB, and earned a coveted spot as a C-17 pilot assigned to Elmendorf in 2007.
Jeff was an exceptional pilot, and during his C-17 career he was personally responsible for many missions supporting both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He piloted Elmendorf's first plane into Haiti during the earthquake relief effort in January, bringing critical humanitarian supplies to the region. Jeff also delivered much-needed equipment to aid in the oil spill cleanup effort in the Gulf of Mexico. He took his job as a C-17 instructor pilot very seriously and was always ready at the drop of a hat to answer his nation's call. He accomplished many things in his Air Force career, but what he treasured most was gaining recognition for those who worked for him. Jeff was truly a professional of the highest caliber.
Jeff also had an unparalleled passion for the outdoors. At every opportunity, he was having fun in the mud, in the snow or in the water. He loved to take his wife, his boys and his friends out camping, fishing, snowmachining or on a four-wheeler ride. He hiked, explored and took advantage of everything that Alaska and life had to offer. As passionate as he was about the outdoors, he loved being a father and a husband most of all. This was evidenced by his excitement in sharing life with his family.
Jeff tackled every day of his life with enthusiasm, a great attitude, a smile and a little witty sarcasm. He was an absolute joy to be around. His personality was infectious and drew people to him. He gave his life in support of his country and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, co-workers and everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Jeff leaves behind his loving wife, Rachael; his two sons, whom he affectionately referred to as his "little bros," T.J. and Tyler; his father, Robert; his mother, Carol; his sister, Jackie; and more friends than you could possibly imagine.
Jeff was born May 29, 1979, in Hartford, Conn. He enlisted in 1997 and, shortly thereafter, met his wife, Rachael Brown. They were married in 1999 and had their two beautiful sons, T.J. and Tyler, while stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. They moved to Eagle River, Alaska in 2008.
His Air Force career began as an F-15 aircraft maintenance technician for the 12th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf. Hard work earned him his commission as a second lieutenant in 2002, as well as an assignment to pilot training. After successfully completing pilot training, he was selected as a T-1 instructor pilot, responsible for training the next generation of Air Force pilots. Jeff completed a three-year tour at Columbus AFB, and earned a coveted spot as a C-17 pilot assigned to Elmendorf in 2007.
Jeff was an exceptional pilot, and during his C-17 career he was personally responsible for many missions supporting both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He piloted Elmendorf's first plane into Haiti during the earthquake relief effort in January, bringing critical humanitarian supplies to the region. Jeff also delivered much-needed equipment to aid in the oil spill cleanup effort in the Gulf of Mexico. He took his job as a C-17 instructor pilot very seriously and was always ready at the drop of a hat to answer his nation's call. He accomplished many things in his Air Force career, but what he treasured most was gaining recognition for those who worked for him. Jeff was truly a professional of the highest caliber.
Jeff also had an unparalleled passion for the outdoors. At every opportunity, he was having fun in the mud, in the snow or in the water. He loved to take his wife, his boys and his friends out camping, fishing, snowmachining or on a four-wheeler ride. He hiked, explored and took advantage of everything that Alaska and life had to offer. As passionate as he was about the outdoors, he loved being a father and a husband most of all. This was evidenced by his excitement in sharing life with his family.
Jeff tackled every day of his life with enthusiasm, a great attitude, a smile and a little witty sarcasm. He was an absolute joy to be around. His personality was infectious and drew people to him. He gave his life in support of his country and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, co-workers and everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Jeff leaves behind his loving wife, Rachael; his two sons, whom he affectionately referred to as his "little bros," T.J. and Tyler; his father, Robert; his mother, Carol; his sister, Jackie; and more friends than you could possibly imagine.
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Senior Master Sgt. Thomas E. Cicardo , 47
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| 1963 - July 28, 2010 |
The 249th Airlift Squadron of the Alaska Air National Guard mourns the passing of one the Air Force's premier Loadmasters, Senior Master Sergeant Thomas E. Cicardo.
Senior Master Sergeant Thomas E. Circado served his country with high distinction for more than 28 years in the Armed Forces of the United States. Prior to joining the Alaska Air National Guard, Senior Master Sergeant served in the US Marine Corp, US Army, and the Air Force Reserve. He joined the Alaska Air National Guard in September of 1997, where his wide ranging military background made him an invaluable asset.
He spent his first eleven years in the Alaska Air National Guard in the 210th and 211th Rescue Squadrons, where he flew in an HC-130 aircraft. During his tenure in rescue, he partcipated in 58 Search and Rescue missions in the State of Alaska, in which he was credited with saving 66 lives and assisting 13 others to safety. He deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, flying combat search and rescue missions in Afghanistan and personnel recovery missions in the Horn of Africa.
In 2008, Senior Master Sergeant Cicardo was handpicked to be part of the C-17 initial cadre to stand-up the 249th Airlift Squadron. Senior Master Sergeant Cicardo checked out in the C-17 "Globemaster III" aircraft and quickly upgraded to Instructor and Flight Examiner Loadmaster. He helped build the training and standardization/evaluation functions in the squadron. His efforts were instrumental in the squadron receiving an "Outstanding" rating during a recent Pacific Air Force's Standardization and Evaluation inspection, where was recognized as an "Outstanding Performer."
Over the course of his military career, Senior Master Sergeant Cicardo accumulated 5400 flying hours in the C-141, C-130, HC-130 and C-17 aircraft and visited countless countries. He was a highly decorated combat veteran receiving more than 30 awards and decorations, to include the Afghanistan Campaign medal, the Air Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Senior Master Sergeant Thomas E. Circado served his country with high distinction for more than 28 years in the Armed Forces of the United States. Prior to joining the Alaska Air National Guard, Senior Master Sergeant served in the US Marine Corp, US Army, and the Air Force Reserve. He joined the Alaska Air National Guard in September of 1997, where his wide ranging military background made him an invaluable asset.
He spent his first eleven years in the Alaska Air National Guard in the 210th and 211th Rescue Squadrons, where he flew in an HC-130 aircraft. During his tenure in rescue, he partcipated in 58 Search and Rescue missions in the State of Alaska, in which he was credited with saving 66 lives and assisting 13 others to safety. He deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, flying combat search and rescue missions in Afghanistan and personnel recovery missions in the Horn of Africa.
In 2008, Senior Master Sergeant Cicardo was handpicked to be part of the C-17 initial cadre to stand-up the 249th Airlift Squadron. Senior Master Sergeant Cicardo checked out in the C-17 "Globemaster III" aircraft and quickly upgraded to Instructor and Flight Examiner Loadmaster. He helped build the training and standardization/evaluation functions in the squadron. His efforts were instrumental in the squadron receiving an "Outstanding" rating during a recent Pacific Air Force's Standardization and Evaluation inspection, where was recognized as an "Outstanding Performer."
Over the course of his military career, Senior Master Sergeant Cicardo accumulated 5400 flying hours in the C-141, C-130, HC-130 and C-17 aircraft and visited countless countries. He was a highly decorated combat veteran receiving more than 30 awards and decorations, to include the Afghanistan Campaign medal, the Air Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Sergeant Cicardo home town of record is Anchorage, Alaska. He and his wife, Theresa, loved to travel. He is survived by his wife, Theresa.