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Show HeadsUp July 22, 2004 One of America's finest hangs up his G-su- it "Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be. " John Wayne (The Duke) - and William Conroy, like the 5 ejected safely. I was able to land the even felt blessed their though it had major structural damparents, jet by birth in 1944. Little age." did they know this child would, one day, "When Bill climbed out of the plane. I told become a career fighter pilot and the 13th him I was sorry about what had happened," commander of the only Air Force Reserve unit said Colonel Conroy. "Bill smiled and said in Utah. 'no problem Wayne, you got us back. But I Wayne, the oldest of three sisters and one want you to ride in my right seat at Talladaga next week. ..the wall side." brother, grew up with deaf parents who taught him anything is possible if you have the desire. Colonel Conroy joined the 419th Fighter refused let to their them limit Wing in 1979. Although he's held squadron They disability and found work with McDonnell Douglas, an command positions and a few call signs such aircraft manufacturer, and eventually retired as Poopie, etc., he never had aspirations of being a wing commander. from the company. "As far back as I can remember, I've always "Fighter Pilots don't usually plan to be wing said. wanted to be a pilot. I think the fact that my commanders," Colonel Conroy parents built airplanes inspired me to pursue "However, they usually have their sights set on this line of work," said Colonel Conroy. being a squadron commander one day." The military seemed to be the most logical Since his career with the 419th, Col. Conroy recalls some of the highlights of his career. career choice to achieve his goal of becoming "I would have to say my two most memoa fighter pilot. So in March 1967, Wayne Air rable Force. events in my career were when I was the Conroy joined made honorary chief in May 1997, and havTwo years later, he was flying his first combat mission over Laos and Vietnam. ing everyone returning home safe and sound from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi "I had three tours in Vietnam with 160 combat missions," said Colonel Conroy. "I was Freedom," he said. He hasn't always had enjoyable times in his one of the lucky ones who came back safely." In the 37 years Col. Conroy has been a pilot, career in the military. His lowest moments, he he's had a lot of close calls, one which hapresponds, occurred each time he lost a fellow service member. pened after he came to the 419th. He tells the story of a close friend of his. When asked what his most moment was, he responded "My mid-a- ir with Rick Honey, who died in the backseat of an F-- 4 while in Vietnam. An enemy small arm fire an 5 in 1987." "I was giving Bill Elliott NASCAR race car round came through the canopy hitting his driver an orientation flight when an 5 from friend in the chest. The pilot of the F-- flew Dobbins Air Force Base, Ga., and I collided supersonic back to the base trying to get his medical help. But, before the over the Bullfrog Training Range. The pilot of F-1- Mildred x, heart-stoppi- F-1- F-1- 4, "guy-in-back- ", pilot could make it back, his friend. Rick Honey, bled to death. "I've lost many close friends during my career in the military," Colonel Conroy said. "It never gets any easier to handle." Colonel Conroy's wife, Zee and son, Sean, have made their own sacrifices during his career. Not only have they had many good times and experiences, they've also had to endure hardships as well during the 36 years they've been married. "I have to mention, none of my accomplishments in my military career could have been possible without the support of my family," Colonel Conroy said. "Not once did my wife or : son complain when we had to move while I was on Active-DutNot once did they complain when I missed a family event." "The hardest times, I would have to say, had to be when he went away to the three tours in Vietnam War," said Zee Conroy. "I was pregnant with Sean when U.S. Air Force file photo he was on one of those tours." His son, Sean, has always After undergraduate pilot training, Col. Conroy's first fighter accepted his father's career in aircraft was an 4 which he flew as first lieutenant until 1971 the military. as an instructor pilot. where he began flying "It was instilled in me since I was young," said Sean of his Chief Peterson and Colonel Conroy have family's patriotism. "Not only was it my dad's duty to deployed together to Turkey and Kuwait fight when called upon, but as a Operations Provide Comfort II, Enduring Freedom, Southern and Northern Watch to family, it was our duty to support him 100 percent. Every military name just a few. "I've been to war and many other contingenfamily realizes, sacrifices have to be made, birthdays and holidays will be cies with him in the past and I wouldn't hesimissed. It's just the way it is in the tate to go with him again," said Chief Peterson. "He will be missed at the 4 9th. military." Although, Sean doesn't have an But we'll see him during our Harley biker ounce of resentment for having to rides." share his dad with the Air Force, he Retirement isn't the only big change haphas the distinct sound of pride in his pening in Colonel Conroy's life, he's going to voice when describing his life as the be a grandpa for the first time. Sean and his son of an Air Force officer. wife Ande are expecting a baby girl in late "AH of the 31 years of my life, August. When asked what he I've known my dad to be a dedicated public will take with him after " As I leave, I'll be servant," said Sean. retiring from the wing, Colonel Conroy respond"It's always been a taking with me 'no ed, "As I leave here, I'll great comfort for me in worries' was he out be taking with me 'no knowing knowing there protecting our worries' in knowing the the stability and freedoms and I was stability and strength in our in strength thankful when he came our country's line of country's line of home." defense. "I have total For someone who has faith in the abilities of defense." the troops engaging in been flying fighter jets the defense of our counfor most of his life, Col. Wayne F. Conroy, retirement is going to be try." 419th Fighter Wing a different kind of chal A command pilot, with commander for over 5,500 flying hours. Colonel lenge ' ' in a variety of airplanes Conroy and his family. "This is something , including the F-6 he's done his whole life, among othso retirement is going to take some ers. Colonel Conroy has been awarded a mulgetting used to for him," said Zee. titude of medals during his career and earned "We have plans to do some travelthe respect of others who've known him. "I've known him a long time," said Col. Al ing. We've even bought a travel trailer big enough to carry our Hawley, 419th Operations Group commander. "He's gained the respect of many in our field motorcycles." I consider him one of the true When asked what he will miss of work. American heroes.'' most. Col. Conroy responded, "First and foremost, I'm going to miss the I feel people. have an extended family here with 419th. the Second, I'm also going to miss the flying and the III X y. F-- T-3- 1 "vv i - 4, (J ft r t & f " ff camaraderie." It is apparent, by to the talking people many through out the wing, his presence r - 5, i r will be missed. "He's been here a long time," said Chief Master Sgt. Howard Peterson, 4 19th Maintenance Superintendent. "I was a crew chief when he first the at arrived 419th. "He was a pilot. good Although, he came off as one of the cockier pilots, we quickly learned he was a real person F-1- U. S. Air Force photo by Capt Benjamin Harrison e service with over 37 years in Col. Wayne Conroy, 419th Fighter Wing commander ends his the Air Force and Air Force Reserve on Sunday, Aug. 8 during a change of command ceremony in the wing's main hangar. Colonel Conroy leaves with over 5,500 flying hours in various aircraft including 190 combat missions over Vietnam and Iraq. long-tim- who always treated the crew chiefs and maintenance --i it A U.S. Air Force tile photo Col. Wayne Conroy discusses results of his last sortie with team members from the 466th Fighter Squadron during other personnel with the the 1985 Gunsmoke competition. utmost respect." |