Our view: Mourning for crew

Alaskans' thoughts, prayers go to families of C-17 airmen

Published: July 29th, 2010 09:33 PM
Last Modified: July 29th, 2010 09:34 PM

We join other Alaskans today in sending our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family and friends of the four crewmen killed in the crash of their C-17 at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Three were members of the Alaska Air National Guard. One was active-duty Air Force. The men were preparing for the biggest show in Alaska. Every two years, Elmendorf opens its gates and tens of thousands of Alaskans accept the invitation for a close look at the U.S. military's aerial arsenal and the kind of flying that makes you wonder if it's real. Along with the dazzling displays, the Arctic Thunder air show is another expression of the tight bond between Alaska and the military.

Story tools

Font size : A | A | A

tool goes here

The C-17 flight should have been no more than a rehearsal for this weekend. Instead, the cargo jet went down about a minute after takeoff.

The extended military family will, as always, look after its own and provide all the help it can to the stricken families of the men who died Wednesday evening. And the rest of the community joins in mourning and stands with them.

The air show will go on as scheduled, with gates opening at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

"We do this to both honor the loss of our four Airmen and also to pay respect to all service members who make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms," said Col. John McMullen, 3rd Wing commander. "We hope our friends and neighbors throughout Alaska will come out and join us."

They can count on it.