Ten years ago today I lost the big brother I never had, GySgt. James "JP" Paige of Middlesex, NJ. JP was not a Naval Aviator, however he was a Combat Aircrewman and the line chief with Miramar based HMM-166. I loved him like a brother and my heart still aches over his death. JP was a Marine to the end and a hero to all. I know there are a lot of Marine rotor guys in here and I wanted to share my friends story with all of you. Please follow the link and take sometime to read about him. http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/SeaKnight-USMC-1999.htm
I, just randomly came across the story of Gunny Paige and the helo that was lost while looking for news of a lost helo in Afghanistan yesterday. This story really touched me and even though I have never served on a flight crew, I have a good friend who was a 53 crew chief and others who were Recon operators and this mishap really touched home for me. What he did to save his fellow Marines and shipmates is truly incredible.
