Wow, I was in shock to see a CAP news release concerning Major Al Pabon dying at the US Army Cadet Compound near Lexington KY :'(
See: http://www.capvolunteernow.com/news.cfm/pabon_north_central_region_pa_director_passes?show=news&newsID=11246
Does anyone have more information on what happen to him ???
RM
Quote from: RADIOMAN015 on July 22, 2011, 09:28:33 PM
Wow, I was in shock to see a CAP news release concerning Major Al Pabon dying at the US Army Cadet Compound near Lexington KY :'(
See: http://www.capvolunteernow.com/news.cfm/pabon_north_central_region_pa_director_passes?show=news&newsID=11246
Does anyone have more information on what happen to him ???
I can't get into too much detail at the moment, as next-of-kin notifications have not happened, but are appearing to be difficult/fruitless at the moment.
I can say that Maj Pabon was spending the summer assisting the USAC with some PAO & administrative support for our summer training programs at the National Cadet Training Center in Millersburg, KY. He wasn't feeling well yesterday, went to quarters to rest and wasn't present for duty this morning. He was found by some members of the corps, first aid was administered immediately, and paramedics arrived on scene soon after.
Pending the Bourbon County coroner's report, it appears that Maj Pabon's death was as a result of natural causes (ie. a heart attack). Thats strictly based on 2nd hand information I've gotten from those who were there, but I believe the coroner's initial assumptions are in line with that.
I wasn't there, but I am assisting Colonel Land as a point person on the USAC-CAP interface over this matter.
Its a sad day for everybody: I've known Al for a number of years, and I first met him face to face in 2006 when Shawn Stanford and I traveled to thru Minneapolis, MN enroute to Fort McCoy. His CAP efforts are well known, and he was a valuable assistance to the USAC's programs at Millersburg this summer.
Funeral arrangements and such are still being determined, and again, much of this is pending location and notification of next of kin. Al has said to folks for many years that he didn't have any family, and so far nobody in CAP or the USAC has been able to find any credible info in that regard, so as you can imagine its a tough situation.
Thats all I have for now.
Oh my God. My sympathies to his family, friends, and to CAP and CAP Talk. I've admired Al for a while.
Jack
[darn].
:(
It sounds like USAC and CAP were his family and their members his friends.
I am just heartsick to hear this news. Al was a good friend. His dedication to his craft and CAP was exemplary. Keeping his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. "Blue Skies and Tail Winds", Al.
How very sad. I recently received an email from Al telling me he was looking forward to getting back to squadron-level involvement. Last time he was in Mankato he said how much he loved the PAO interaction at that level. He was a good friend and valued mentor. Minnesota Wing and NCR will be hard-pressed to fill his shoes. His dedication to CAP was inspiring, to say the least.
Rest in peace my friend.
Hey folks. Been lurking for a while and came across this post today. I knew an Al Pabon back when I was a cadet (83-88) in Illinois Wing. If indeed this is the same guy, then this really is a sad day. :'(
Heartens me to know he stayed with the program & has come to be so well respected. Blue skies & tailwinds to you sir.
Just clicked the link....it is him....[darn]. :'(
I didn't realize he had connections back to ILWG.
Semper Vi, Major. Keep watch on us from above.
This is indeed a very sad day for both CAP and USAC. Al was one of the most likable and dedicated people I've ever known. We are scrambling to prepare to graduate nearly 200 Cadets tomorrow, trying to keep focused despite our grief.
At this point USAC and CAP leadership are working in concert to ensure that he receives a fitting final salute. We will release details as soon as they are known. CPT Darin Ninness is USAC's POC for this matter.
RIP dear friend. You are badly missed tonight.
V/r,
COL Land
Quote from: COL Land on July 23, 2011, 03:18:54 AM
This is indeed a very sad day for both CAP and USAC. Al was one of the most likable and dedicated people I've ever known. We are scrambling to prepare to graduate nearly 200 Cadets tomorrow, trying to keep focused despite our grief.
At this point USAC and CAP leadership are working in concert to ensure that he receives a fitting final salute. We will release details as soon as they are known. CPT Darin Ninness is USAC's POC for this matter.
RIP dear friend. You are badly missed tonight.
Thank you for your update Joe, even though Al and I never met in person, I considered him a friend. Al, as well as your team in Millersburg, will be in my thoughts as you complete this years AT. I'm sure that with your coordination along with CAP, his tribute will be more than fitting.
Godspeed, Al.
@Eclipse; Yes. River Park Cadet Squadron (11011 back then). Recruited (IIRC) by my grade/highschool best friend David Diaz. Highspeed type that burned out while with us. I didn't know him that well, but I could tell that he wanted more from the program that our squadron was giving then. Back around 83-88. Thought that his experience may have turned him off to CAP. Glad that he found his way back and made a name for himself.
@N Harmon: you said it best...he went surrounded by his family. Can't think of a more fitting way to go.
We got the news of his passing here at National Blue Beret activity. With many members here from NCR, a lot of us knew Al and his great work. It was very somber at our table that night.
We will miss you Al.
Rest in Peace Maj. My thoughts and prayers go with you.
It looks likely that there will be two services: one in Kentucky at the National Cadet Training Center and attended by CAP, as well as another in Minnesota by CAP with USAC personnel attending. Various levels of USAC and CAP leadership are working on the details. Just as soon as I have firm information, it will be posted. In the meantime, if you'd like specifics, please feel free to send a PM. Please know that we are driven to do this right, as Major Pabon certainly deserves it.
Al's true and only family was CAP, along with USAC in his final days. He dearly loved the people of the Civil Air Patrol, and especially the Cadets. We were blessed to have him this summer, and as a "friend of the Corps" over the past decade.
He was one of the good guys. He deserves the best that we can provide.
Respectfully,
Quote from: Varga Guy on July 23, 2011, 01:00:42 AM
Hey folks. Been lurking for a while and came across this post today. I knew an Al Pabon back when I was a cadet (83-88) in Illinois Wing. If indeed this is the same guy, then this really is a sad day. :'(
Heartens me to know he stayed with the program & has come to be so well respected. Blue skies & tailwinds to you sir.
It is nice to see that there are more of us around from back in the days. I was a cadet from 77-85 at the old Franklin County squadron. Did you take your user name from the old Kachina Vargas the wing used to have?
We are requesting that anyone who may want to provide a photo or other memorabilia which may be appropriate to honor Al at a memorial service, send it via e-mail to pa@mncap.org or mail to Minnesota Wing HQ by August 5th.
Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol
6275 Crossman lane
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Plans for a memorial service are being made as we speak. Information will be made available when the individuals responsible provide us with the details in a few days.
Col Thomas Theis
Commander, MN WG
@ol'fido; yes I did. Soloed one at the '86 flight academy. N56001
@Col T; Haven't heard of anyone able to find next of kin. Is there a place to send funds to assist with the services?
...found this in the membership section....
Anibal Pabon Memorial Fund
C/O David Palmer, Branch Manager
Merchants Bank
7300 147th Street West
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Memorials may be sent to:
Anibal Pabon Memorial Fund
C/O David Palmer, Branch Manager
Merchants Bank
7300 147th Street West
Apple Valley, MN 55124
More information to follow on the memorial.