Lt. Col. Earl Berger cleared for departure

[Smithsonia]

Earl Berger
Dec. 1, 1926- Apr. 15, 2008

Colorado Wing of CAP fly-over honors Lt. Col. Earl Berger

One of the CO. Wing's most prolific and accomplished volunteers has passed away due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.  Earl Berger and his wife Betty ran the Colorado Wing's Emergency Services Communication Network for over 30 years.

In the days before ELTs and even after those devices came into routine use, small planes lost in the high country could stretch search areas into the tens-of-thousands of square miles and the "Redcaps' into a multitude of simultaneous missions. In this "heyday" of Civil Air Patrol ES Missions throughout Colorado and the West, the "com-net" was led by Earl and Betty Berger.

According to historical records, which at this time may even undercount their complete service, Earl and Betty Berger worked 500 plus "Redcaps" and 300 plus additional SAR missions. At one time they were on duty for 125 days, straight. If you break these numbers down it averages 2 to 3 SAR missions per month over their 30 years of service. This is an amazing and much appreciated feat. It is a fine example to all who serve in the Patrol.

The Ceremony at Ft Logan National Cemetery, on Apr. 21st at 10AM, was capped by a Civil Air Patrol fly-over conducted in a three plane formation: The formation was led by Lt. Col. Jim Jenkins and Capt. Bob York as Observer, Black Sheep Squadron. CAP Aircraft#2 was piloted by Lt. Col. John Mitchell with Capt. Bill O'Connor as Observer, from the Ft Collins Squadron.  CAP Ship # 3 was missing man. CAP Aircraft #4 was flown by Lt. Col. Bob Beabout with Maj. Sim Coleman as Observer, Black Sheep Squadron. Ground coordination and communications for the fly-over were performed by Maj. Don McLeod. A duty guard from the U.S. Navy presented the flag "Of a Grateful Nation" to Mrs. Berger.

Col. Gary Tobey, former Wing Commander, led the Civil Air Patrol delegation at the inurnment. Lt. Col. Berger was cleared for departure. God Speed, the CAP and Colorado Wing salute you for your service!

With regards;
1Lt ED OBRIEN
CO WG Heritage Project Officer

[flyguync]

Nice for rememberence. Now that the cat is out of the bag I sure hope someone got NHQ approval to do a formation fly by.

[Pylon]

Semper Vigilans and blue skies, Col Berger.