Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher, Age 33 of Jacksonville, FL.
KIA Jan. 17, 1991 Operation Desert Storm
LCDR Michael Scott Speicher, a United States Navy F/A-18 Hornet fighter pilot. LCDR Speicher was the first registered casualty of Operation Desert Storm, having been lost in the sky over the Western Iraq Desert on January 17, 1991, during the opening minutes of the air phase of the war. He was promoted twice after his disappearance, first to commander and then to captain. The wreckage of his aircraft was located in 1994 and visited by US officials in 1995. An Iraqi man came forward in 2009 and led US Marines to the location where he had been buried in 1991. Speicher’s remains were positively identified in August 2009. The cenotaph that had been placed in Arlington National Cemetery was removed after his remains were recovered.
Captain Michael Speicher was a highly decorated Naval Officer with the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross with combat ‘V,’ Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, Navy ‘E’ Ribbon, Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) and the Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal.
We had an amazing day. We walked to the airport and we took Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher on a flight to honor him. We ended up walking 4.15 miles. The weather was perfect for the Fly In. We got to meet several several people. It was really nice to meet new people and get to talk about what we do. I am so glad that we have this Fly In every year. It is an event that never disappoints. What a great way to honor Capt. Speicher. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us today and I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero today. It was just so amazing. We had 96 honks today. Thank you.
Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher will not be forgotten !
