T-38 Crash at Sheppard

[Butters]

Several key facts in this report differ significantly from what was briefed to us by the SIB. WTFO?

That is odd that the FACTS are diffent, a fact has to be just that, a fact... not sure how they can differ. Are you sure you are not talking about findings?

Findings between the AIB and SIB differ all the time.

[Flare]

I deleted posts. Less talk about the SIB. It varies from the AIB. If you're interested and have SIB access, then check it out.

[M2]

In today's AFA Update...

Posthumous Wings: The Air Force awarded pilot wings posthumously to 2nd Lt. Alec Littler, presenting the wings to his father Bob Littler during the graduation ceremony Nov. 7 for Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program Class 08-08 at Sheppard AFB, Tex. Lieutenant Little was killed in the May 1 crash of a T-38C trainer that an accident investigation board later attributed to errors by the instructor pilot on the aircraft. The IP also died in the crash. Both Littler's parents attended the graduation ceremony. "We're here because we want to represent Alec," said his father and his mother added, "He would not have wished to be anywhere else." (Sheppard report by 2nd Lt. Raeanna Elms)

Here's the full story...

Second Lt. Ryan Bodenheimer shakes Bob Littler's hand and gives him a hug after presenting him with his son's, 2nd Lt. Alec Littler, wings posthumously during a ceremony at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program graduation Nov. 7 at the base theater. Lieutenant Littler was killed May 1 during a T-38 Talcon training mission when the aircraft crashed. He would have graduated with Class 08-08. (U.S. Air Force photo/Harry Tonemah)

ENJJPT honors Airman, awards wings posthumously

by 2nd Lt. Raeanna Elms

82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

11/10/2008 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Just about every parent whose child is participating in one of the Air Force's undergraduate pilot training program envisions the day that they can witness their son or daughter walking the stage, shaking hands and earning their prize - their wings.

Such an event was hosted Nov. 7 at the graduation of Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program Class 08-08. But something was missing. Someone was missing.

Second Lt. Alec Littler was scheduled to graduate with Class 08-08 and hopefully move on to the oft sought after F-15C with dreams of upgrading to the F-22. A fiery crash May 1 took those dreams away from him, and him away from his parents and classmates.

"We're here because we want to represent Alec," said Bob Littler, the lieutenant's father. Mr. Littler and Lieutenant Littler's mother, Penny Farquhar, attended the graduation ceremony to accept the posthumously awarded pilot's wings. "He would not have wished to be anywhere else."

The still-grieving parents described their son's love for the Air Force and ENJJPT, proudly telling of the dedication he had not only to his training, but also to his fellow student pilots. Mr. Littler described his son as a "warrior" and said his desire was to see everyone around him to succeed in their mission to become Air Force pilots.

This story is more than an unfortunate accident that claimed the lives of two dedicated Airmen, and eventually to the ceremony that honored a young pilot. It's also about a mother and father taking on surrogate children - Lieutenant Littler's classmates - and their dreams.

"There's a certain amount of sadness, but we're close to other members of his class," Mrs. Farquhar said, adding that they've stayed in touch with other soon-to-be combat pilots via e-mail. "(We're) excited to see them again and meet their families."

Although this meeting was somewhat somber, it also allowed all in attendance to reflect on Alec Littler, the person. A 10-minute video captured his time at Sheppard as a student pilot, but also his fun-loving nature outside the classroom. It even captured his first solo flight and the traditional trip to "the tank."

"He was so happy in T-37s," his father said. "And then when he got to T-38s, he couldn't have been happier."

Lieutenant Littler attended high school in Glenwood Springs, Colo., before attending the University of Colorado at Boulder. He participated in the schools Reserve Officer Training Corps program and was selected to participate in ENJJPT.

Although his life was cut short, he did have the opportunity to realize his dream of being a pilot in the Air Force. His dream of receiving his wings was realized by his parents.

Nicely done, Class 08-08!

Cheers! M2

[Skitzo]

Wow... in a world and Air Force where there is more to gripe about than brag about big blue does something classy.

Kudos to whomever spearheaded this idea... and to PA for finally getting a worthwhile story some press.

[Hacker]

Agreed...total class act to do that.

[BQZip01]

Wow... in a world and Air Force where there more to gripe about than brag about big blue does something classy.

Kudos to whomever spearheaded this idea... and to PA for finally getting a worthwhile story some press.

3

[wings]

It was very classy. 08-08 made the whole day a tribute to their fallen classmate Alec...

[brabus]

Glad to see them do that for Alec. Here's another one for you buddy...

[B*D*A]

Today is Alec's birthday, Godspeed bro. Will be drinking to you tonight.

[Spoo]

Today is Alec's birthday, Godspeed bro. Will be drinking to you tonight.

Here's to Alec, Funk, Class 08-08, and anybody who gives a damn...

EDIT: On second thought, make it a .

Edited April 9, 2009 by Spoo

[donkey]

[WheelzUp]

Brad and Alec, we won't forget you.

[murdocjxx]

Here here. God speed to Funk and Littler

[Guest EN_GRAD]

On the one year anniversary of the sad day that took two of our bros, here's to Gyro and Alec.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Funk and Littler families today.

[B*D*A]

Miss you man.

[Duck]

Sheppard had a moment of silence today as well as posting a plaque in their honor in the entrance to the ENJJPT building.

Praying for your families!

[FallingOsh]

Hard to believe it's been a year.

[donkey]

[egochecks]

R.I.P. Alec and Brad. We miss you.

Prayers and blessings to both of your families.

Thank you for sharing them with us. Our thoughts are with you today.

Godbless all of you and thank you for helping the rest of us heal.

[brabus]

to Alec and Brad. We all miss you dude.