News Release -- Etheridge Honors 11 Pope Airmen Who Displayed Heroism in Wake of Tragic 1994 Collison

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

July 14, 2003

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Honors 11 Pope Airmen Who Displayed Heroism in Wake of Tragic 1994 Collision

POPE AIR FORCE BASE -- Today U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) honored eleven airmen who served at Pope Air Force Base for their heroic acts during a fiery 1994 plane collision that injured Army and Air Force personnel. Twenty-three soldiers were killed and approximately 100 were injured. The airmen honored today were among the heroes who rushed to aid the injured and to secure the area.

"The Green Ramp Disaster visited death and destruction upon Pope Air Force in a blazing inferno, but the tragedy also brought out the best human nature has to offer," Etheridge said. "The inspiring heroics witnessed here on that tragic day remind us all of the capacity that resides in each of us to do great things. And military men and women in particular are capable of making the remarkable seem almost routine. On behalf of the people of North Carolina and the Congress of the United States, I am pleased to participate today to tell these heroes a simple but heartfelt thank you."

On March 23, 1994, an F-16 fighter jet collided mid-air with a C-130 transport plane, sending the fighter jet skidding into another cargo plane on the tarmac. The ensuing explosion sent debris raining down on Army and Air Force personnel. The incident, which was referred to as the "Disaster at Green Ramp," earned praise for the quick and heroic response from the soldiers and airmen on the scene.

Eight airmen - Captain Lori Katowich, SMSgt John White (retired), SMSgt Eric Truesdale (retired), MSgt John Elskamp (retired), MSgt Michael Hyers (retired), MSgt Greg Miller, SMSgt Thomas Bridgers (retired) and TSgt Bobby Baker (retired) - received the Airman's Medal, which is given for a heroic act involving the voluntary risk of life while not in combat. Three airmen - Charles Sides, MSgt Ernest Ward (retired) and James Hinson - received the Air Force Commendations Medal, which is awarded to those who have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement and service.