Honorees

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Year Honored
2009
Honoree
Michael Russell
Agency
Air Angels Inc
Agency City
Bolingbrook
Agency State
IL
Last Call
1/28/03
Cause of Death
Medical Aviation Accident
Biography
From his early years, Michael loved working on and driving fast cars. His interest in mechanics and speed and a belief in service to his country motivated his enlistment in the Army's Warrant Officer Flight Training Program shortly after his graduation from high school. After successfully completing flight training and duty as an instructor pilot, he was deployed to Vietnam in June of 1970. He served with the 1st Air Cavalry Division where he flew OH-6A and Cobra helicopters on scouting and combat missions. He was shot down six times and wounded, for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal and Purple Heart.<br /> <br /> After returning from Vietnam, Mike married Gloria and they had two children, Brian and Jason, with whom Mike shared his interest in mechanics and car collecting. He continued to fly helicopters, including duty developing Army-wide emergency and safety procedures. He continued his pilot career as a civilian doing firefighting operations and Emergency Medical Services flights throughout the United States. Mike had a career of building custom houses and his sons assisted with the business as he continued his pilot career.<br /> <br /> Mike was flying EMS operations for Air Angels in DuPage, Illinois, when he died in the line of duty in a crash on January 28, 2003. He was an exceptional pilot and will be remembered by his wife, sons, mother, sister and brother. He brought richness and joy to their lives and they miss him.<br /> <br /> Honored 2009