By Nick Thomas

While best known for joining the cast of the popular CBS spy series “Mission: Impossible” for the last two seasons in the early 70s, Lynda Day George became something of a minor horror movie icon before retiring from acting in the late 80s.
In the horror realm, she portrayed characters threatened by an army of ants (“Ants,” 1977), a pack of wild dogs (“Day of the Animals,” 1977), a demonic force (“Beyond Evil,” 1980), a haunted mirror (“Fear No Evil,” 1969), a chainsaw-wielding killer (“Pieces,” 1982), and even a deranged undertaker’s assistant in “Mortuary,” her final film in 1983.
“I enjoyed doing them, but I also love comedy and drama,” said Day George from her home in Sequim, Washington.
Off-screen, the actress also experienced considerable drama, although horror might be a more appropriate description of her personal tragedies including the loss of two husbands – one succumbing to cancer and another from a sudden heart attack.
Actor Christopher George, Day George’s second husband of some 13 years, died just weeks after the release of “Mortuary” which co-starred the husband-and-wife acting team. She continued to guest-star in another half-dozen TV shows during the remainder of the decade before officially retiring, eventually remarrying in 1990 and later moving to Washington.
“After Chris died, I needed to take care of my family,” she explained. “I’ve also lost my mother, father, step-dad, and brother, so there’s been a lot of loss to deal with. But right now, I’m feeling great living here in Washington and have a wonderful life with my daughter and friends. My house is between the ocean and an inlet, and I love it here. I do a lot of gardening and I’m involved with many local groups including the theater.”
Despite the tragedies, Lynda has retained her genial nature and joyful spirit and still sports her trademark long blonde hair. Her positive attitude and sense of humor have clearly helped her survive the personal hardships as well as her past macabre movies such as the gruesome theme of “Day of the Animals,” which depicted the cast being mauled by enraged birds, dogs, wolves, bears, rats, and snakes.
She remembers filming was periodically paused when fellow actors including Leslie Nielsen, Michael Ansara, and Richard Jaeckel would break out in laughter.
“We just had so much fun making it,” she recalled. “Michael was a terrific, funny guy. Richard was a treasure, just a sweetheart. Every time I saw him after that he was just a big pile of sugar. And Leslie Nielsen could make you laugh at the drop of a hat – he was a one-man riot!”
In one scene, crazed dogs were required to leap through a cabin window and attack the characters. “I could be petting one, then the trainer would give a command and it would take off like a shot or become threatening and begin growling. They were terrific animal actors.”
An animal lover herself who shares her home with several dogs and cats, Day George not only enjoyed working with the animals but, as a longtime environmentalist, embraced the movie for bringing attention to ozone layer depletion, a significant environmental concern in the 70s (and bizarrely responsible for the creatures’ aggression in the film’s script).
While the concerns of ozone depletion have been replaced by global warming worries, Day George remains optimistic about the planet’s future despite widespread gloomy predictions.
“We have so many extraordinary people who are teaching us more and more about our planet. Bless them all.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See www.getnickt.org.

The INTEGRIS Health Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Courage Award was established in 1994 to recognize and honor individuals who have overcome disabilities caused by injury or illness, by facing the physical and mental challenges of rehabilitation with courage and determination. The award is named after the man known as the World’s Greatest Athlete, Jim Thorpe, and is presented annually.
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, INTEGRIS Health Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation hosted the 2022 Courage Award Luncheon to celebrate three inspirational men:

Jeremy Hoffman had an underlying health condition, so when he contracted COVID-19 in November of 2020, it was unclear if he would survive. The then 49-year-old from Edmond, fought tooth and nail to re-claim his life.

Michael Calloway of Norman and his wife, Lillie, are middle school sweethearts. They’ve been through a lot together, the good and the bad. But last November, a bout with COVID nearly took Michael’s life and a subsequent stroke stole his ability to communicate. Their story is living proof that love really does endure all things.

Chad Breske, a Choctaw native, was a lineman for an electric company when the dangers of his job became his reality. As a result of the electrocution, he would lose both arms, two ribs, an ear and part of his skull. Still, he continues to push forward – for his children.

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

The free 2022 Second Half Expo begins at 8:30 am Saturday, October 22nd, and finishes at 2 p.m. for the second year at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Billed as Something for Everyone Above Age 50, the expo is tailored to people in the “Second Half” of their lives. This is for those looking to connect with the resources needed to live the way they have always imagined. More than 120 of Oklahoma’s senior-related businesses will be present, providing education and demonstrations of their products and services.
The day will be loaded with fun activities, including free educational seminars, drawings for prizes, live music and much more.
“We firmly believe the senior years can be lived with dignity and purpose with the right guidance and resources,” said Bob Loudermilk, event manager. “We strive to support seniors and their adult children, honoring and assisting their aging parents.”
This year’s free two-hour panel session: THE 50+ YEARS – How to Navigate the Changing Landscape, offers eight community thought leaders sharing their expertise. This timely information on wealth management, senior housing, estate planning, health & fitness above age 50, tax & insurance planning, downsizing, Second-Half entrepreneurship and more is invaluable for seniors.
The panel session will begin at 9 a.m. with coffee and continental breakfast items provided. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to reserve your seat at https://secondhalfexpo.com/the-panel/. Details of topics and bios of the eight panelists are available on this page.
An example of the quality of the panelists offering their insights into living a vibrant and productive Second Half early Saturday morning is someone familiar to many Oklahomans.
Many seniors have seen Mark Bravo, 64, help broadcast the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon live on local KFOR-Channel 4 television since its inception in 2001. With Bravo’s broadcast journalism training from the University of Oklahoma and his experience as a marathoner, he describes the events from the runners’ point of view. He offers background both on the elite and “ordinary” runners.
“I’m humbled to be a part of this race, and to offer color commentary on race day gives me a chance to provide insight into road racing,” Bravo said in a recent interview. “I describe the mindset of all levels of athletes who participate and the importance of this race to Oklahoma, not only in April but all year long. I’m fortunate to have much engagement with athletes of all abilities throughout the year. The connection to the community has made it one of my great pleasures to help document every OKC Memorial Marathon.”
He actively supports the race throughout the year and on marathon weekend. From hosting the event’s two-day Health and Fitness Expo to inviting legends of the sport to the race, Bravo has volunteered thousands of hours over the years.
He takes great pride in ensuring its national reputation as the “Run to Remember,” leaving participants with two distinct emotions. The first is to bring together runners and spectators from around the world to honor those who were killed, those who survived, and those who were changed forever in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
Another source of his pride in this race is Bravo has helped bring many extras to the runners and walkers not available at most marathons. Bravo says this makes each person feel like an “elite” participant because of the on-course support from a massive outpouring of cheering and volunteering by OKC residents.
One of these extras for participants is interaction with Hall of Famers from the sport at the Expo. Many of these famous marathoners were at the forefront of the “running boom” in America in the ’70s and ’80s. These marathon luminaries speak about their experiences in and out of the sport and share their expertise to help ease runners’ minds before the race.
Bravo is a freelance writer, broadcaster and nationally-noted road race announcer who has finished almost 50 marathons in his 40-plus years in the sport. He speaks at countless sports-focused venues on building momentum in one’s life. Bravo has coached runners for the last two decades, and his view of mental and physical wellness is detailed in his well-received book: “Momentum: 77 Observations Toward a Life Well Lived.”
Bravo’s definition of an “athlete” has less to do with physical prowess but more about a few principles. “It’s viewing the world and yourself through a ‘kinder, gentler’ lens, an always existent ‘stick-to-it-iveness,’ strong view that the glass is ‘three-quarters full, not half-empty,’ and an ever-present emphasis on gratitude,” Bravo said. “Through these principles and how we share them, each of us raises the calibration of the entire world!”
He stays closely involved with the local running community in his position as manager of OK RUNNER OKC in downtown Oklahoma City. He and his wife, Leslie, live in Edmond, Oklahoma.

By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Chief Petty Officer Joel Hall is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its TACAMO (“Take Charge and Move Out”) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.
Hall, a 1994 Corona High School graduate, joined the Navy 24 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to better myself,” said Hall. “I thought the military could provide me with some much-needed structure.”
Today, Hall’s parents and family all live close by in Edmond, Oklahoma.
“Thank you to my wife and kids for their support,” said Hall. “My parents were another reason I joined. I wanted them to be proud.”
The Navy’s presence aboard an Air Force base in the middle of America may seem like an odd location given its distance from any ocean; however, the central location allows for the deployment of aircraft to both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico on a moment’s notice. This quick response is key to the success of the nuclear deterrence mission.
The Navy command consists of a Wing staff, the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, and three Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons: The “Ironmen” of VQ 3, the “Shadows” of VQ 4 and the “Roughnecks” of VQ 7.
Hall serves as a Navy career counselor with VQ 4.
“My favorite thing about my job is getting to help other sailors,” said Hall.
STRATCOMMWING One employs more than 1,300 active-duty sailors and 100 contractors to provide maintenance, security, operations, administration, training and logistic support for the Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft fleet, an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707.
Their mission stems from the original 1961 Cold War order known as ‘Take Charge and Move Out!’ Adapted as TACAMO and now the command’s nickname, the men and women of TACAMO continue to provide a survivable communication link between national decision makers and the nation’s nuclear weapons.
The commander-in-chief issues orders to members of the military who operate nuclear weapons aboard submarines, aircraft or in land-based missile silos. Sailors aboard TACAMO E-6 Mercury aircraft provide the one-of-a-kind and most-survivable communication needed for this critical mission.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Serving in the Navy means Hall is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to the National Defense Strategy through our global presence,” said Hall.
Hall and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is getting to watch my junior sailors succeed,” said Hall.
As Hall and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. “Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride,” added Hall. “I’m honored to have volunteered to do something that most people don’t have the ability to.”

story by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

For many seniors, there’s excitement knowing their hard years of work have finally paid off and it’s time to reap the healthcare benefits Medicare affords.

But that excitement can quickly turn into heartache and bad decisions if they can’t navigate the mountain of information in front of them come enrollment time.

“With Medicare as complicated as it is, being able to make an informed decision really requires – I think – having a face-to-face conversation with somebody who can go through all of those things with you, explain the differences in a simplified way and in a way you can understand,” said Christina Sibley, co-owner of Sibley Insures.

Sibley Insures isn’t an insurance company but a company that works for its insurance clients.

There’s no high-pressure sales.

The primary goal is to educate and empower clients to make informed decisions.
Serving OKC, Tulsa, and beyond, Sibley Insures offers products from some of the top Medicare plans in the country to smaller local plans.

And those plans all come into focus in the next few weeks.

The last few months of the year the Sibleys’ business goes into overdrive with Medicare enrollment beginning October 15 and running through December 7.

Behind her, the whole way is husband, Steve, who brings 17 years of financial services expertise and 36 years of military service to the business.

“Education is extremely important,” Christina said. “I came into this business five years ago as a professional educator. Even people who are on Medicare and have been on Medicare for some time often don’t get a thorough education. They get information in the mail.”
Most people choose the jobs they want to pursue.

For Christina Sibley, the job chose her.

Christina has been a healthcare provider for more than 20 years. She’s taught medical assisting and phlebotomy.

She’s worked in doctor’s offices, labs, hospitals, and home care, always with a passion for her patients.

But it was a suggestion from her husband that brought it all together.

“I feel like God put me on this Earth for a reason,” she said. “I have a specific set of skills, experience, and education that allow me to do things for people, they have put me in a unique position to be able to do things for people that others just don’t have the ability to do.”

Through Sibley Insures, Christina brings those skills to bear teaching thousands of Oklahomans what healthcare protection truly means.

She says there’s so much consumer education lacking when it comes to commercial products that are required when you sign up for Medicare.

Drug plans, supplements, and Medicare Advantage programs are often foreign territory for consumers.

“They’re not going to get a thorough education unless they sit down with somebody who can walk them through the basics and all of their choices and explain the pros and cons of the things they can do,” Christina said. “Medicare is not a one size fits all. It’s very customized to that individual’s needs. People don’t know what they don’t know.”

If you’re turning 65 in the next few months, you’ll have a lot of company. An average of 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day.

For most, it also means that you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare for the first time and most likely have a lot of questions.

As you prepare for Medicare, there’s a lot to know.

You do not have to be retired to get Medicare. The retirement age for full Social Security benefits, called “full retirement age” is slowly rising to age 67, but you can still get full Medicare benefits at age 65, even if you’re not going to collect Social Security benefits. Some under age 65 qualify, through Social Security disability, after 24 months.

Sibley Insures has expanded over the years to better serve clients, most recently moving into an agency role that allows for greater outreach.

“We now have the ability to bring in and mentor agents who do what we do,” Steve Sibley said. “What we do with Medicare is very much an advocate-based focus.”

And that focus is on display in their office, at any one of a number of free seminars, or sometimes in the comfort of your own home.

“It’s crucial for people to talk to an agent or broker,” Christina said. “What we do is work for our client, to look across plans and across products to find what’s going to be most appropriate for them and their particular needs.”

And with hundreds of thousands of Oklahoma Medicare eligible, that time begins now.

“We only have seven weeks to get everyone enrolled.”

For more information or to visit with Christina and Steve, visit: https://www.sibleyinsures.com/

Oct. 1 will be a busy day for thousands of “stick-and-string” hunters in Oklahoma. That Saturday is when several archery hunting seasons will open across the state. Those seasons are:
* Deer archery, running through Jan. 15, 2023.
* Elk archery, on private lands through Jan. 15, 2023 (or until quota is met).
* Black bear archery, running through Oct. 16.
* Fall turkey archery, running through Jan. 15, 2023.
* Pronghorn antelope archery, running through Oct. 14.
The popularity of archery hunting continues to grow in Oklahoma. For the third year in a row, archery deer hunters set a record with 36,522 deer taken, which accounted for 31 percent of all deer harvested in the state last year.
The annual Game Harvest Survey (GHS), a scientific survey conducted by the Wildlife Department, has been tracking hunter metrics for decades. The GHS estimated that 117,216 archers took to the field this past season with a deer license in hand.
“Another off-season has come and gone. Big game hunters will be heading back to the woods come October 1st and have a lot to look forward to,” said Dallas Barber, Big Game Biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“Populations are in good shape even amid the drought conditions that plagued much of the state during the summer. These first few weeks can be tough due to warm conditions, so archery hunters might place more effort in that first and last hour of legal shooting light.”
Barber said the early season is an ideal time to capitalize on antlerless deer opportunities. Why not fill the freezer before focusing on bagging that big buck?
According to the 2021-22 Big Game Harvest Report published in the September/October issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, archery hunters took 16,097 antlerless deer compared to 20,425 antlered deer.
“Doe harvest is critical to keeping a herd healthy,” he said. “It’s again time for hunters to meet the challenge to let young bucks grow and take a doe.”
In southeastern Oklahoma, archery hunters took 66 black bears last year. Senior Wildlife Biologist Jeff Ford said the summer’s hot and dry conditions could make this year’s bear hunting more challenging.
“These conditions may affect the fall mast crop, making it harder to find some good bear sign in the woods. So concentrate on water resources to find sign. Bears will frequent watering holes when the weather is hot.
“I would say the most important thing … is to find an area with fresh bear sign and then just stay with it. Most successful bear hunters start early in the season, and you may have to sit all day.”
Ford suggests public land hunters should scout as early as possible for areas with acorns (preferably white oak), which are most preferred by bears. “The acorns will start falling around the first of October, and bears are going to be searching them out.”
Bear hunters (including lifetime license holders) must buy a bear license before the season opens, as those licenses will not be sold after Sept. 30.
For complete regulations — including required licenses, open areas, harvest quotas, and reporting requirements — consult the 2022-23 Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations online at www.wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app or Apple or Android, or in print free at license dealers statewide.

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any good online hearing tests? My husband has hearing loss, but I can’t get him to go in and get his hearing checked, so I thought a simple online test could help him recognize he has a problem. What can you tell me? — Loud Talking Linda

Dear Linda,
There’s actually a growing number of very good online and app-based hearing tests available that will let your husband check his hearing on his own. These tests are a quick and convenient option for the millions of Americans that have mild to moderate hearing loss but often ignore it, or don’t want to go through the hassle or expense of visiting an audiologist for a hearing exam.
Who Should Test?
Hearing loss for most people develops gradually over many years of wear and tear, which is the reason many people don’t realize they actually have a hearing problem.
Anyone who has difficulty hearing or understanding what people say, especially in noisier environments or over the phone. Or, if you need a higher volume of music or TV than other people, should take a few minutes to test their hearing.
Self-Hearing Tests
Online and app-based hearing tests can serve as a great screening tool. They are not meant to be a diagnosis, but rather to give you an idea of how bad your hearing loss is and what can be done about it.
For most do-it-yourself hearing tests, you’ll be advised to wear ear headphones or earbuds and sit in a quiet spot.
You also need to know that there are two different type of tests available. One type is known as pure-tone testing, where tones are played in decreasing volumes to determine your specific level of hearing loss. And the other type is known as speech-in-noise or digits-in-noise (DIN) where you’ll be asked to identify words, numbers, or phrases amid background noise.
Where to Test
If your husband uses a smartphone or tablet, two of my favorite app-based hearing tests are the hearWHO app created by the World Health Organization, and the Mimi Hearing Test app. Both apps are free to use and are available through the App Store and Google Play.
HearWHO allows users to check their hearing status and monitor it over time using a DIN test, while Mimi uses pure-tone and masked threshold tests to give you a detailed picture of your hearing abilities.
There are also a wide variety of online hearing tests your husband can take on a computer.
Some top online tests – all offered by hearing aid manufacturers – for speech-in-noise or DIN tests can be accessed at ReSound (resound.com/en-us/online-hearing-test) and Mircle Ear (miracle-ear.com/online-hearing-test).
And some good online hearing tests for pure-tone testing are available by Signia (signia.net/en/service/hearing-test); Ergo (eargo.com/hearing-health/hearing-check); and MD Hearing Aid (mdhearingaid.com/hearing-test).
All of these hearing tests are completely free to use and take less than five minutes to complete.
What to do with Results
If the tests indicate your husband has hearing loss, it’s best to think of that as a starting point. He should take results to his doctor or an audiologist for further evaluation.
Many insurance providers and Medicare Advantage plans cover routine hearing exams, however original Medicare does not.
If his hearing loss is mild to moderate, he should look into the new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which are available this fall online and at retailers like Best Buy, Walgreens and CVS.
OTC hearing aids don’t require a prescription or medical examination for purchase and they’re much more affordable than traditional hearing aids you buy through an audiologist or a licensed hearing instrument specialist.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Story and photos by Eddie Roach

VillagesOKC received a $5,000 grant from Force 50 Foundation to be used to implement a veterans initiative called One-On-One Honor.
“This grant will be used in our pilot program seeking to bring awareness of the importance of bringing honor and patriotism into everyday life,” said Marilyn Olson, VillagesOKC Executive Director.
The program will honor veterans in assisted living and low-income senior housing. Identified veterans will be honored in a ceremony at their facility and receive a veteran cap, service pin, photo, and certificate. The presentation will be conducted by a fellow veteran.
“VillagesOKC is part of the annual Vietnam War Era Pinning Ceremony each March 29 at the Oklahoma History Center. But, this One-On-One Honor program awards those who are in assisted living communities and cannot attend the annual pinning ceremony,” Olson said.
Gary W. Banz, Force 50 Foundation Executive Director, said the grant application was open to any of the foundation’s partner agencies. VillagesOKC was selected because its mission of connecting older adults to opportunities and services in the community is like Force 50 Foundation’s objectives.
“We value a ‘One Mission, One Force’ network as the best way to connect organizations serving veterans,” Banz said. “What we are all about is providing a platform for information sharing, connecting veterans to the various support opportunities.” He explained that while there are many organizations offering veterans services, vets don’t always know where to look.
VillagesOKC embraces a similar mission of connecting older adults to programs for learning, planning, and serving – providing a plan for aging that connects a community.
Gaylene Stiles, who submitted the grant for VillagesOKC, said the project also will engage Southern Nazarene University students from the SNU Veteran Center, providing an opportunity for students of all ages to observe and participate.
VillagesOKC is a nonprofit that connects adults ages 55+ in the greater Oklahoma City metro area to valuable resources that empower them to remain independent and age gracefully. VillagesOKC consists of virtual neighborhoods of volunteers who share vital connections, education, and programming with members to improve their quality of life.

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

Locally the U.S. Air Force’s 75th-Anniversary celebration took place September 8 at the Oklahoma History Center featuring America’s leading Vietnam War Ace, Edmond’s retired Col. Chuck DeBellevue, who gave a narrative of his eventful missions.
The Air and Space Forces Association Gerrity Chapter #215, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, and the Oklahoma Defense Industrial Association organized the event to celebrate America’s dominance of the skies in armed combat.
To sustain an enduring advantage in its trailblazing 75-year history, the U.S. Air Force’s place as the world’s most capable and respected source of airpower is well-established. The presentation clarified why the last time an American combatant was killed on the ground by an adversary air force was April 15, 1953.
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula, dean of the Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Power Studies, traveled from Washington, D.C., to moderate a discussion with DeBellevue on an educational panel wherein he recounted each of his six MiG kills in the skies of North Vietnam. The Mitchell Institute is the only aerospace power-focused think tank in the nation.
Edmond’s DeBellevue, 77, is America’s last ace to serve on active duty. In the Vietnam War he was a weapons systems officer (WSO) in the F-4 Phantom II fighter. Following his combat tour, DeBellevue attended pilot training and returned to the F-4. During the interview, he credited the real-time support of many people, from crew chiefs and maintainers to cooks and supply guys, for making the F4 effective in battle. While explaining each MiG kill, he said he was a part of an air combat crew with a real team spirit of agile thinking, persistence, and a certain disregard for the rules. DeBellevue commented, “The team that flew with us into Hanoi on a daily basis were all focused on the mission. You had to know we were going to get everyone home. If you had doubts or didn’t feel good about the mission, not only would you not go with us, but we would not take you.”
In 1972, Hanoi, the capital of North Vietnam, was the most heavily defended city in the world except Moscow, with the thickest air defense system that surface-to-air missiles (SAM), antiaircraft artillery (AAA), and interdiction MiGs could provide.
Early in the presentation, DeBellevue’s wife, Sally, was recognized in the audience. DeBellevue explained that in 1972 the communications between him and his wife were by letter, so she got a letter every day that stated, “I was alive last week,” knowing the time required for the letter to get to her.
The audience was comprised of 200 veterans and their wives and families, active duty and reserve service members, legislators, and defense and aerospace industry representatives.
The event also marked DeBellevue’s 50th year to the day he became America’s leading Vietnam War ace. In 1972, DeBellevue became one of only five Americans to achieve flying ace status and the first as a WSO, an integral part of two-person aircrews, with the emergence of air-to-air missiles as the primary weapons during aerial combat. He was credited with a total of six MiG kills, the most earned by any U.S. aviator during the Vietnam War and is a recipient of the Air Force Cross and three Silver Stars.
“A large part of the team did not fly into combat but were so vitally important to the success of the missions we flew,” DeBellevue said. “From getting the jets ready to ensuring the bombs and missiles were loaded and ready, to the electronic techs that kept the systems peaked, to the supply teams who kept the parts and fuel coming to the base, the support troops and, of course, the cook who had breakfast ready at 4:30 every morning, the team worked well together. They all put the confidence in the jet that allowed me to take it into North Vietnam every day and to know it was ready for whatever happened.”
Deptula retired in 2010 after 34 years of service, where—among other accomplishments—he was the principal attack planner for the Desert Storm air campaign in 1991, commander of no-fly zone operations over Iraq, where he flew 82 combat missions as a general officer. He planned and orchestrated air operations over Afghanistan in 2001 in response to the 911 attacks.
Deptula observed DeBellevue’s achievement in an interview, “We all know him as America’s top ace of the Vietnam War and the last ace to serve on active duty in the United States Air Force. But there’s a lot more to Chuck—excellence, teamwork, and dedication to duty are themes that resonate throughout his life. History books may celebrate him for his MiG kills, but what we are here to celebrate is a lifetime of service.”
After the one-hour presentation, AAR, Boeing, Captain Bob Ford, the Air Warrior Courage Foundation, and the Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma sponsored a defense and aerospace industry reception.