A memorial site was dedicated today to honor the four people that died when the Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS) C-130 air tanker crashed in South Dakota exactly a year ago. MAFFS 7, from the 145 Airlift Wing in North Carolina, was dropping retardant to slow the spread of the White Draw Fire when it encountered turbulent air and crashed, killing Lt. Col Paul K. Mikeal, 42; Maj. Joseph M. McCormick, 36; Maj. Ryan S. David, 35, and Senior Master Sgt. Roberts S. Cannon, 50. Two crew members survived, Chief Master Sgt. Andy Huneycutt, and Master Sgt. Joshua Marlowe.
Family members had the opportunity Sunday to travel to the crash site about eight miles northeast of Edgemont, South Dakota. The new memorial is approximately 6 miles northeast of Edgemont on Highway 18 near the point of origin of the fire (map) where the motor home that started the blaze caught fire while pulling the grade between Edgemont and Hot Springs. The memorial consists of a gravel parking area with room for about six vehicles and it has two interpretive panels — one describing the White Draw Fire and the other covers the accident and the four victims.
All photos were taken by Bill Gabbert.
More information about the cause of the crash.
Photos of the White Draw and other fires in the Black Hills in 2012.
wondering where tom harbor and tom Tidwell were when this was going on
hmmmmmm..using USAF and USAFRes resources for the LMA mission, huh??
Pretty disrespectful in my retired military mind.
Do not ever want hear the words respect come from those two individuals when they did not have the cajones to show their respect to this crew…pretty shameful and showing real lack of leadership
Nuff said!!
Why the negativity? Have you considered the fact that maybe they were invited but could not because of other duties and responsibilities? As a military man you should know that senior leaders are not afforded the luxury to be at every event that occurs within their area of responsibility.
Hope as much respect is shown for Trampus, Coal Canyon Fire.