Hill loses Airman to plane crash

  • Published
An Airman assigned to Hill Air Force Base was killed after his civilian aircraft crashed Oct. 5 in California.

Lt. Col. Raymond Roessler, assigned to the 309th Maintenance Wing, was involved in a crash with his single-engine Piper in San Bernadino County, Calif.

At the time of the crash, Colonel Roessler was returning from a temporary duty assignment where he was working with Boeing and Goodrich building partnerships to support the C-17 and A-10 aircraft.

"My heart is filled with remorse for the loss of a wonderful husband, father and Air Force leader," said Brig. Gen. Arthur B. Cameron, 309th MXW commander. "Words really cannot do justice to the sadness I feel and we all share.

"Ray lived for two things: family and the Air Force. First and foremost, he was devoted to his loving wife Annette and thrilled at the time spent with his two children. Second, he shared his life with all of us -- touching us in gentle, yet hugely effective ways.

"He exemplified the Air Force officer and the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. I am proud to have known and lived life with him on this earth."

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family of this Airman," said Maj. Gen. Kathleen Close, Ogden Air Logistics Center commander. "It is always a tragedy when we lose a member of our Air Force family and we will continue to rally around this family during their time of need."

The base is planning to hold a memorial service at 11 a.m., Oct. 10 at Hanger 37.