Veteran Spotlight: Kay Stowell

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  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Today’s spotlight is U.S. Army Air Corps, Army Reserve and Army National Guard veteran Kay Stowell.

Kay grew up in Rigby, Idaho, and signed up for Aviation Cadet training in December of 1942, during World War II.

During World War II, Kay worked as a pilot in Troop Carrier Command, flying C-47s. His primary job involved transporting troops and supplies around Europe.

His time was spent with the 35th Squadron and 64th Troop Carrier Group, beginning in southern France for three months, and then flying in Italy and throughout the Mediterranean area, for the remainder of the war. He was awarded the Air Medal Award and Victory Medal.

At the conclusion of World War II, Kay continued his service by transferring into the Army Reserve, and also the Army National Guard. He continued to fly airplanes, such as the Cessna L-19, O1-A and U6B-DeHavillad Beaver. During his time with the Idaho National Guard, Kay also became dual rated, flying fixed wing aircraft and H-13 & H-23 Helicopters, as well. Kay’s military career spanned 25 years, before retiring in 1974.

After his military service, Kay worked in the civilian sector as an industrial firefighter at the National Engineering Lab in Idaho, and then at Thiokol – ATK in Utah.

Kay now resides in North Ogden, and during retirement has enjoyed gardening and his volunteer work. He has actively served as a regular volunteer at Hill Aerospace Museum, and with the Weber and Davis Military Honor Guard.

Thank you for your service Kay.