Buddy Mason was Deputy Corps Commander '70, and I was '71. I'd walk past him and say Howdy like I didn't know his name, and he would turn around and say Howdy Crockett. I'd whip out again, and he would cock his head back and look down his nose and say, "my name is still Mason!" I knew who he was, but did it just to tick him off. Typical class of '70.

I went to Navigator training, F-4 RTU, and did a Vietnam tour and returned to Holloman AFM, NM. I was checking into the squadron and down in Life Support getting my peg and locker, turning in my helmet and G-suit, when in walks Mason going to fly. I spoke to him, but he didn't seem very receptive. Typical class of '70.

We get a house on base directly across the street but same seeming attitude. Both Aggies, same squadron and now neighbors. Typical class of '70.

A couple of months go by, and we had Muster at one of the Aggie's house in Alamogordo. My ex-wife and his get to talking and break the ice. Buddy is thinking, "what I do to this guy at A&M that he won't talk to me" and of course, I was thinking, typical class of '70.

We became great friends and flew together often. Buddy went to AF Fighter Weapons School, which is the goal for all fighter pilots. It was an intense 4-month course, getting the equivalent of a Master's degree in flying fighters. This draws from the elite in the AF fighter community yet, Buddy won all three, the top flying award, top academic award and top overall awards. He went to Spain and became the Wing Weapons Officer. His wife decided to go back to A&M and finish her degree. Buddy was from San Antonio and was going to come home for Christmas. We had plans to drive to SA to see them.

Sadly, Buddy crashed and was killed on Dec 12, 1979. We made a trip to SA, but to be a pall bearer at his funeral. Most (other than class of '71) who knew Buddy thought he was a great guy and perhaps one of the best fighter pilots that they ever flew with.

Today marks the anniversary of his passing. Here's a nickel on the grass to you, my friend.

Here.