More detail on this person: From Robert
Lahood:
Nearly 50 years later, the night of August 1, 1973
remains fresh in my mind. Don was the SAR pilot
on duty that day and we were playing poker when
he received the medivac call. I was truly
devastated when news of the crash made it to the
MCAS Futenma BOQ. Don's co-pilot was 1st Lt.
Lowell "Van" Van Wagenen, a 1970 USNA
graduate.
Incidentally, Van's widow, Madeline Van Wagenen
was instrumental in reinstating military survivor
benefits following Congressional budget cuts in
1981. Mrs. Van Wagenen sent her husband's burial
flag to President Reagan, suggesting it be used
for another military burial in order to save the
cost of a flag. Needless to say, she raised many
eyebrows. Although it took several years
navigating Washington BS and red tape, those
survivor benefits were eventually reinstated.
From: Joe Shanley Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 09/08/2023
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Date posted on this site:
10/23/2024
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