MILWAUKEE — The 128th Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard honored the six men killed in an aircraft explosion in 1993 at a ceremony Friday morning.
The men honored were Master Sgt. Roy Starszak, 57; Master Sgt. James Schlicht, 41; Technical Sgt. James Russell, 33; Technical Sgt. Michael Heath, 32; Technical Sgt. Russell Shurr, 35; and Staff Sgt. Patrick Foran, 31.
The name that stuck out for Kevin Shurr was his father, Russell Shurr.
He said he was 10 years old when he died.
“I do remember pretty clearly. We actually heard, kinda felt it when it happened,” said Kevin Shurr.
Kevin Shurr recalled how tough it was to be without his father at such a young age.
However, he said he will never forget the time they spent together although it was cut short.
“He was always there and you know it was a good 10 years,” said Kevin Shurr.
The 128th Air Refueling Wing Deputy Commander, Colonel Charles Merkel explained the six airmen were only trying to do routine maintenance on Aircraft 1470 when the explosion happened on Dec. 10, 1993.
It’s because of this tragedy that Merkel said this day will always be a day of reflection.
“These men were husbands, fathers, sons and brothers,” said Merkel. “Today we commit ourselves to remember them, men who died in the service of our country. We commit ourselves to tell their story to never forget.”
For Kevin Shurr, it was also important for his kids be at this ceremony.
“It really means a lot to me and to my family and to show my kids what happened and who he was,” said Kevin Shurr.
It’s been three decades since friends and family said goodbye to these airmen. However, the impact they made will always be felt — not only by those who knew them, but also the 128th Air Refueling Wing.