A Somber Day

HeyEng

HeyEng

Well-Known Member
So I was on vacation last week and missed out on most of the stuff about the FedEx crash. I saw the video and a couple of reports, but really didn't read too much about it. Late last night I get a call from a good 'ole buddy I flew with many-a-moon ago. He asked since I was in San Antonio if I was going to "Pino's Funeral". At first I was confused and had no clue who/what he was talking about. After a brief question/answer session, I came to the realization that he was talking about Tony Pino who happened to be the FO of the FedEx plane...talk about a rock gut. He was a former C-5 (and C-21) driver and I had the pleasure of flying with him a couple of times. He was a super nice guy and from what I remember, a pretty good stick. He flew in the AF for 20 years and then flew for AA and Jet Blue before going to FedEx a couple of years ago. I always knew that it was inevitable that I would know someone that got killed in this profession, but man...to have seen it on YouTube...I can't get it out of my mind now.

I did go to the funeral and I can say beyond the shadow of a doubt that Tony was a very loved man...it was a VERY, VERY full house.

Not sure what else to say about it except everyone please take a couple extra minutes next time you drive, fly, or do anything else that is remotely dangerous and really think about what you are about to do. I am sure it was just another ordinary day for the crew...:(
 
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Believe me, some of us know EXACTLY what you're feeling, unfortunately. It's been a pretty sad couple of months for the aviation profession. :(
I agree 100% with your last sentence. Life is indeed very fragile.
 
HeyEng said:
I always knew that it was inevitable that I would know someone that got killed in this profession, but man...to have seen it on YouTube...I can't get it out of my mind now.
:(
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Always tough to hear about ones we knew, that alone seeing it live or on film. For awhile, even our routines become thought provoking.:(
 
HeyEng said:
I did go to the funeral and I can say beyond the shadow of a doubt that Tony was a very loved man...it was a VERY, VERY full house.
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I was asked a question the other day and gave this answer:

I would rather have standing room only at my memorial service than 1000 people at my wedding.

That speaks volumes about how you have touched people in a positive and meaningful way rather than how much your acquaintances like a good party. It is sad to have lost someone we remember so personally. I hope you find comfort in knowing Tony's legacy will live in each of those people who attended. They are all better for knowing him and being touched by him. However you are grieving right now, know that you have people here who support you and are willing to share your grief.

Sincerely, Toria
 
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth.
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings,
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind swept heights with easy grace,
Where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
And, while with silent, lifting mind i've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Sorry for your loss man...I know it's got to be tough especially with that video floating around on the net so much. It is nice to know that your friend touched a lot of people in his life and in the end he died doing what he ultimately loved. Stay strong... :(
 
Thanks for the kind words, I do appreciate it. I was lucky to hear some pretty good stories about Tony today from some guys that knew him much better than I did and it really sounds like he was a super guy. Anyone ever notice that it's always the great ones that are taken from us? It seems like it's never the total s. Now if I can just get the stupid video out of my head, things would be considerably better. Stupid YouTube...:mad:
 
Toria said:
I was asked a question the other day and gave this answer:

I would rather have standing room only at my memorial service than 1000 people at my wedding.

That speaks volumes about how you have touched people in a positive and meaningful way rather than how much your acquaintances like a good party. It is sad to have lost someone we remember so personally. I hope you find comfort in knowing Tony's legacy will live in each of those people who attended. They are all better for knowing him and being touched by him. However you are grieving right now, know that you have people here who support you and are willing to share your grief.

Sincerely, Toria
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Well said!
 
Hey Garrad, I'm sorry to hear about your friend! Yes you are correct, eventually it happens and you loose a friend. I'm at 4 myself! Its never easy to hear!
 
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