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Carolyn A. Crockett

September 16, 1929 ~ August 19, 2017 (age 87) 87 Years Old
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Message from Sgm Greg Hoppe (USA,Ret), Susan Marie Hoppe (USA, Retired)
December 18, 2018 11:58 AM
I was terribly saddened by the loss of a great soldier and wonderful lady. Carol and I served together at the 5045th USAR School in Madison WI. She commuted from Rockford and I commuted from Milwaukee. When I met her, I was the Command Sergeant Major for the school and the Director of Enlisted Courses with responsibility for 2400 students 200 Instructors. Carols arrival heralded the arrival of an expert in caring, management, and discipline of the entire Operational Staff, additional Officers assigned as teachers and the 200 plus instructors assigned to me. I was truly happy to see her arrive as our new Command Sergeant Major. Carol knew of my dislike of flying in helicopters even though everytime one flew near, I always stopped and watched and absorbed that distinct sound of the chopper. I also boasted that since I left Vietnam, nobody had been able to get me in one again. Carol just laughed at that. One fine cold and windy day I had large a group of students out in the field for their 72-hour field problem. No Carol. She suddenly appeared said get the "Old Man's Jeep" and meet me at the Mess Hall. I figured it out, she was going have us drive out to site with containers of hot coffee and hot chocolate for the troops. I figured a 2 hr trip just going there. So we secured our 3 20 gallon hot pots and as I buckled in and headed for the road leading to the training area. She leans over yells at me to go over to Post Headquarters. In front of Post Headquarters are 3 LZ's for helicopters. All of a sudden I hear one of my favorite birds coming behind us. It settles right next to us and Carol and I deliver the cargo, she hopped right on it, then pointed at me into the gunner's seat. I buckled in and handed her the flight helmet so she could have communications with the aircrew. No No she says, it is your show. I go together with the pilot and drew it out on his map and away we went. 20 minutes later we are at my troops LZ delivering that hot cargo on a cold cold day. The troops were highly impressed by her for arranging this and trapping me into one last flight. Of course, the rookie pilot who had the stick home made it thrilling. They were practicing close terrain travel which means they fly through the valley at treetop level. He got way below treetop level and was doing some tree trimming with the rotor blades which are made of carbon fiber and not meant for this. His captain raised holy Cain. I looked at Carolyn, pointed to the tree top and shook my head. She just looked at me and laughed. 20 minutes later were on terra firma saluting our crew as the left they and we took a comfortable ride back to our Headquarters where Carolyn proudly crowed about the "Coup de 'Etat" she had pulled off getting me to fly again. Carolyn, you were a fun-loving and wonderful compatriot who's company I always enjoyed and will certainly miss. I hope we will m
Posting From
Sgm Greg Hoppe (USA,Ret), Susan Marie Hoppe (USA, Retired)
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eet again in the hereafter and resume that special bond we held for 2 years.
candle beige
A candle was lit by Twyla Pelley on August 28, 2017 4:39 AM
Message from Phyllis Huber
August 27, 2017 11:47 AM
I miss you so very much my dear friend. We had so many good times over the years. I am sure we will have more of those times in a much better place.
candle beige
A candle was lit by connie whitehead on August 25, 2017 9:46 PM
Message from Sheila McNally
August 25, 2017 8:23 AM
I worked with Carolyn at the Rockford Post Office. I never knew about her military background, but wish I had. So much to be so proud of! I would've liked to thank her for her service. I hope to see you in Heaven Carolyn!

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