Airventure Mustang Accident

John Beyl · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:58 am

Hi all,

First off I’d like to apologize for showing such raw emotion in my post on Saturday. I should have allowed myself more time to digest my feelings before posting.

If you would like to send a card or note to the Beck family with a story of how Gerry touched your life or just a card to let them know you are keeping them in your thoughts and prayers, I’m certain Cindy and Whitney would love to hear from you.

Without question this is a very big blow to the Warbird community but we as a community will get through it…”Beck” would insist on it and have it no other way. Over the last 30 years he has planted and nurtured some awfully good seeds. It’s now up to all of us to carry on in his absence. To do less or to turn tail and hide from this reality would be to disrespect the man and all he stood for. Let’s celebrate his life and what he gave us and keep the ball rolling in every way we can.

Address your correspondence to:

The Beck Family
Tri State Aviation
1251 Pegasus Rd.
Wahpeton N.D. 58075

A very special thank you to goes out to each and everyone of you for the support you have shown to the Beck family, Odegaard family and their extended families and friends in this very trying time.

John
CC CAF P-51C

Jase · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:12 am

John:

Thanks for posting the address and family info. NEVER apologize for the emotion, it just means that you cared.

Know that the thoughts of Nat Cap Sqn are with you all at the Minn Wing as well.

Regards
Jase
National Capitol Squadron Asst Mx Officer

Kaigun Fan · **Joined:** Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:20 am **Posts:** 174

Hello,

This is accident is just terrible and really saddens me. Not sure if this link was posted before but here are some very clear shots of what happened:

http://flickr.com/photos/lscan/sets/72157601065523576/

The fallen pilot and I just talked about the CAF Redtail accident the night before his loss along with happier stories of his Zero fighter. I had his card in my wallet when I drove home from the show.

Ron W.

Rob Mears · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:52 pm

We should also not let thoughts for Casey Odegaard go unattended. I can't begin to imagine the trauma he's going though having no doubt been so close to Gerry as a friend, and having been so intimately involved in this accident as well. How thankful that his family was spared any further devestation having their young 24 year-old son so close to the tragedy!

It's amazing and inspiring to me that a kid his age is out there tearing up the skies in a P-51 Mustang to begin with!

Though it should certainly be respected as his own private matter, I think it's important that he knows he has the total support of the warbird community in dealing with this most traumatic event.

SPANNERmkV · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:05 pm

Condolences to both families and the Warbird Community that has been so hurt by this tragedy.

CAPFlyer · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:33 pm

I heard about this Saturday after Jim's accident but haven't been able to post here until today after getting home. I was truly horrified to see the picture on AVWEB of the accident (the one that's been shown here with Precious Metal in the air, wings to the camera). Even I, who never met Gerry, recognized immediately Precious Metal and knew we'd lost a great part of the Warbird community. My thoughts go out most especially to his family and the Odegaards, whom are most impacted by this loss. I met Bob back when I was at the school named for his brother, and I know his heart stopped twice on Friday. God Speed Gerry, I know you and Jim are tearing up the skies in Heaven, so don't give God too much trouble.

Eric Friedebach · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:36 pm

John Beyl wrote:

First off I’d like to apologize for showing such raw emotion in my post on Saturday. I should have allowed myself more time to digest my feelings before posting.

There is nothing to apologize for, John.

I think it was very well written.

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:52 am

Im sick all over.

2 amazing men, that I had the chance to meet at the Corsairs over CT show.

Gerry, and Archie. Both now sadly have gone away.

Just so upsetting.

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Airventure Mustang Accident

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