My fathers favorite watch..116610LV

[Runnin' Rebel]

RIP dad, you were an amazing man. He didn't understand my crazy infatuation with my collection and that was ok, as I didn't get his infatuation with planes and flying. He owned 3 planes, and was a a decorated pilot in the war in Vietnam in 1967-1968. I flew him back last week to his final resting place just outside of Wichita, Kansas.

May he soar with the eagles and rerunite with my mom.

This is the picture of the watch I wore on the same plane as I accompanied him
back for his final flight.

A brief bio of my father, as correct as I could make it in such a short time frame.

LT. COL. THOMAS ROSS U.S. Air Force, Retired Lt. Col. Thomas C. Ross flew his last mission Monday, Oct. 8, 2012. He passed away in his sleep at Heritage Springs Assisted Living in Las Vegas. Our dad was born July 28, 1932, in Sterling, Kan. After graduating from Kansas State University in 1954, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. One year later, he pinned on his wings as a fighter pilot. In 1959, he was offered a chance to try out for the U.S. Air Force demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. But as he and mom, with son, Tommy Jr , wanted to go overseas, he turned them down. That next assignment was in Tripoli, Libya, North Africa. That is where his other two sons, Mark and Kevin Wayne were born. After several more assignments he volunteered for Vietnam to see if he could do what he had been training to do since joining the Air Force. After nine months and 237 missions, and 2 Distinguished Flying Cross Medals that are bestowed on Aviators in the Military. The Cross symbolizes sacrifices and heroism and is awarded by the President of the United States. He thankfully came back home to his wife and three sons. His final assignment was Andrews Air Force Base, where he finished his career after more than 24 years. It was now time to retire and move to Las Vegas, where he became a member of the Southern Nevada chapter of the Civil Air Patrol. He was also a member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association and the Order of the Daedalians. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Louise; sons, Mark and Kevin Wayne; his grandchildren, Gunnery Sargeant Jonathan Thomas Ross, U.S. Marine Corps, Markie Ross and Kelsi Nikkole Gossett-Ross; and his great-grandchild, Cameron Thomas Ross. Col. Ross will be laid to rest in his home town of Wellington, Kansas.

The last picture is my daughter and my nephew who just came back from Middle East, promoted to Gunny Sgt. and was just offered a commission to be an officer and attend Officer Candidate School, after just 7 years in the Marines.

Thanks for reading.