51

In March 2004 I lost a family member who I admired, looked up to and loved dearly. Uncle Dave as he was known was one of the greatest persons who has ever come into my life. He taught me politics, life, humor, and how to quit smoking after 50 years. He loved his children very much and I see him in them. The last time I spoke with my uncle I was in Vegas for my 21st birthday. I met with him and my dear auntie Pam for breakfast at the MGM Grand. We spoke of history, politics, my future plans and goals. What was so special was that I got to share a time with them alone that I never had. I still reflect back on that brekfast thinking of how much I looked up to him and how much I admired him. To outsiders, uncle Dave was not someone you wanted to get into a debate with, because you'll never win. But if you were family, you would still never win but in the end, he would have his ways of saying you were right. When my father called me to tell me he had passed away, I was in shock. I had just seen him and my aunt weeks prior, but now he was gone. At his funeral, my aunt spoke of our last meeting. She said that my uncle was so proud of me. He admired my maturity and my plans for my future. Just knowing that meant the world to me. As sad as I was at his passing, hearing those words coming from him changed my perspective on life forever. I'll never forget them.

I'll mention it now that my uncle was a civilian pilot hired by the United States Air Force to fly contract workers from Las Vegas to Groom Lake, or AREA 51 as many know it. He always kept his work affairs private but every now and then you could tease him about aliens. As much as AREA 51 interested me, I never once asked him about his work. I always listened to what he offered. Most of what I would hear is that he loved to fly. He was great at it and did it almost every day of his life. Sadly, he died en route to 51 one fatal morning. From what I've been told is that when approaching to land, his light controls for the runway were not working. He called in to have them turned on by the base and on his reapproach he suffered a fatal heart attack causing his plane to crash and killing all on board. Now, if his light controls had worked would he still be alive today? Everything happens for a reason. He was a great man and he died doing what he loved. I cherish the time I spent with him and always keep his memory close. I'm thankful his children (who are older then me) are still around to see the good in them, as I saw in him.

AREA 51
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