Ben & Kristin Dunlap, Friend - US Marine

Dear Shaun,
My name is Ben Dunlap. My wife, Kristin, and I met Christian and Ruth in 2003 while Christian was attending schooling in Pensacola. We were recently told that Christian was killed. Kristin and I were fortunate to have met Christian while he was stationed here. We attended his graduation (& the celebration dinner afterwards) and were impressed how he was the senior man and the leader of his graduating class. At the time, I was two years out of the Marine Corps and considering trying to lose the spare tire from all the chocolate cake I ate since getting out and going back in to become a pilot. Although the career move didn't work out for me, I remember Christian talking to me about what Navy aviation was all about and the steps one has to take to be successful. He, Ruth, Kristin and I were able to get together a few times as well at each other's houses, playing video games (online plane shoot-em ups) and watching movies. Of the very few moments I was able to have experienced with Christian, I just had the overall feeling of what a great guy he was--easygoing, warm, willing to take the time (and the shirt off his back) to help you out if you needed it. We express our sincere condolences to you, to Ruth and to your whole family. We will continue to pray for you and yours as you grieve. We are comforted with the knowledge that Christian is having a beautiful day today with his Savior; Kristin and I very much look forward to seeing him again.

Sincerely,
Ben and Kristin Dunlap

AW2(AW/NAC) Angel M. Gracia, US Navy - HSC 25

Mr. Hescock,

I apologize for the tardiness of this email. From the first day I met your brother, I knew he was a man that was very respected just for his genuine character and caring heart. I deployed with him on the USNS Shasta and the USNS Mercy. He tried to sway me to go STA-21, but I never thought I would make it b/c I measured myself against your brother. I have finally decided to give it a try. God willing, I will be submitting an application for next year's board. I always wondered how a great person came to be. I was able see that through the letters of your parents and yourself read during his memorial. You all did a great job in rearing a wonderful person. Your brother is sorely missed. God bless you all. You are in our prayers.

I'll go through my hard drive and continue to send more pics.

V/R
AW2(AW/NAC) Angel M. Gracia
Training PO
CBR Program Manager
HSC-25 Island KnightsAndersen AFB, Guam

Yvette Gauna, Friend

Hello Shaun,

I hope you are doing well. I took some time today to go through the website you put together for Christian. The first time I just glanced, anticipating it would be difficult to get through. But what an awesome memorial you created! It was beautiful, the tribute letter was inspiring and the music was perfect. It was incredibly uplifting, moving and showcased to perfection what his life was all about and how he touched everyone he knew. Shaun, that you gave everyone a place to express how they felt, and allowed them to grieve, during your time of grief, is a true expression of your love for your brother, and I hope it will give you the comfort you need.

As I read the messages, so many great memories of him came flooding back. One in particular came back and made me laugh through tears, and prompted me to write...when we had that hair-brained scheme to open a paintball field. Remember that one? We were both fired up to quit our jobs and be millionaires..and Christian could get me fired up like no one else I knew! What was I thinking? Must have been the endorphins and pain from playing paintball for 12 hours straight (might be a slight exaggeration). Then came the Shaun, cold water reality check..So why would you need a plan or insurance, or financing for paintballing? Thanks for that, right then I realized who the logical one in the family was LOL.

Through the years of phone calls and emails a handful of topics we always seemed to cover come to mind :
Politics (he republican, me independent/leaning to the left) so you can understand the length of our conversations, and the bantering that went on.
Yankees and his dislike of them
Our lives
But more importantly his love and concern for you (Owen, as he fondly and lovingly referred to you, and I grew to know you as.. I can explain if you ever want to know) and of course your mom, who he adored.

I hardly know you Shaun (yet feel like I do through countless conversations) and I would be remiss in not letting you know how much Christian loved, admired and respected you. He talked often of what you meant in his life. I absolutely loved his "Owen" stories as I like to refer to them. Some were hysterically funny, some shocking (I always reminded him there were 3 sides to every story), but always entertaining and definitely animated, as you know he could make them. He was very open about the challenges you both faced growing up and how it affected him. Having you as a brother to look up to helped to create the awesome man that he became. I hope he expressed that to you, because as a sibling myself, we often take for granted our relationships and don't let them know how much we love and are inspired by them. As you expressed, I will try and live my life to the fullest with passion, love, fun, inspiration, honor, loyalty and pride. A tall order, I know, but the least I can do to learn from, honor, and make sense of why his journey ended so soon. I will miss him the rest of my life.

Please know that I extend to you or your mom, what I did with Christian...that if he ever needed anything I would always be there just a phone call or email away. If you or your mom ever wanted to visit San Diego again, my home and heart is open to you. I hope we stay in touch and maybe some day we will play a round of paintball, decked out in camouflage or flight suit, light up a cig, and cool off with a can of Mountain dew for him!

All my thoughts and prayers,
Yvette Gauna

Victoria Will

I didn't know Lt. Hescock however; I stumbled across the article while looking up an older article regarding a similar incident. I wanted you all to know my heart hurts for you as my eyes streamed with tears over your loss. I looked at pictures posted in the comments and noticed he once worked at HC-11. Depending on when he was there he may have worked with my husband. I felt compelled to reach out to his widow. I myself was widowed in a similar fashion 9 months ago. I want to send my deepest sympathy and support to her. I know it's strange to have strangers offering condolences but I found that having people who truly understand really helps at times. If you could pass this message along tell her anything she needs anytime she can contact me. Again I'm sorry for your loss and grateful to your brother who gave his life for the love of his country...for everyone of us. A great big Thank You to you all for your sacrifice.

Sincerely,
Victoria Will

Jennifer (Holt) Pomerinke, Friend, Church

Hey Shaun -- this Jennifer Pomerinke -- better known to you as Jen Holt

Gosh - there are no words for times like this! I have been in shock ever since Susanna (Dinwiddie) Gangle called and told me about our great loss. I truly am so very sorry -- please give my love to your mom.

I have been thinking back of all the great memories I have you of both of you....like the time Christian insisted there was room for me to ride with you both in your 2 seater Triumph -- he gave me the front seat and jumped in the trunk! You both were so good to me and such as huge part of my "summer" memories in Oregon City.

When I was crying after I heard the "news" -- my little girl came over with a tissue, patting my arm -- telling me "you have to remember your friend died for a good cause Mommy". Thats the truth! I am so proud of Christian's accomplishments and the sacrifice he was willing to make for us! "Critter, we won't forget"!

Ruth, please know I am at a loss for words . . . .I can only imagine!

My love and prayers go out to you all

Jen (Holt) Pomerinke

Diving Pictures of Christian and Ruth

Major & Mrs. Karen Mueller, US Air Force - Neighbors in Guam

Shaun & Ruth & family,
We had the pleasure of being neighbors of Christian and Ruth in Guam. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Christian was a wonderful person that always had a smile on his face. I remember meeting him when he first moved to Mango Drive. I was out with a few of my kids & Christian had just got his puppy. My kids were so excited to see/meet the dog, that the dog jumped up on Christian causing him to spill his hot cup of coffee on himself. Christian just smiled & laughed.
We enjoyed our time on Guam as their neighbors and seeing their puppy grow; and all the beautiful landscaping they added to the yard. We are glad we had the opportunity to be his neighbor, and we know he's an angel watching over everyone now.
May God bless Ruth and your family.

Major & Mrs. Karen Mueller (Air Force)Bridgette, Mark Jr., Gretchen, Ingrid, & Katarina
Mango Drive neighbors

Chris & Marci Brunett, US Navy

Hi Shaun,

My name is Marci Brunett. I am so sorry to be emailing you under these circumstances, but I could not pass up the chance to tell you and your family how much I thought of your brother, Christian and his wife, Ruth. First, please accept my heart-felt sympathy and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers every single day.

I am sure you’ve noticed a common thread in many of the posts – Christian’s selfless devotion to others. In that vein, I would like to share a short story about a time in the recent past that Christian impacted my life in a very real way.

My husband, Chris Brunett, was the Commanding Officer of HSC-25 from May 2006 until early August when we departed Guam for his new duty station in VA. During the last 3+ months of our time in Guam, Chris was deployed with the Air Ambulance detachment in Kuwait. Thus, he was not at home in June and July to help me prepare for our move. Now, after nearly 18 years as a Navy spouse, I have quite a bit of experience with moving, but this was the first move I ever had to do on my own.

In April a few days before Chris departed for Kuwait, the Wardroom got together on a Friday afternoon at the club and gave him a nice little send-off. We had a fun time and the party eventually moved to our house for a few more hours. I remember Christian pulling me aside as he was getting ready to leave that night. He said, “Ma’am, before your movers come to start packing your things I want you to call me. I’ll come over and unhook your computers and your other electronic equipment and pack it all up for you because if you don’t do it right then your stuff is going to get messed up.”

I thanked him and didn’t think much about his offer until a day or so before the movers were scheduled to begin packing. By then, Chris had been gone for about 6 weeks and I was knee-deep in preparing the house for the move, arranging the shipment of our car, coordinating settlement on the new house we were buying in VA and taking care of our two children. At that point and being a fairly non-tech-savvy person, figuring out how to unhook and pack up our two computers, stereo system and three televisions seemed like more than I could handle. So I emailed Christian and asked if his offer was still available, which, of course, it was.

The next afternoon on his way home from work, Christian showed up at my house with zip-lock bags, rubber bands, zip ties, a permanent marker and his usual friendly smile. He proceeded to spend at least three hours carefully unhooking all of our computer components and other electronic equipment. He painstakingly packaged and labeled everything. He also used my digital camera to take pictures of all the model/serial numbers just in case something was damaged in the move and I had to file an insurance claim.

Several weeks later, I had a question about how to back-up some files on another computer before shipping it. The very next day he arrived at my house again. That time he spent several more hours burning CDs of some files I didn’t want to lose if the computer was damaged or lost in the move. I specifically remember that he and Ruth had just returned from their trip back to the States a few days before and that Christian was leaving again the following day for some training in San Diego. I kept trying to kick him out of the house, telling him to go home and spend some time with Ruth before his trip the next day, but he would not leave until all the files were copied and all the CDs were labeled.

I cannot begin to tell you how much he helped me on those two occasions and how much I appreciated it. The computer I am using right now to send you this email was one of the ones he helped me with. It was also the computer I was sitting in front of nearly two weeks ago when I first learned of the mishap at HSC-25 and your brother’s untimely death.

So, I just wanted you to know that I am one more person whose life was touched by Christian’s kindness. Although I didn’t know him particularly well, I will always remember his thoughtfulness and generosity during my last few weeks in Guam. Many thanks to you and Ruth and the rest of your family for sharing Christian with all of us. My hope is that you will all take great comfort in the knowledge that your brother, husband and son touched so many lives in such wonderful and caring ways. I pray that the love he has shown to so many will come back to you and give you peace.

Warmly,
Marci Brunett

Justin & Ramona Mangelsdorf - School & Long Time Friends

Shaun and Terryl,
Your family has always been such a source of strength and friendship to ours; I can't begin to express the impact. I am very, very sorry for the loss you have suffered, and know that words ultimately fail to ease the range of emotion I know you are experiencing. Please know that our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you.
My memories of Christian date back to his teen years - and I promise I will never forget his life and the unbelievable impact he had on so many people.

With love,
Justin and Ramona Mangelsdorf

Heather & Brian Edwards, US Navy VP-9

Dear Shaun,
I am so sorry to hear what has happened. Our hearts are deeply saddened with the devastating news. My husband and I were very good friends with both Christian and Ruth. We all attended the University of San Diego together, and then my husband and Christian attended OSC flight school together in Pensacola, FL, and Corpus Christi, TX. We became closest to Christian and Ruth when we had the chance to live next door to each other while in Corpus Christi, TX. Following flight school, my husband chose to become a P-3 pilot while Christian became a helicopter pilot. We were sent to Hawaii (and are currently stationed in Hawaii at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, VP-9) while Christian and Ruth were sent to Guam. I guess it was then that we are sorry to say that we sort of lost touch. We have never forgotten them and always hoped to be stationed near each other again. We had so many good times that we shared while being neighbors. Some of my favorite memories are the ruthless Uno games we'd all play together on many weekend nights, making fools of ourselves playing numerous Cranium games, sharing a meal together at Sonic, going to the scariest "Texan style" of haunted haunted house (which took place on a tractor) that I've ever experienced in my life, watching Christian and Ruth raise their baby lovebird Lou, and sharing many laughs and good stories, as well as important holiday's together such as Thanksgiving. Ruth & Christian were definitely considered to be family to us and will always be. They were a beautiful couple and Christian was an amazing pilot, friend, and husband. We will miss him greatly. Ruth, we love you and miss you and want you to know that you are always welcome in our home and we are thinking about you. We wish there was some way that we could comfort you. We will continue to pray for you all.

God bless you all,

Heather and Brian Edwards

PO3 Jordan Schuster, US Navy 2515th NAAD

Shaun,
I'm yet another member of Det 2, and by now I'm sure you are beginning to see just how big of an impact he had on that detatchment. I remember him for the numerous sit downs he and I had about my career and the path I should take. He has influenced my life both professionally and personally, and his advice will continue to contribute to the decisions I make over the next couple years. I'm sure there are dozens of other people who can make such a statement, and wish we could repay the favor.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and the hundreds of friends your brother had.
V/R,
Jordan Schuster

ps. I'd like to thank LCDR Nolan for posting the pictures of us in Simeulue. That was one of the most rewarding experiences I could ever hope for.

Mindy Pidek, Friend

Regarding Ruthie:

Hi Shaun,
My name is Mindy Pidek. We were all close neighbors and friends in Corpus Christi and tried to keep in touch over the years. I just want more than anything right now to be there for her and let your whole family know how deeply sorry I am. I loved being around them both so much and felt like a better person because of them. They truly made life bearable for us both in Corpus Christi. We would also like any information you could give on when the burial might be and will make every effort to be there. I appreciate your help. Thanks!
~ Mindy Pidek

LT. David Landeros, HM-15 Pilot, US Navy, USD

Shaun,

My family and I offer our deepest condolences.
I met your awesome brother Christian seven years ago while attending school at USD. We went through the pains of flight school together, but all the while I could always count on him to make the tough times fade away with laughter. I remember him and Ruth living in their first apartment with nothing but themselves, their love and their happiness, and I was glad for them. I was glad that my wife and kids were able to meet Christian and see a perfect example of a true friend.
The day I heard the news, I did not know what to do. I kept saying to myself that it wasn’t true. I didn’t have the group of friends around me that knew you, so I couldn’t share the pain that was tearing deep inside of me. I couldn’t imagine how your family was taking your loss, and what could I say to make to make the pain go away and bring you back.
You were such a good friend, I wish that you were still here. One day I’ll see you in Heaven buddy.

LT Dave Landeros

AN Charles Beatty, Guam, HSC-25 US Navy

Shaun,
Hi, my name is AN Beatty. I would like to say how sorry I feel for your significant loss and your family is in my prayers. I deployed with LT Hescock on the Shasta, Mercy, and the Flint. There are no words to express how I feel right now. Your brother was an admirable individual on and off duty and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. As our division officer he put his people first and always made it his priority to cater to their problems. Also, his sense of humor was priceless. Mr. Hescock was by far the most knowledgeable person I have ever met. I was proud to call him sir, and I did on a daily basis.
I would like to share a story with you that showed how courteous and important your brother was to me. Just about a month ago I got in some trouble and was going to get separated from the military. LT. Hescock was there for me and guided me through this rough time in my career. He advised me that I should write a letter with my deepest apologies and ask for forgiveness. I agreed and had three days to draft up this letter. After finishing the letter, I showed him, and he said it could use a little bit of work. He then proceeded to take it home on his off time and add some of his past experiences with me to this letter. I got the revised letter back from him and was just ecstatic. Mr. Hescock spent hours upon hours on his liberty time to help me and I could not thank him enough. I thanked him over and over again. Then I asked him how I could repay him, and he said; "Beatty, you know I work for cigarettes". This says how LT. Hescock was an above-and-beyond type of person and will be tremendously missed to say the least.
I also have some pictures I will send later from the deployments your family may enjoy.

Sincerely,
Charles Beatty, HSC-25, USN

Frank & Ruth VonHutten - Church Friends

Hello Shaun,
We have just heard of the accident of Christian. We want to let you all know that we are praying for all of you, that God will put his angels around you and comfort you during this time of loss. We are so sorry to hear this. Christian went to youth camp with our boys Johnathan and Jason VonHutten (Hall) for several years and I know he will be missed by so many. Christian, from what I remember about him, had a really big heart and cared so much about people. He was such a sweetheart. We will all miss his smiling face walking into the church from time to time.
Shaun, that is such an awesome blog you have put together for your brother. We miss seeing you in church sitting by Lolita Brown worshipping.
Sis. Hescock, we have missed you also.
Frank and I have moved from the Oregon City area and we now go to Bro. Graves church in Gresham. It's closer to us. We love it there also. Come and visit us. Well I will let you go I know you have so much to take care of right now, but I hope to see you and your mom again sometime. Tell her hello for us and that you all are in our prayers.

God bless you,
Frank and Ruth VonHutten

CWO3 T.J. Holland and Family, HSC-25, US Navy

Shaun,
I was between duty stations (HSC-25 and Meridian, MS) when I recieved word that HSC-25 had lost a helo and one of their pilots. I was shocked to learn it was your brother. The following days and nights the same thought kept leaping to my mind, Christian was gone. It is still hard to accept that such a good man and dedicated officer has passed.Christian was, without a doubt, one the best men I have ever served with in my 28 years of Naval Service. He was a great guy, always ready to help anyone with anything, always full of good cheer and often-needed mirth. My family and I wish to say that out hearts go out to you, your family and friends, and especially to Ruth. May God smile on you all and comfort you.

Sincerely,
T. J., Diana, Kris and Cody Holland

Lisa and Jonathan Fletcher

Jonathan and I spent hours going through old photo albums looking for pictures of the good times we had with Christian. We found dozens of pictures and proceeded to relive some great memories. That's the thing about your brother...there was never a dull moment when he was around. His mischievousness and curiosity usually landed us in some pretty funny situations! Gosh how I miss his goofy grin and funny laugh. And let's not forget all the practical jokes he liked to play. Of course, he had that loving, caring side as well. He was always the first guy to lend a helping hand. That's what makes him so special. He possessed so many great qualities. I am thankful that he had found a wonderful wife to share that with. I have only met Ruth a few times, but I knew from our very first encounter that she was a terrific person. Christian would say how lucky he was to have such a wonderful wife nd how much he truly loved her. He also spoke often of his family. He loved all of you guys so much and never hesitated to say so.
Christian will be forever remembered as a wonderful son and brother, loving husband, terrific friend and all-around great human being. I will remember him as a kind, caring friend who was always there when you needed him.

Lisa

AZ1 Antonio Diaz, HSC-25 US Navy

Shaun,

I am sorry for the loss your family has suffered.
I worked with your brother at HSC-25, but we interacted more while volunteering for
various squadron projects around the island. We were tutors at our adopted middle school in the village of Yigo. He would joke with us junior personnel and give us hints on how to get a bunch of children to learn from us.
We all thought it was crazy of us to wake up early in the morning and teach a bunch of rowdy kids after a long week of working, but he encouraged us when our paths crossed at the hangar and school and said it would be worth it. He was right, it was and I am thankful I had the chance to volunteer with him. He was a kind man, and I am sure you do not need a stranger to tell you one of the many things he did for his country and the HSC-25 family. Peace be with you and all your family.

God Bless,
Antonio Diaz

OS2(AW) Bruce Golden, Guam, HSC-25, US Navy

I am OS2 Bruce Golden and I had the privilege of work for LT at HSC-25 for about 4 months. I consider myself to be self motivated, however, I can truly say that I have never in my 9+ years in the Navy been motivated, inspired, and encouraged like I've been for the past 4 months.
I have a story I would like to share. Recently I had the opportunity to travel with LT. I had to attend a Security Manager's Course in San Diego and he had some budget issues to iron out with the big wigs in San Diego. The trip Started out pretty funny when he and his wife Ruth picked me up from my apartment on the way to the Guam Airport. LT was running a few minutes behind and he told me that Ruth was pretty convinced that I had decided to head on to the airport thinking that he had forgotten to pick me up. I thought that was pretty funny because he said that she continuously reminded him of how late he was and then saying he should slow down. During our flight to S.D. I had a chance to get to know L.T. more than someone my rank would normally get to know their Division Officer. We discussed politics more than anything and he was so knowledgeable about the subject I almost felt like he was going to take a stab at the Governors position. He talked about his wife a lot and I can remember saying to myself " he really loves his wife". On the flight back to Guam is when I can't remember laughing so much. LT was in the isle seat on the left side of the plane and I had the aisle set to the right of him but I was in the middle row of seats. To the left of LT was a 7/8 year old kid named George whom had the window. There was a movie playing at the beginning so we didn't talk much but I noticed LT and the kid were talking a little. He was telling LT how he was flying alone and his Mom was going to pick him up once we arrived in Hawaii. Well, directly behind LT was a middle age woman and to the left of her was her 6/7 year old daughter. Apparently, the little girl had been kicking the back of Georges chair since take off and he had grown pretty tired of it. About 2 hours into the flight I heard George tell LT "excuse me for 1 minute Sir". George turned around very calmly, looked directly at the Mother while pointing at the little girl and said "If she doesn't stop kicking my chair I'm going to pull her hair". LT and I almost fell out our seats laughing. The Mom then looked around LT's seat and gave him a mean look as to assume she thought little George was LT's son. He noticed and didn't hesitate to notify the lady that George was traveling alone. The lady and her daughter changed seats and about 20 minutes later the little girl started kicking LT's seat. Little George noticed, looked at LT out the corner of his eyes and said in a very mature voice "would you like me to take care of it". LT smiled told him no thanks.
Shaun, your brother will missed by everyone who had the chance to know him and my thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.

OS2(AW) Bruce Golden

Paddy & Elaine Hescock - Family

Shaun;

My name is Paddy Hescock, I am Lonnie’s oldest son. I am very saddened about the loss of your brother, it is a sad occurrence. Although I only knew of him and did not know him personally it puts a sad spot in my heart to have lost him. Your memorial is a beautiful thing and really shows the love you have for your brother, my heart goes out to you for your great loss.

I live in Marysville, Wash., Marty sent me the sad news.

Please accept my wife and my deepest sympathy for all who were close to Christian, I am sure he will be missed very much by all.

Can you tell me a little about him, I do not know many of my fellow Hescocks. Met some at Marty’s wedding a few years ago and would really like to know and meet more.

Warm Regards,
Paddy and Elaine Hescock

Kerri York, Family

Dear Shaun,
Uncle Marty shared the tragic news of Christian with me today via email. It has been such a long time since I've seen you or Christian (I think I remember you guys when you were little and Grandma Hescock would share stories about you! My dad is Lonnie.) My heart goes out to you, Christian's wife Ruth and the rest of the family. Please share my note with your dad. I last saw him at Uncle Marty's wedding.

Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help! My husband is active duty Air Force, stationed in Germany, but I am living in Spokane, WA til he comes home in March and would be able to come in a moment's notice. If there is a larger Hescock family gathering, I'd love to be a part of it.

With much love,
Kerri York

Shawn, Shannon, and Amelia Duffy

Shaun-
We are so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately we never had the honor of meeting your brother, but he obviously was a wonderful person who touched many lives and will truly be missed. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you to those who fight for our Country and the wives and families who welcome them home with open arms.
God Bless!

Shawn, Shannon & Amelia Duffy

Kim Tuckey - Family Friend

My very deepest sympathies:

Dear Terryl and Shaun,

There is no adequate way to express my sympathy. I have always held your family in my thoughts, ever since you so graciously included me in several of your church, school, and family activities years ago. It was so gracious of you three, and I never will forget your kindness. Christian is so much a part of those memories for me.

I remember how purposeful he was, even as a teen. I remember admiring that about him even then. He was a boy who knew what he was going to do with his life and then as a man, fulfilled that plan. He died living the life he planned for himself, in service to his country. Few of us do so well with the time we are given.

He was funny, respectful, kind, and honorable. He could keep me laughing with the stories of his escapades with his friends and brother, he astonished me with his financial responsibility even as a kid, and he impressed me with his commitment to his family’s well-being. It is heart-breaking to know he is gone.

I was overwhelmed with grief when I got the news. I can’t begin to know what it must be like for you both and his wife. I imagine it was, is, and will continue to be a nearly unbearable pain; if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.

Sincerely,
Kim Tuckey

Shawn & Kelli Pearcy, CW02, 2515TH NAAD, HSC-25, US Navy

Shaun,
Please accept mine and my wife Kelli's condolences for such a tragic loss. I cannot imagine the pain you and your family are feeling from such a sudden loss of a brother, son, and husband. I did not know Christian for very long, but from the first minute of talking to him I could tell he was a stand up guy. With both of us deployed a lot while at the command, our wives are left to hold down the fort, and during that time Kelli and Ruth became good friends. It was through our wives that I had the honor of getting to know Christian outside of work or Wardroom events, and in a very short time came to know him as a friend.
Christian was one of the rare people in this world that truly placed the needs of others before himself. Maybe it was because he was a little older and wiser then the average lieutenant, or that he had several years of enlisted experience under his belt, but he was the kind of guy that would set aside his work or stay late in a heart beat to help a younger Sailor or fellow Officer in need. I can think of several times that Christian showed up quite tardy to free beer at the club or a get together because he was helping someone else out at work. He did this even though as the command's computer guru he had plenty on his plate, and he always did it with a smile. I really can't think of any time I heard Christian complain about anything.
Just before the accident Kelli had given Christian a round of golf for his birthday. My son loves golf, and with me being deployed Christian had no problems letting him play along. How many grown men would want or even think of letting another man's 13 year old son tag along on the course? Christian was that type of man, and he did it just because it made my son's day, even though for most people it would've been so much easier to just say "not this time kid." A day or two before he was lost Christian was at our house fixing the home computer for my wife, and for part of the time I was on the phone with him from Kuwait. I knew he had a lot to do at work already and was putting in some long hours, with both his ground job as well as flying in preparation to join us out here, but when I thanked him his only response was "no problem bro, your wife needs to be able to talk to you." This was just Christian, always putting others before himself.
To Ruth, words cannot express how sorry Kelli and I are for your loss. Our only hope is that somehow the solace in knowing how much he loved and cared for you will somehow ease the pain over time. Like that day we were diving and you got sea sick on the surface, rather than tell you to get on the boat and wait while he dove Christian instead took your hand and descended with you. Just as he stayed with you that day and many others he will always be with you. You were his world, and I do not believe love like that can be lost by physical separation here on earth.
Words can never fill the void left by Christian, he was one of a kind. A dedicated sailor, an outstanding Naval Officer, a loving son and brother, a devoted husband, and lucky for me a friend. I will truly miss the simple things we take for granted, the banter over email, giving him a hard time about his five o'clock shadow at 0900, or just kicking back for a beer and some laughs on someone's back porch. Christian always gave 110%, his drive enabled him to achieve his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator, and even after that 110% he always had more to spare for those around him.
Take care bro, we are all better people for knowing you and you will never be forgotten.
Shawn & Kelli Pearcy

CWO2 Shawn M. Pearcy, USN,
7341 Maintenance Material Control Officer
2515th Navy Air Ambulance Detachment
Camp Buehring, Kuwait

Peg & Bill Ramey - Navy Parents

From Damien Ramey's Mom:

Dear Shaun,
Please let me give my sincere condolences on your brother, and please pass them on to his wife Ruth and the family, from my self and my husband Bill. I all know to well what you are going through. Damien was also involved in a helo crash, China Lake. Lost two,
Great people, thankfully Damien survived. My heart goes out to you all. I always think it might me mine someday and I pray it never to be.
This is the life they have chosen, it has given great rewards, and also has its regrets. Damien is in the middle east now and I am sure would rather be with his squadron the Island Knights at this time, to help out his fellow comrades, back in Guam. I know his wife Sondra is helping and I am thankful for her. One thing I have learned about SAR is that it is the best group of men and women I have ever has the pleasure to meet. If you never had a family join this group you will be loved and stood by forever no matter what.
Words cannot express my gratitude to you brother for serving his country, and doing what he does best, may God bless him , and your family, and tell Christian to Fly High he is an angel in the Sky,

Sincerely,
With much love Peg and Bill Ramey

AZ3 Angelica "Angel" Wood, Guam, VAW-116, US Navy

Shaun,
I didn't really get a chance to know Mr. Hescock very well, but I do remember him. He was positive influence on those he worked with and an inspiration even to those he didn't. May you and the rest of his family and friends have God's guidance in this time of pain and sorrow.

~AZ3 Angelica "Angel" Wood

Julie and Cliff Uddenberg

Memorial fund?



Hello Shaun,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. You have created a beautiful site to help us all remember your brother. I am the president of HSC-3 Officers Spouses Club and we would like to know if there is a memorial fund that has been set up that we may contribute? If you know of something specific that may help Ruth through this difficult time we would much appreciate the information. We'd like to help where we can from a distance. You all are in our prayers!



Sincerly,
Julie Uddenberg



There isn't to my knowledge.

Frank Devorak, Navy Dad

A Navy Dad:

Dear Shaun and family,
My son served with your brother at HSC25. Lt. Hescock was a part of several conversations I have had with Nick. He was and still is an inspiration to my son and fellow members of the squadron. As a former member of the military I realize the sacrifice our men and women make on a daily basis and I salute them all. My deepest condolences to you and your family for your terrible loss. I know that Lt. Hescock will be missed but not forgotten. I also salute you for creating such an outstanding memorial tribute to your brother. The love and affection that is in this memorial will give you and Lt. Hescock's wife and all of your friends and family some comfort during these times of grief.

God Bless you all,
Frank Devorak a proud Navy Dad

Kirk & Kathryn Allen, HC-11, San Diego, US Navy

Shaun,
My wife Kathryn and I would like to commend and thank you for building such a tribute for your brother. Both of us served with your brother at HC-11 during the mid-1990's; my wife Kathryn served topside in Aircrew/NATOPS - both of them bummed more than their fair share of smokes off of each other… ...in the "Pit"…
I on the other hand had the pleasure to turn wrenches alongside your brother, to fly with your brother, to party - get stupid - and pass out at the Fletcher's - with your brother, and at times argue with your brother as only true shipmates (or brothers) can argue with one another……
One of my most fondest memories with your brother was not flying and doing brave and sometimes droll or dull helicopter stuff - but dancing to the Village Peoples "YMCA" alongside him at one of Jonathan & Lisa's many disco parties….
Chris will always be a young H-46 CrewChief/Rescue Swimmer on a typically nice San Diego day to us….

Kirk & Kathryn Allen Busti NY
Respectfully, Kirk Allen,
QAS ASQ-CQIA, WSO-CGSO/CGEO DCMA Buffalo
Falconer Field Office

IT2 Nicholas Devorak, Guam, HSC-25, US Navy

Shaun,
Having never been in your situation I can not even begin to image what you and your family are going through. I only ask that you and the entire Hescock family accept my deepest condolences. I am certain all of you are honored to have known LT Hescock better than any of us were given the opportunity to. While I did not fly with him I did have the privilege of sharing an office with your brother for the past 9 months. During this time I was blessed to get to know him as a friend and mentor as well as a boss. I will never enter the office again without thinking of him at his desk calling out, whatever crazy name he decided to call me that day, checking the status of the many projects we had going. No matter the work load he always took time to joke and humor us with his quick wit. He helped me not only in the advancement of my career, but as a person. He will be missed but never forgotten and we are all better for having had the chance to know him.

IT2 Nick Devorak

I collected all of the pictures I could find in our archives and passed them on to LCDR Orlosky. He should being sending them to your family. If there is anything you or your family need from us please contact me and let me know.

I would be more than happy to send any photos from the command that you may want. Once again thank you for your time and for sharing your brother with all of us.