You may have heard or seen the jets and planes overhead yesterday and wondered exactly what was happening. Two flyovers were performed. There was a Missing Man Formation flown over the Southern Nevada Veterans Cemetery to honor the life and service of Colonel Charles “Chuck” Holden, also known to family and friends as “Brows”. The highly decorated Colonel Holden passed away in February of this year. He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he received the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for his service. He continued his military career at Nellis AFB before transitioning to civilian life. The flyover featured several aircraft from Nellis AFB: A10 Warthog, F15, F16 and F35 jets. In addition to the contingent from Nellis, a local group — Boulder City Veterans’ Flying Group — also paid their respects with a flyover. This group, led by Mark DuLaney, includes fellow pilots from Boulder City. The group included:
- Lieutenent Colonel (USAF ret) Mark “Dula” DuLaney flying an RV-6A
- Bill “Zen” Cassidy (civilian) flying an R4
- Lieutenant Colonel (USAF active) Dan “Taz” Christman flying an Yak-52 Russian Military trainer
- Lieutenant Colonel (USAF ret) Rob “Lips” Hertberg flying an T-6 WWII Military trainer
- Lieutenant Colonel (USAF Reserves ret) Mike “Mustang” Bruno flying an RV-8
- Scott “Gooch” Anderson (civilian) flying an RV-8
You can see the incredible video on the City’s webpage HERE and also a screen capture from video sent by fan Clinton Rzepecki (shown above).
You can read Colonel Holden’s biography HERE. May he rest in peace.