Radio Check Legends and Legacy

From CAPT Mike Middleton, USN (Ret.)

Helicopter Legends I was Blessed to Follow

As I recount those leaders who stand out during my 27 years in active duty helicopters, these names and faces jump out of my memory like the legends that they are:

Admiral Big Bill Terry was always bigger than life, a pilot's pilot, and a helicopter legend. Got hours left over at the end of the quarter, man up a flight of four and burn some JP-5 until there was no time left. His favorite quote, “why have power if you can’t abuse it.” Spoken by a larger than life man and Naval Officer. You just wanted to follow Admiral Bill Terry wherever he went.

CAPT Steve McDermaid was a kind and gentle Naval Officer, who you just didn’t want to disappoint. He was smooth, professional, and as good in the CV Wardroom as he was in DC. Gone too soon, but will always be remembered well as what a Naval Officer should be.

CAPT Jeff Wiant always scared the hell out of you. You just didn’t want to cross him. But if you were on his side and performed, a more loyal Boss you could not ask for. Head down and make stuff happen. A young LT learned a bunch by watching him work. But walk a straight line, and don’t disappoint the Boss.

CAPT Vern Von Sydow, sadly, the only one left standing. The JO’s called him “the pulling guard of life!” Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way, if Vern was at the helm. Always remember the picture of President John F. Kennedy and Midshipman Von Sydow together pictured in Vern’s USNA football uniform. That’s all you needed to know about Vern as a Naval Officer and a man. Bigger than life, but still so approachable.

We were blessed to have leaders like these and many more like them, who led from the front, provided a grand template to mold our own leadership style, and who serve as a lasting memory. We were all blessed to have walked in their footsteps.