Today I had the privilege of representing the Coast Guard at CAPT Bobby Wilks' memorial service. I learned so much about this amazing man from the outpouring of friends and family. He was the consummate Coast Guard aviator, accumulating over 6,000 hours in 18 different types of aircraft including both helos and the HU16 Albatross. A wonderful story shows up when you search his name on the internet, about one of his rescues landing the venerable Goat in high seas off Miami. I think RADM Erroll Brown captured the essence of CAPT Wilks in his eulogy today, describing the first time they met. CAPT Wilks visited the Academy when RADM Brown was a cadet, took the minority officers aside and talked to them about integrity, the responsibility they were assuming as Coast Guard officers, and the very high expectations he had of them. As RADM Brown said most eloquently, there are many firsts, and many pioneers, but few legends; and the definition of a legend is one who leaves a positive life-changing impact on those who follow. CAPT Bobby Wilks is truly a Coast Guard legend.
VADM Crea, Ancient Albatross #21
