Jon, you are a true hero and an inspiration to us all. You are continually being thought of and prayed for. Everyone loves you and GOD knows all about you.
Steve

I keep reading and rereading. I'm a little stunned and not very good at expressing my self...sorry...and God Bless you Jon......and Jon's wife.....

I sit here staring at this even now wanting to get my true feeling's out. I'm not Wig,SheiBe or Bopes who are all very good with word's and typing (sometime's make's me jealous). I guess and Hope sometimes just letting people know we are thinking of them is enough......

dentinhead wrote: I keep reading and rereading. I'm a little stunned and not very good at expressing my self...sorry...and God Bless you Jon......and Jon's wife.....

I sit here staring at this even now wanting to get my true feeling's out. I'm not Wig,SheiBe or Bopes who are all very good with word's and typing (sometime's make's me jealous). I guess and Hope sometimes just letting people know we are thinking of them is enough......

Couldn't have said it better, Dent...

We did not lose a friend, we gained an angel with golden wings.....rest in peace, Jon.

I'm sitting here in office almost drenched in tears after reading all the comments. I'm proud to be part of this group of respected men/women, not just members of the MOM squad but other squads. Jon, you are by far, the most respected, talented, courageous, and feared (In-game) that I've ever known. I can say you are our brother here and outside of this game. With every fiber of my being, I will pray for you and your family. You will be missed by all!! God speed Jon!!

P.S. If you see my mom, tell her I miss and love her.

AL aka Mavrk

SheiBe Kopf wrote: Hey everyone.. I was just chatting with Jon's wife (Fifty Cal) at 9:45 central time. She asked me to post and she wanted Brian to know that the Doctors are only giving Jon another 24 hours. She is asking us to please pray for Jon. She and his mother are spending the night at the hospital tonight.

God be with you Jon,
Chet

It is with sympathies that I pray for you Jon. Your memories here in Dogfight will be treasured. -Rommel

Sadly I give you this news. He left with no pain and is flying in heaven. He passed at 5:04am

Duckwing1 wrote: Sadly I give you this news. He left with no pain and is flying in heaven. He passed at 5:04am

When this Game, Forum and Thread started I never imagined what it has now evolved to be. I never imagined us getting to know each other through expressions of text. I never imagined becoming friends with so many who have a common interest. I know we all have imagined what it would have been like to actually be a World War I Ace. To imagine to have been that Hero .

Getting to hear Jon’s story we had to imagine what it was like to be him. We had to imagine how he survived in times of great adversities. We had to imagine what it was like when his world exploded around him. We had to imagine what his loses were like to him and how he could survive. We could only imagine the months and years of recovery. We can only imagine how he kept such a positive attitude when it would have been so easy to just quit. I can only imagine, why?

I imagined when I first met Jon, how is he playing and doing better than I could ever be with my two hands. I then had to imagine what it was like when he became ill and insisted on playing this game. I could not imagine him playing while in the hospital’s intensive care. I could only imagine, why?

Now we imagine what Jon is going through now. What Jon’s family and his close friends are going through now. We can only imagine their pain and feeling of pending loss. We can only imagine, why?

Without being together and seeing everyone, we can only imagine. That’s how this world of a Forum works, we can only imagine. Now we have to imagine a world without another Hero, without Jon. We can only imagine, why?


God Speed Jon..
Chet

See ya at muster my brother save me a spot at mess see ya soon

Duckwing1 wrote: Sadly I give you this news. He left with no pain and is flying in heaven. He passed at 5:04am

We - the 111th offer our condolences and if there is anything anyone needs (like we spoke of earlier wig) them please let me know and il take care of my end. It is such sad news and the only comfort from this is that jon went peacefully - may god keep him safe and jon if you are seeing this bud then for the next 24hours i will not shoot anything as a mark of respect. if anyone needs a chat im always a pm away.

I doubt this is new to many, but certainly appropriate. To Jon:

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941

I really wish I could say more... but I have no words for this.

I'm sorry I never got the chance to know you more, Jon. I can only salute you farewell, and as a fellow member of the armed forces, I'm certain my father will do the same.

Hooah, Jon.

Duckwing1 wrote: Sadly I give you this news. He left with no pain and is flying in heaven. He passed at 5:04am

Thank You So Much for letting us know.....
I will Miss this Man (Hero) I never got to meet in person.....

My cold heart is truly sadend today ...I am not the emotional type but I can't help feeling the way I do I am honored to have had the privilege to have know you duck and B you are truly a good friend. My thoughts are with your family and with B I have know you both for a long time and today I weep and I never weep...you will always have a spot in my heart my comrad.... Peace coop out

In his honor, the Duck in his own amazing words, which I think it's fair to say have moved and inspired us all:

Hey Buster,

Today you asked me to stop chasing you, and I did. Not everyone is into this game as an anti pilot.

Friend. The Duck

Guys and Gals,

It's been a blast and I've enjoyed every minutes of it. Because of my injuries, specifically my hand ( considering I only have one ) I feel I've reached the highest level possible. B I promise to keep in touch, other friends I will drop in from time to time.

It's just gotten to painful to hold the iPad long enough to play several of the missions.

Duckwing

When he joined Enigma:

Fellow pilots and friends, I'd like to be considered to join the squadron. I've always flown ethically and helped new members. Many know that I've always been a gentleman while playing. Please consider my request

Duckwing1

Aka Jon

After he joined MOM:

Ok Wig forgive me and I'll cover your back

Fellow pilots and friends,

I have a major procedure scheduled for 0530 in the morning. It should take about 4 hours and is my last surgery. If I drop in afterward it will be to watch and possibly attempt to shoot someone down. I won't be able to write as holding the stylus in my mouth will be out of the question, I will require a chest tube for 12-24 hours post surgery. B I haven't called because my ability to speak has been effected and with luck this will correct my speech. Fly straight and be MOM.

Duckwing1

Rule #6 is protect the Duck. Hey sweetie it's great seeing you

Quack Quack - I still have my tail feathers missing and my wings clipped, but I'm trying to stay positive. The day nurse is a O-4 and a Bxxxx. After 10pm the nurses leave me alone and I sneak in a little flying. I sure miss it. They are still drawning fluid out of my right lung and have a feeding tube in. I'm a fighter and will keep fighting, when I get worn out I stop playing.

The Duck

Zander,

I'd give you a hug if you were standing infront of me. I didnt take your comment as a negative one. I have a stronger passion order this game and the friendships made. Far to many to list. If you want a hero jjust look towards Coop. If you want a true Ameican Hero visit a National Cemetary and say a prayer for the Fallen Veterans The heros are the ones that didn't make it home.

I'll fly with you anytime.


The Duck.

The bounty by the Duck works everytime

I need assistance ASAP - would everyone please inform 420 that The Duck wants to make her smile

The Duck votes for Paul.

Paul,

Chin up pilot! Get out of that hospital first.

The Duck

Thank You! Between Walter Reed , The MayoClinic and Johns Hopkins they have determined there is nothing to stop the spread of the infection. Both lungs are effected and now the heart muscle is starting. Heidi will at some point take over writing for me in the forum. We dated many years ago during HS, we both never married. It is my desire that we do marry, I want her to have my veterans benefits. Know this, I did not quit! I'm fighting to the end. But I'm more at peace than you'll ever imagine. The pain is so bad I won't wish it on my enemy. It's been a blast. I'll try to make it to level 22, if I don't l at least tried.

Fly hard and mean , I'm proud to be a MOM. No hugs , no worries, I'm not in the least upset. I lived my life and loved everything about it.

I'm going to try to rest. I still have to hide this iPad from the nurses. Fly safe!

The Duck

B - we will try to talk as soon as I can. Now is not the time.

Slight relief from the pain today, I spent a little time flying. If you say hello in the dog fight and I reply with 3 it means the same back at ya. Sometimes I can hold the stylus in my mouth and sometimes I can't. I tried the nose but that was gross Most of my communication is in writing as speaking is possible but understanding more than a simple one word answer isn't. If I can pass onething one to you guys, please remember this " no matter how bad you have it , someone else has it worse". The Drs have been great " and completely honest ". I admire the nurses ,well all but one . I will try to play when I'm up to it.

B - when they take the tubes out I will call. Please don't be alarmed when you hear what my voice sounds like.

You guys better continue trying to shoot me down, because I will shoot you

I'm starting to slow down and my reaction time isn't up to snuff. My vision is at times very fuzzy, yet if you ask Danny it's fine. I sleep 20-22 hours per day , mainly do to meds. My energy is next to nothing. I was able to make level 22 and working to hit 23. It's rough guys but I'm still trying to fight. I've enjoyed the people and playing this game so much.

The Duck

I'm man enough to say tears are flowing. B - my youngest sister finally visited, I was able to put her at ease and made sure she understood that I understand why she didn't want to see me. Zup thanks for this game and the friends I've made.

Duck

Slightly better day than yesterday. Got a little blood added. Adds a little boost to my red cell count. So they say! I flew some today, it didnt take long for my vision to get fuzzy. That is going to be the norm according to the Drs. How I'd love a 14oz prime rib cooked to medium. I've said this before, but it carries me through everyday. No matter how bad you have it someone else has it worse. I saw it first hand today with a young PFC. We live in the greatest country in the world. I try to act tough but that's starting to become harder. There is nothing wrong with shedding a tear or two and being a man. I worry what toll this is putting on my family, I know my part is easy. Well enough of my jabber for now. The Duck

PS - no votes please. Vote for Coop

I'm just a Duck. If my vote counts I'd like to vote for Coop. Everyone of you are true friends. Been flying for almost a year now, it was just before Christmas last year I recall talking to B. Hoagie and Samweb always made me laugh, Kevy did too! All during this time 420 and B Straton was knocking us out of the sky like clay targets. I remember the hanger door being open and I ALLOWED B to come in the hanger and taught him the ropes. The next day he tried to come in without asking and I blasted him. then he blasted me a couple dozen times. I've never left this game mad, I've left it because 420 entered and we knew we didn't have a chance. I often wondered if she had a plane no one else had. One look at those legs and I forgot all about it. I wish I could fly more , but I'll labor at writing in the forum. I'm no Tom Clancy either. Peace The Duck

Remember vote for Coop

Duck is going to speak - I say lets give the kid a chance.

I Duckwing1 admit to spawn killing aircraft while acting in full capacity as a tank , they shot me down , I turned into a tank and shot them. I did it then and would do it again. The Duck

Brother Tex what say you? I value your opinion . The Duck

I completely agree with Wig.

Duckwing1 / Jon / Washington DC

We'll miss you Jon.

Guys please feel free to visit 111th, our chaplain officer has posted a prayer there for jon.

II think duck should have the most karma. So let's give it too him.

Duckwing1 wrote: Sadly I give you this news. He left with no pain and is flying in heaven. He passed at 5:04am

His soul is the Lord's, and his memory is ours....
It's good that heaven in there will be no pain, for here, we feel enough.

Well said...all of you.

The only thing I'm thinking right now is, "Crap!" Amazes me I can feel this bad for someone I really only knew through a game.

I am glad he's in a better place without pain and now my heart goes out to Jon's family and to Brian. Keep Jon in your memories and he'll live with you forever.

Rob

PS - Brian, nice tribute with the name change.

My thoughts and prayers go with his family and to MOM. So sorry to hear about the loss.

Guys I hate to see this I don't know what to ssay he was a great friend as with many of u moms all I can say is I am at a loss for words :'(:'(:'(:'(:'( I am sorry

Though it's been a long time since I saw this, so I don't remember the exact details, I saw a poster at a church once during a hard time in my life, and this poster had a story on it, and the story said something along the lines of: "a man near the end of his life had a dream that his life was represented as a walk with God in the sand, and as he was nearing the end of his dream, the man looked back at his life, and he saw that at the times in his life when he was going through his hardest times, there was only one set of footprints, and the man asked "God, why did you leave me when I needed you the most?" and God replied "i never left you, where you see only set of footprints, it was then that I carried you through."

Duckwing1 wrote: Sadly I give you this news. He left with no pain and is flying in heaven. He passed at 5:04am

Jon if u can see this I know u went for a run. Walked with ur wife and the rest of ur family. Iam gona miss u brother. GOD SPEED. U got a6'8" guy crying like a baby save me a seat next to coop but I think I'll be there first.

I AM DEEPLY SORRY..BUT HE IS,I KNOW,MUCH HAPPIER,HE IS WITH THE LORD.ALL TEARS WILL BE TAKEN AWAY AND HE WILL BE GODS CHILD FOREVER.

I gonna used those word us mine. I cannot say it better... Be in peace with GOD Jon...

I've hit the reply topic button then cancel so many times, I just can't find words enough.

Safe journey dear friend

The Falcon's would like to hold a Duckwing1 memorial flight, as we did for legendofkhane. Swopwith camel was asking for 3 date's that might work so everyone could join.....Does this sound possible?

This is for you Duck.

“You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”


You are a legend among brothers and sisters. We will miss you!!!

dentinhead wrote: The Falcon's would like to hold a Duckwing1 memorial flight, as we did for legendofkhane. Swopwith camel was asking for 3 date's that might work so everyone could join.....Does this sound possible?

I'm in. Don't have to ask twice. Thanks Dent

I was in a game and just heard. The game stopped an we all landed on the mountain, bid him farewell and thanked him for his service.

At our previous memorial fly, Duck and I landed there. He wished that it be named in his honor. As it will be in my memory.

Sad news.

dentinhead wrote: The Falcon's would like to hold a Duckwing1 memorial flight, as we did for legendofkhane. Swopwith camel was asking for 3 date's that might work so everyone could join.....Does this sound possible?

if this is going ahead then can wig please let me know and i can arrange between you and swop and will make the flight as public to all who wish to pay tribute as possible. thankyou guys.