Final Report

A magnificent tribute to Ray in Worland, WY. It started in Hawaii with a young Captain escorting Ray's remains to Billings, MT. From Billings to Worland on Monday, July 19th, a full escorted procession with his remains led by the Patriate Riders on cycles, about 15 security vehicles, Ray in a hearse and followed up by more vehicles and cycles. They went through about 8 towns. Traffic was stopped and the folks were out in force with flags, yellow ribbons, standing and clapping etc.

Tuesday, July 20th, was a family dinner at the Elks Lodge with about 40 in attendance. About a dozen family members and about 20 from Ray's 1959 Worland HS class. The 1959 class is extremely close and told many stories about Ray. I offered impromptu comments based on the attached notes and relayed stores and comments from Hal Watson, Don Hall, Jim France and Mike Holcomb (thanks so much, guys, for sending in your memories!!). The three immediate family members were Kelly Steindorf (niece from San Diego), Tom Krogman (nephew from Gillette, WY) and Jerry Krogman (nephew from Nashville, TN). Ray had one older brother, Roy, ten years older and deceased. I presented the 1964 Class Condolences card signed by Jay, our president and Doug, our secretary to Kelly and the family and with her permission read the condolences to the family and friends.

Today, Wednesday, July 21st, was a two hour public viewing in the morning of Ray's memorabilia, his uniforms and his service blues in a casket which you can see in the photos. The community was so positive and engaged with about 600 people. Following the viewing was a religious service with a lovely eulogy by Kelly. Jerry invited me to make some remarks following their eulogy. I expressed gratitude, appreciation and condolences on behalf of the graduate community, class of 1964 and 17th Squadron and a final salute. Following the service there was a long auto procession to the cemetery.

At the cemetery there were full honors with a 30 person Air Force honor guard, pall bears, color guard and a 21 gun salute. After the American flag was presented to the family, I presented on behalf of the AOG (letter from Lt.Gen. Gould), individual Academy Ladies and Gentlemen (ALAG) condolence cards to Kelly, Tom and Jerry, and a Flag flown over USAFA on Monday, July 19th, the day Ray "arrived home" with a certificate containing the 1964 Class Crest to Kelly and the family. The family members were extremely appreciative of the Air Force and USAFA support.

As you know Ray went to prep school for a year then four years at USAFA. He went to pilot training at Reece AFB, TX in 66B and then on to C-133s at Dover AFB. In fall 1966 he transitioned to the O1-F Bird Dog and flew FAC missions until he was killed on Jan 17, 1967 in Laos.

Words and pictures simply cannot convey the love, respect, admiration and patriotism of the family and the huge Worland and Wyoming community. Ray will be inducted into the Worland HS Hall of Fame in the fall. The organizer of the Patriate Riders plans to work on having a highway heading north out of Worland named in Ray's honor.

I was very honored and humbled to be present and represent USAFA, our class and our squadron.

Alan Rogers