John's father, Robert J. Quinlan, spoke these words at John's memorial Mass:
“We lost John”
With those words, our world was turned upside down. Susan called me on Sunday morning February 18, to tell me John was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Those words will echo in my head forever. Sunday will always be our remembrance day of John.
John’s life was a life worth living. We will miss him dearly but we, as a family, will survive this event.
Julie and their daughters could not be here today. Julie is attending the funeral of John’s co-pilot. They will be here this summer when we will have a scheduled Mass in memory of John.
God now has a new co-pilot in John. But I must alert God that within a very short time John may try to become Pilot-In-Command.
Kate and I are so proud of our children’s accomplishments. Sue and John have given us great families including five grandchildren. We will love and nurture them always and forever. But today, let me share with you some things about John which you may or may not know.
He was the grandson of Mary and Bob; son of Kate and me; brother of Sue; husband of Julie; father of Keely, Maddie, and Erin; brother-in-law of Greg; and uncle of Olivia and William, along with 8 other nieces and nephews. He was the friend to so many people both military and civilian that it is impossible to count or acknowledge them all. I wish to thank all of you here today for your friendship with John and for the comfort that friendship brings to our family.
John was a family man in every sense of the word. His devotion to his wife and children was exceptional in every way. He was a devoted Catholic with his family attending weekly Mass and children attending a Catholic School. His religious convictions were part of his everyday life. He had respect for all people regardless of their creed or background.
John was at the front in five wars since 1990. The Gulf Kuwait War, Somalia, Dessert Storm, 2 tours in Iraqi Freedom and 5 tours in Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
He spent 8 years as a US Marine. John was an Avionics Specialist for Harrier jump jets and a Loadmaster for C130 Hercules cargo planes. He will always be a “Devil Dog” to his Marine buddies. “Semper Fi Marines”.
He spent 10 years as U.S. Army Warrant Officer Chinook pilot receiving two promotions ahead of his peers. It won’t surprise all of you to hear that his pilot flight name was “Irish”.
He received 27 military medals. It was impossible for him to wear all of them on his uniform. His highest honor was the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) which is for exceptional heroism and flying skills. He earned it when he safely landed his Chinook helicopter safely last July after it was shot down by an enemy RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade). He saved 25 soldiers. I met three members of his crew in Fort Campbell, Kentucky two weeks ago. They all cried and hugged me and said that they are alive today because of John's actions.
His second crash on Sunday, three weeks ago, which took John’s life along with the lives of seven other soldiers. Fourteen soldiers, however, survived due to John’s landing the helicopter “dirty side down” - meaning on its wheels with no fire. Any rollover would have caused a fuel fire and total loss of its crew and passengers. Thirty eight U.S. Army soldiers are with us today because of John’s courage and technical knowledge.
John is an exceptional military hero in every definition of the word. He was a Professional Warrior. He was never in the rear with the gear, but always at the front lines where the action took place. One his aunts has pointed out to me that John’s zeal in his military duties is also a definition of patriotism.
John’s unit is called “Night Stalkers” because they fly in the night to surprise and defeat the enemy. The motto of John’s unit is “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit”. The Quinlan family’s new motto is “Quinlans Don’t Quit”.
God bless you John and your family. We know that the world is a better place because of your having been here. God’s speed be with you. We will miss you forever! You have our love forever!
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2 comments:
I learned of the unfortunate death of your hero, John, from the High School website hosted by John (Don)Mocko - I was a HS classmate.
I served, with pride, in the US Navy, and hold those who serve, or have served, in high esteem for their commitment to the defense of our country. I have several friends who have served in Iraq, as well as a Marine son who was in the center of action in the Kuwait war.
I grieve with John's family, for the loss of a loved family member, and a great American. May he rest in peace with all the American heros who preceeded him.
I might not know John Quinlan personal, but I knew his very loving, strong and kind mother, Mrs.Quinlan. Knowing and beeing around her for some time, I knew some parts of her that was shown, John had it in him too. I could just think of how strong she is that it makes me think the same for her son. I truly mourn with the Quinlan family because to loose a son, husband and father is very heart rending. I also respect them and honor them for having one of their most brave, strong, and courageous love one help keep the freedom of our nation. My heart goes deeply to him and his family. His courage and strength makes me not want to give up and do the best I can in want I want and love to do. I just want to say, 'thank you Mr. John Quinlan for help making United States a better place for me to live, I honor you and I pray for your family every night to have strength to live on with you in their hearts, and truly with all honesty you will never be forgotten by me, you are a true hero to me, thanks!'
God Bless you, the Quinlans, your son, husband and father didn't die in vain, you will always be in my prayers and remember this isn't good-bye because you will see him again.
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