Cliff Turcotte Passes

News received this morning that retired Major Cliff Turcotte, Nurse Corps, 74th AES, has passed
away in Springfield, MA. Cliff and I were enlisted medics together, with him going on to a Flight Nurse commission and me, off to the Medical Service Corps.

A big, tough guy, Cliff loved the hard work he did in the 74th so very much, especially out in the field. He was never one to miss the opportunity to help another, to volunteer, to be the best he could be. A great Navy corpsman, he was a great aeromedical evacuation technician and then a great flight nurse. And a great friend.

Rest in peace, Cliff. God bless.

Bill Gifford Passed, September 1, 2014

William Gifford, fellow veteran of the 74th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Westover AFB, Massachusetts, passed away today at Baystate Medical following heart surgeries. He'd not done well this last week, losing kidney function and he "signed the final Form 40" this morning.

Giff was a flight instructor on the C-123. What a character and what a squadron legend!

Steve Caraker will send details when available. God bless and keep Bill and his family.

The Giff Ill Following Open Heart Surgery

William Gifford, better known for decades to fellow members of the 74th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron as "The Giff," had open heart surgery last week in Massachusetts. A subsequent emergency procedure was necessary and his kidney function is impaired.

All of us who remember (with a little embarrassment and but great admiration) Giff's tendency to grab a microphone and start singing when we'd RON'd somewhere (why did it always seem to be New Orleans or Oceana?)  and after a couple (?) drinks at a dinner bar, pray that strength of character and humor sustains him and his family now.

Its too early to sign out on the Form 40, Giff!