John Michael McHugh

West Point, 1986

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Ron W Palmer on May 27, 2010:

I first met John when he commanded the 1st Bn., 11th Aviation Regiment at Ft. Rucker. I was employed as a DoD civilian, air traffic controller at Cairns Approach Control, in the ARAC Division, under his command from 2004-2006. During his tenure John made frequent visits to the radar room and befriended many of the controllers and staff at Cairns Approach. If I was on duty during one of his visits I would always invite him to "plug in" a head set with me at one of the radar scopes. He never refused, unless pressed for time. When he flew in the area I recognized his call sign and unmistakable voice. Some of our exchanges on the frequency didn't...well, they weren't in the ATC phraseology handbook. His love of flying was evident in every one of his transmissions. On his last visit before the change of command, I asked him if he "was taking care of his troops". He replied, "No Ron, they are taking care of me." It was his character to be self-effacing at the right moment and put everyone around him at ease. I considered John more than a good commander, and appreciate the opportunity granted me to have shared time on this earth with someone that I also new as a friend. Ron Palmer ATC, Retired

admin