Curtis Donald Feistner

West Point, 1990

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Tony Hofmann on March 10, 2002:

On 21 February 2002, the Class of 1990 lost a dear friend and hero, Major Curtis D. Feistner. Curt, the Commander of Echo Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), based at K-2 Air Base in Taegu, South Korea, was among ten servicemen aboard an MH-47 Chinook helicopter when it crashed off the coast of Negros Island in the southern Philippines (22 February Philippine time). Curt was Echo Company's first commander. He was hand-picked to form the unit from scratch at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and then shepherded it to South Korea last summer. His elite unit, also known as the "Night Stalkers," was sent to the Philippines in support of the ongoing war against terrorism. Its mission entailed providing military training and expertise to the Philippine armed forces in their fight against terrorist groups, notably the Abu Sayyaf. On the night of the accident, Curt's chopper was one of two returning from Zamboanga to an air base in Mactan islet near Cebu City after dropping off special forces troops on Basilan. Witnesses reported it was on fire as it fell and exploded when it hit the water. With Philippine officials ruling out hostile fire, speculation has focused on mechanical failure. Memorial services have been held at Fort Campbell, Korea and the Philippines in honor of all ten servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Following these military observances, a memorial service was held for Curt near his hometown of White Bear Lake, Minnesota on 2 March 2002. Well over 1000 people--childhood teachers and friends, church members, West Point classmates, soldiers from his unit, and others whom he knew and touched along the way--attended this service and eulogized Curt's life and memory. Because Curt's body was among only three to be found, his family was able to inter him at the Fort Snelling Memorial Cemetery the following day. Exceptional people are few and far between. Curt was one of these people. Quite simply, he was remarkable. In addition to his numerous accomplishments, it is imperative to note the positive impact Curt had on everyone and the rich legacy he leaves behind. True friends are those with whom you may not keep in daily contact but who you know are always with you. When you do reestablish contact, you never seem to skip a beat with them. Curt was always there for everyone, a trait not to be taken lightly. He never wavered in putting his friends, family, soldiers and nation first. Curt maintained a rock-solid set of values--a tribute to his family upbringing, personal ideals, and moral ethos. He always put the needs of others before his own. Curt was an old-school warrior, which is rare in today's "me first" society. Great leaders have the ability to motivate others under any type of circumstance. In sporting terms, they are impact players. Impact players make a difference and lift others at critical times. Curt always did this. He was able to push himself and others to extraordinary accomplishments in a spectrum ranging from the mental to the physical, often under adverse conditions. Against the advice of others, he put himself in physical danger and at risk of losing his flight status by attending and graduating from Ranger School--a school where the prospect of physical injury is high. Even more remarkable was the fact that Curt made it through this grueling course the first time, with no recycles--a feat few men can boast of. In both his personal and professional life, Curt exemplified the ancient Roman ethic of keeping both the mind and body sharp by regularly competing in various sporting events, to include the prestigious Hawaii Ironman. However, most notably, Curt was able to pass this same ethic on to those he came in contact with, particularly the soldiers he trained and led. At the Academy he did the same to each of us for four years. Curt was highly respected and someone you could always count on. That is the highest accomplishment a person can ever achieve. The traits he exhibited centered on outstanding leadership and care for his fellow man. The seeds he planted in every individual he contacted will produce future leaders, both in the communities of our great Nation and within the U.S. military. The legacy Curt leaves behind is one that many aspire but few attain. Although it is sad that Curt is no longer with us, all can take solace that Curt passed from this life doing what he loved and thought important. He treasured his Aviator wings and comrades even more than most leaders can ever imagine. He gave up settling down for the love of the cockpit and the unit and soldiers he trained and led. He died as all exceptional Company Commanders should, in the presence of his men, leading from the front. Bottom line, Curt knew what he wanted and was willing to sacrifice to attain it. Simply put, Curt exemplified the best in humanity and American youth. Curt--go with God! "Rangers Lead the Way!"

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