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cbergen
01-09-2007, 12:17 AM
Charles Gregory Hibler, 57, of Panama City Beach, Fla., died Monday, Sept. 25, 2006, in his home. He was a retired helicopter pilot for the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He retired from the Army after 31 years of service. He had been a resident of Panama City Beach since 1997, moving here from Fort Rucker, Ala. He was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by two sons, Charles Christopher Hibler and Edward Michael Hibler. He is survived by his wife, Debra Hibler of Panama City Beach; brother, Arthur D. Hibler and wife, Sharon; and two nephews, Tony Hibler and Matt Hibler, all of Brookfield, Conn. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church with Father Ted Sosnowski officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m. Graveside services will be held at Riverview Memorial Gardens in Spring Lake, N.C. Those desiring to may make a contribution to Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th St., Panama City, FL 32405, in memory of Charles Gregory Hibler

Chuck Hibler was my PIC, my combat pilot in Panama and Desert Storm. Though we didn't talk much through the years, I have thought of him often, especially on my son Kyle's birthday, because without his skill as a pilot, without his faith in me as a Flight Engineer and crewmember on long tiring missions up into Iraq and back, we would not have made it home, I would not have had the chance to meet my son, to be a Father to him.

I just found out tonight of his passing. I knew he was sick when we spoke for the last time about a year ago, he also sent some pics he took during Desert Storm, pics I hadn't seen, of us and our bird in the desert. I think now that he knew he didn't have long, and wanted to make sure I got them............

Whirly-Girl
01-09-2007, 12:24 AM
Sorry to hear about the loss of such a friend. I know you have special bonds with those you serve with during wartime.

Cherish the pictures and remember the good times!

Jeanette

v22chap
01-09-2007, 05:46 AM
Sorry to hear about the loss of a military friend Chris... I often think of guys that I served with and wonder where and how they are ... you are lucky to have been able to keep in contact and have the pictures to remember the good times .

cbergen
01-09-2007, 08:34 AM
I scanned a few of the pics, not the clearest but you get the idea...

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/9994352967da27de7757daaa6b712631.jpg

Christmas 1990, delivering Turkeys to the guys on the front lines, closest to the border of Iraq, 3 weeks prior to the Air War kicking off. I'm an the far right, closes to the tail of the aircraft, Chuck on the far left, closest to the nose. The female Captain kneeling with the Santa hat was the Mission Commander, and wore that stupid thing while flying!!

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/54cbeb9031a3066ec936175e4e040300.jpg

This is my girl, Triple Three, The Boeing Hilton, ready for another mission. We were able to maintain an OR Rate of 95% during the 6 months in country.

http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/0c15042ef5737d45022c67dee89cfbc0.jpg

This is one that Chuck sent me in my last contact with him. I was unaware of my picture being taken while fixing that damn windshield wiper....

v22chap
01-09-2007, 05:17 PM
Must have been a close group if the mission commander felt comfortable enough to wear that stupid santa hat in front of all you guys :lol:
You look a lot slimmer in that pix also Chris :dontknow :noteworthy

rkeith2
01-09-2007, 06:50 PM
Sorry to hear about this Chris -

Toss one back for him and smile with the memories :D

cbergen
01-09-2007, 08:52 PM
You look a lot slimmer in that pix also Chris

Eating nothing but MRE's for 6 weeks'll do that to ya......

Ron, already did that. :cheers

v22chap
01-10-2007, 05:48 AM
Eating nothing but MRE's for 6 weeks'll do that to ya......
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Bobs
01-10-2007, 07:17 AM
Sorry, Chris. Very sad and way too young. Cherish the memories.