LT COL STANLEY MASTERS

In the short period of time I was privileged to cross paths with Stan, I learned about a man who defined what it meant to be a great father, husband and patriot. Reading through this guest book only affirms the impact Stan had on so many lives...add me to that list. I miss you bud...

The very best C-130 pilot I ever flew with... And what couldn't be made any better as a pilot was equally complimented by a great personality and true character. We spent alot of time together while in the 50th at Little Rock. Lunchtime at the gym, or flying the local routes at the Rock, TDYs to Pope, and deployments to the desert, but no matter the geographic location Stan Masters was always a solid, reliable, caring and fair man. He was a mentor to so many of us just a little younger, and in his "big brother" manner, he led us all to be better than we were. I laugh when I think about the fear and surprise he could create on the faces of young co-pilots when flying low-level routes across Arkansas... He was deadly with a stop watch and a compass... And then "Mamma" got him a watch which he applied to the same task, once again with supreme accuracy. Our paths diverted after Little Rock, and I've been singing his praises for years. I'm still in the Herk, but I can promise you there is no one flying that machine today who could do what Stan could do. My thoughts and prayers are for all of you, the family he loved soo very much. God bless and care for you. I pray you might also be comforted some as you read through these notes left by soo many... Thanks for sharing Stan with the world. We're all better for it.

I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of Stan. I had the opportunity to fly with him many times and it was always a pleasure. He was a memorable person and many times over the years his name has come up in conversations with people in the C130 community who had the pleasure of meeting him. He will be remembered.

My heartfelt condolences on the loss of a great man. I only found out today. Stan and I arrived in the 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Rhein-Main at about the same time and we were in the Gulf War together. I was in the navigator side of the house and don't remember a lot of the pilots but Stan stands out in my mind, such was his personality. Very upbeat and a great guy all around as well as a superb pilot. I hope you take some small measure of comfort knowing what a positive impact Stan had on so many lives such as mine. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I only just heard of Stan's passing tonight. I met Stan at Little Rock briefly before I left, but got to know him better on my many trips to Nellis - I always knew I'd find a smiling Stan in the AMC office - someone who spoke my language. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to family and friends touched by this tremendous loss. You are missed.

Shocked and saddened to hear this news.

When the guys were deployed during Desert Storm, I asked Stan to keep my man safe. He did. He will always be a hero to me.

Stan was one of the best pilots we had in the 37th TAS at Rhein-Main AB Germany.... sad to see he pass... my heart felt sympathy's to the family. God Bless... your mission is now complete...carry on Sir. ~Ed Rodriguez, MSgt Retired FE

I just heard about Stan! My prayers and condolences go out to the family! I was on Stan's crew during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I lost contact with him but he made a great impact in my life. He will be missed....

So very sorry for the loss of a great man. Stan was a great pilot, awesome instructor and a great all-around person. He will be missed!

My husband and I worked with Stan, flying C-130s in the 50th at Little Rock; he was an amazing pilot, a great mentor, and friend. I often think of him as he helped me through a tricky situation on a checkride; his wisdom and experience were evident and something I've strived to emulate. We are so very, very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you,

Katharine and Andrew Yingst,
Columbus, Mississippi