Master Sgt. Max Beilke (USA Ret.)

Master Sgt. Max Beilke (USA Ret.)

Max Beilke Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 17, 2001.
RET. MASTER SGT. MAX BEILKE, 69, officially was the last American combat soldier to leave Vietnam in 1973. He was a civilian employee at the Pentagon who worked on veterans issues. Beilke, who was drafted in the Korean War, was the kid who'd always had a fishing pole in his hand, joined the U.S. Army and saw the world, said his sister, Lucille Johnson. "We could see him leaving (Vietnam) on television," Johnson said of her brother's return. "We all just beamed because we knew he'd soon be home safely."

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February 10, 2025

Robbie Nance posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2024

JOHN G WHEELOCK posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2023

Someone posted to the memorial.

Robbie Nance

February 10, 2025

Remembering you. Thank you for your service.

JOHN G WHEELOCK

September 11, 2024

Your memory lives on, Max. RIP.

September 12, 2023

RIP I hope all is well. Thank you for your very long service.

John Wheelock

September 11, 2023

Out of sight but not out of mind. Rest on, Max.

Anonymous Appreciator

April 25, 2023

Rest in Peace.

Jessica Jones

September 13, 2022

I miss you

September 12, 2022

STILL SLAYING

John Wheelock

September 11, 2022

Another year, Max. Your memory lives on. Still miss the emails. Rest in peace, Brother.

imran khna

September 16, 2021

sorry

Kaitlin

September 11, 2021

I may not know Master Sgt. Max, but may he be resting peacefully, god bless, we will never forget. Sending hugs & love to his loved ones.

John Wheelock

September 11, 2021

We continue to remember, Max. I hope all is well with your family and that your memory is strong in them.

Cindy Roe

September 1, 2021

Remembering Max on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...

Tim Figge

May 9, 2021

Thank you Coach for your service at St. Thomas Academy in the mid-60s. You set a good example for me and my football teammates. I know from your current position you realize that team went on to an undefeated State Championship year 3 years later. You will forever be a STA " Legend of the Fall". Sincerely your left guard. Drive Zero Counter in the 1st go., Tim Figge

alistar moore

February 8, 2021

I served with him before I returned from Vietnam

John G. Wheelock

September 11, 2020

We remember.

The Lucas Family

December 12, 2019

Our sincere condolences we send to your family. Always may God give the strength and comfort to cope. MSG Beilke is still sadly missed and not forgotten.

Mary Brunelle/Juelke

September 11, 2019

Uncle Max, you will always be considered a great man in our family. Your great niece Leah Juelke now teaches your history to her ELL class in Fargo ND. And she was there when the vice president gave a dedication to you at Arlington cemetery in 2018.

John G. Wheelock

September 11, 2019

Another year, MSG Beilke. Your memory burns on in those of us that experienced your service to our country and to us.

Olivia

August 29, 2019

I am a sophomore at Shanley High School and we are doing a unit on September 11, 2001 in my religion class. As I researched Max Beilkes life, I found out the enormous duties he has done and the sacrifices he has made for our country. It is inspiring how he lived his life for others. I hope that his family knows that his life is not forgotten and that his life has inspired me.

CLAY MARSTON

September 11, 2018

VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE HIGHLIGHTED THE LIFE OF MASTER SERGEANT MAX BEILKE AND HIS FAMOUS FAREWELL MESSAGE AT THE MORNING PENTAGON MEMORIAL SERVICE TODAY, TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2018 -
- REMEMBRANCE -
REMEMBER THERE IS HONOR STILL, IT IS FOR YOU TO SEE IT LASTS.

John G Wheelock

September 11, 2018

Still miss those emails, Max, and think of you often. Hard to believe another year has passed. Hold the high ground.

John G. Wheelock

September 16, 2017

Still remembering, MSG Beilke.

John G Wheelock

September 8, 2016

Well Max ... coming up on the 15th anniversary of your moving on to your final post. We continue to remember you and your service to our country and to retirees. I miss those emails ...

John G Wheelock

May 25, 2015

I remember ...

Barbara Boam

February 2, 2015

I walked a mile for you (mile #315) on 5/28/14 as a dedication to your life.

John G. Wheelock

September 11, 2014

Another year, Max, and you are alive in our thoughts, prayers, and hopes.

Jon George

September 10, 2014

Talking about you in my 8th grade class. These kids were one when you made your sacrifice. Not going to let you be forgotten.

John G. Wheelock

September 12, 2012

You are still remembered, Max. Hasn't been anyone since 9/11 that has tied retirees into the active force the way you did.

Casey Jefferies

September 11, 2012

Ive never met Max, but i looked him up as an assignment and i too feel for your loss. but be proud that he was able to serve his country with valour and courage. Forever will Max be remembered. Thank you for your sacrifice Max, and forever be as valiant.

Gene and Diann Huls

September 16, 2011

Although we never met Max, his brother, Jerry was our milk hauler for many years. Jerry spoke very highly of Max and if he was anything like Jerry was - this was a huge loss! Wonderful family! Rest in God's peace, Max. Thoughts and prayers to his family and ALL of those lost that horrible day. God Bless!

Tricia Joenks

September 11, 2011

10 years later today Max...I still miss your conversations on AOL. It was an honor to know you but you are missed my friend..

Tricia Joenks

September 11, 2011

10 years later today Max...I still miss your conversations on AOL. It was an honor to know you but you are missed my friend..

Janet Glasser

September 11, 2011

To Max's Family,
Thank you for sharing him with this Army Family. The motto of "Still Serving - U.S. Army Retired" describes him best. He spoke at the Retiree Information Days conducted by the Southwestern Pennsyvanlia Retiree Council (SPARC) and was a go-to expert on military benefits and entitlements. I still have a file of "Max Facts" on my computer. When he was with us, the wind was at our backs. With admiration and respect for this retired Soldier, I am grateful that our paths crossed.

John G. Wheelock

September 11, 2011

In remembrance of your life of service ... and the day your e-mails stopped coming. We miss you, Max, and think of you often.

September 9, 2011

thank you for your service, and making the world a better place for the younger generation. my deepest sympathies

Scott Chamberland

September 5, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Nick

January 3, 2011

Master Sgt. - Thank you for your service. Some of the best leaders in the world are E-9's so you must of been quite a leader to make that rank. You will be truly missed brother.

NICK SABETTI

December 16, 2010

I NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO KNOW YOUR UNCLE

BUT HE WAS A TRUE QUIET HERO!

ken ulnaris

July 6, 2010

you are one of a kind, thanks so much man

----------------

www.ulnaris.com free website

Kristina

November 24, 2009

I won't forget.

Daniel Beilke

October 27, 2009

Thank you for keeping our country free.

John G Wheelock

September 12, 2009

You are remembered Max ... for your professionalism and caring. To this day, I miss your e-mails ...

September 10, 2009

Thanks to all you who still think of Max, and your memories of him. My brother is deeply missed.
Carol Wachter
Forest Lake Mn

Peggy Childers

September 10, 2009

To the family of Master Sgt. Max Beilke:
Max gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. My deepest sympathy to you. We must never forget!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Doug Abraham

July 24, 2009

Happy Birthday!!!

Phil Mullins

February 13, 2009

Men like Max are what makes our country great. I'm sure his faimly is very proud of him. I know I am.

richard pieper

January 1, 2009

I,ll always remember Max as one of my military instructors at STMA, I was a "torcher" when i graduated (no rank) and i remember max shaking his head at my lack of military discipline. He was a great guy. I only wish i could have let him know that i enlisted in the army in "67 went airborne and served in Special Forces.
"Light lie the earth upon his clear dead heart.
And dreams disturb him never,
Be deeper peace than Paradise his part.
Forever and forever."

Richard Pieper, STMA class of "66
President Chapter XX, Special Forces Association

John G. Wheelock

September 13, 2008

Another year has passed yet we still remember and honor Max's service to both his country and to retirees.

Tim Ruggles

September 12, 2008

As a student attending St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota in the early ‘60s, I remember Max as the person who walked into a hushed classroom one cold November afternoon and informed us, with great tenderness, that President Kennedy had just passed away and that we should all go home to our families. That was Max -- dignified, authoritative, kind and there when you needed him. At the moment of his death he was at work on behalf of others, still giving comfort to those who needed it. God bless you, Max.

John G. Wheelock

November 11, 2007

In remembrance on Veterans' Day 2007.

John G. Wheelock

September 11, 2007

Those of us that were recipients of Max's e-mails to retirees remember when they stopped coming and honor his memory.

Steve Lloyd

September 11, 2007

My prayers are for those who perished, the families left behind,and the children who will grow up without their mother or father. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Sharon

September 9, 2007

In memory..

P Tabbernor

August 22, 2007

In memory....

Doug Abraham

July 24, 2007

Happy Birthday!!!

Kristine

October 18, 2006

As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

John G Wheelock

September 10, 2006

I only knew Max through his frequent e-mails to retirees and other veterans ... but in them, in addition to providing a wealth of current information, Max challenged us to continue to be relevant and part of the Army family. I saved many of them and referred back to some frequently. On September 11, 2001 those e-mails stopped coming. I, and many other veterans, will not forget him.



Thanks, Max - be thou at peace ... and thanks to his family who also served for sharing him with us.



Respectfully,

.

JAMES POWELL

July 12, 2006

I met Max on two occasions once in Washington DC and a year later in Dallas TX. The events were Family Readiness Conferences where Max was present as a subject matter expert on retirement issues. All I knew of him was that he worked retirement services in Washington DC. It was obvious to me that he was well known and well liked by many of the folks at these meetings. I had no idea that he was famous from the Vietnam era as the last combat soldier to leave country. We spoke many times during these events. I remember him as being very intelligent, very informed and delight to talk to. He also

was a good listener and a great help to the FRG program. He was the kind man that leaves a mark (a memory) with you, he did with me. I was shocked and sadden when I realized that this gentleman was killed on 9/11. When the death toll was first being listed (just names no pictures) I recall reading the name but not putting his face to it. Then in USAA magazine there was a memorial to him with his picture. When I saw it I could not believe my eyes. Then I read about his career and I realized that I had been in the presents of a hero, for what he did back then and what he was doing the day he died – simply taking care of the needs of others.

Kathy Swaringen

June 14, 2006

on June 13, 2006, 1 mile was walked to honor the life of Master Sgt, Max Beilke. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not grieve a lone and that your loved one will never be forgotten.

Jim Dupras

June 10, 2005

Beilke Family,



I had the honor of meeting Mr. Beilke when I was about 5 or 6. I was in Frankfurt Germany and he was serving with my father Jim, Sr. I remember his strong physical stature and gentle but firm voice. I admired him from the start. I am sorry for your loss. Know that I think of him often and your family will always be in my prayers.



Jim Dupras, Jr.

MAJ, US Army

Sharon Wagner

September 11, 2004

My heart goes out to the family of Max. My father too was in Korea and Viet Nam. My husband also served in the Army, as my deceased brother did, and now I have two nephews who serve there country. One has just gotten back from Iraq and the other will deploy in January. As we military people understand: Freedom isn't free. To the family of Master Sgt.Max Beilke, thank you for such a brave and honorable man. I know many, many veteran's will miss him and keep him in there hearts. I know I will. May God Bless you and yours.

Felicia Hernandez

February 19, 2004

I am so sorry about everything and everyone is praying for you! God Bless! You were a strong man.

Del Newberry

September 25, 2003

Max,

We will never forget your service to this country and we will honor your memory forever.

Love from Texas...

Anna Potter

September 14, 2003

I am very sorry for your loss and I am praying for you. Remember, He is watching you.

With all of my sympathy,

Anna Potter

Sara Eastman

September 12, 2003

I did not know Mr. Beilke personally. I know his son Joe but only for a short time. In that short time that I've gotten to know Joe, he has taught me that life is short and to live life to the fullest and have no regrets. I think his grandfather would be proud of him for teaching me that.

To all of Mr. Beilke's family you are in my thoughts and prayers especially when this day comes around every year.

Douglas Judd

September 11, 2003

I'll always remember Max Beilke. Every time I needed something to support other soldiers, active and retired, Max was there to lend a hand. He served the Army well and faithfully to the very end and serves today as an inspiration to others, myself included.



Doug Judd

Lisa Price

September 13, 2002

I was touched when I saw your picture. I have a soft spot for veterans. You are an american hero. God Bless your family.

Pat Malley

September 11, 2002

You are the ideal of why, we in uniform, serve. I am proud to serve in an army that you were a part of. Thank you, reast easy, duty done.

Hannah Stiles

September 9, 2002

In Sympathy, May God Bless You Through Your Time Of Loss

scott

September 9, 2002

Thank you for your service. Thanks to you, and many others like you, I enjoy the freedoms this country has to offer. You are appreciated by millions.

Judy Nash

September 3, 2002

I met Max at the Brigadier General Training Conference held at Fort Leavenworth every year. He always attended this conference. This year it was held in the summer and he was truly missed. I will always remember how nice he was. He gave me a Army family pin to wear. When I wear that pin, I will always think of him. He will be in our hearts always. My sympathy and prayers to his family.

Becky Miller

August 30, 2002

I would like to thank Master Sgt. Beilke in defending and caring so much about our nation to help serve and protect it for so many years.

He will be in my thoughts and prayers, for I also have a Mercy B.A.N.D. with his name on it and will pray for his family every day that they are safe from harm that he fought for years defending.

With the first anniversary not far away I hope that the nation will not forget what our service men and women have done for our country.

Bennie & Betty Cornutt

June 15, 2002

MAX WAS ONE OF THE FINEST MEN THAT I HAVE EVER KNOWN.HE HAS A WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL FAMILY AND I SHOULD KNOW BECAUSE HIS YOUNGEST DAUGHTER IS MY WONDERFUL DAUGHTER IN LAW. HE WOULD BE SO PROUD OF HER NOW, SHE HAS BLESSED OUR LIVES SO MUCH. I KNOW MAX IS WATCHING OVER HER AND THE REST OF HIS FAMILY, HE WAS JUST THAT KIND OF MAN. MAY GOD BE WITH LISA, SUSIE, MICHELLE AND HIS GRANDCHILDREN JOSEPH, LUKE AND JOSHUA, HE WILL BE MISSED BY THEM EVERYDAY OF THEIR LIVES. IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE KNOWING MAX.

Dan Dames

May 12, 2002

To Master Sergeant Beilke's family and freinds,,,,God Bless,,,,I shall never forget 9/11/01 and what happened to my country that day,,,Dan,Sgt,,,USAF 1984-1988

Carol Wachter

May 4, 2002

Max Beilke, a brother, a friend, a nations hero and mine. Max was a servant in all aspects of his life. Max loved his work and his family. Until we meet again, Love from your sister and family

Sheila Werland

April 19, 2002

Thank You, Master Sgt. Max Beilke, for the sacrifices you made for us through your years in the military. Thank You, his family, for your sacrifices during those years. I pray for you all knowing how difficult it must be to accept losing him. I am brokenhearted by the amount of pain each family and friend has had to endure. We shall not forget them. Peace be With You.

John Reitano

April 17, 2002

Vietnam Veterans of America Capital District Chapter 8, Salute Master Sgt.Beilke as one of our own.

MICHAEL WILLIAMS

April 10, 2002

MAY GOD BE WITH THE SURVIVORS AND THERE FAMILIES. AND MAY HE BLESS THE ONES THAT ARE GONE FROM US. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

Sylvia (susie) Hess

March 20, 2002

As I surf the net, I am continuously in awe at the number of people that knew my father and /or his work. I wish to thank Legacy for posting this memorial. I miss him greatly, but I know we will be together again one day.

K. Melaragni

January 29, 2002

May God watch over you. Your family and friends are in all our prayers every day. Til we meet again!

Peggy Meador

January 12, 2002

I did not know Sgt. Beilke, but in honor of him and his service to our country, I purchased a Mercy Band which lists his name and where he died on that horrific day in September 2001.



I wear the sterling silver band every day as I grieve for a fellow American who lost his life so unnecessarily.



Thank you, Sgt. Beilke, for your service to our great country. I know you are missed by your loved ones and friends.



I feel honored to be able to wear your name on my wrist as a memorial to you and your life of service. I'm thankful for CNN sponsoring this Web site so I can place a face to a name and write this memorial.



God bless you, your family and those who knew and loved you. May He comfort you in your time of sorrow.

Teresa Jahn

January 12, 2002

May Max's enjoyment for fishing, his life and love live on in you. We thank him for the time he helped protect America while in the military. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by warm memories of times together. Our hearts cry with you.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

April Kotey

December 26, 2001

The time will come when God will wipe out every tear from their eyes

and death will be no more neither

mourning nor outcry nor pain the

former things have passed away.

Rev. 21:4

Henry Yee

December 7, 2001

Max, I knew you had served in the Army, and that you were still in Army service in the years since I met you, Lisa, and Joseph; but I remember you best as a soldier in the army of the Lord. God bless you, Max, but at this time you know it better than I do.

Maureen

December 6, 2001

Thank you Master Sgt Max Beilke for your loyal service to our great country. You will not be forgotten.

Brian Short

November 20, 2001

Then Staff Sgt. Max Beilke taught military science and was the B Squad Football coach at St. Thomas Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota in the early 60's. He was a great guy and a great teacher, a man who was very popular with the students. I will never forget his admonition to his less than talented football charges on a bitterly cold late October Minnesota afternoon practice session: "gentlemen, do you want to keep your mouths shut and have people think you are stupid or open them and remove all doubt?"



Sgt. Beilke, you served your country well, in peacetime and in war. Your service in Korea and Vietnam is probably well known to your soldier colleagues. However, your service to a bunch of high school kids in Minnesota in the 60's was significant and probably made most of them better and more honorable men. Thanks.

Fred H. Lobb

November 18, 2001

God bless you Sergeant Max! You worked long and hard to keep us all free in your years of service. My prayers are with you and your family.

Dale Zook

November 7, 2001

I have spent many wonderful visits with SGM Belke at Retired Activity Days.

He is truly missed

SFC(Ret) Dale Zook

Jan and Zane Azbarea

October 22, 2001

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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February 10, 2025

Robbie Nance posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2024

JOHN G WHEELOCK posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2023

Someone posted to the memorial.