Donald Graham Broadwell

HAYES - Donald Graham Broadwell, 67, died May 30, 2007, at his home which he considered to be the most perfect place on earth. Don served both in the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army. During his service in the Army he flew the OV-1 Mohawk and the UH-1 helicopter. Don flew the helicopter in the Idrang Valley Operation, which was the first real battle between the U.S. Army and the North Vietnamese. In Vietnam he was shot down four times. Don was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Pistol Medal. After Don left the service he flew for Piedmont Airlines and retired in 1995 as Captain from USAir now known as USAirways. The airplanes Don flew during his airline career were the Martin-404, Fairchild Hiller-227, YS-11, B-737-200 and B-727-200. He was a member of the Piedmont Silver Eagles. Don was a man of great wisdom acquired over a life well lived. His leadership and heroism as well as his strength of character will be missed. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn L. Broadwell; son, Graham Broadwell; two daughters, Suzanne Hagelberger and husband, Steve, and Frances Carneal and fiancé, Jeff; sister, Carol Broadwell Shull and husband, James; six grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service, officiated by the Rev. Stephen Young, will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethany United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be private. The family will greet friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. The family wishes to thank Riverside Walter Reed Hospice for the care and compassion given to Don and the family during his illness. To honor his memory, contributions may be made to Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, P.O. Box 1130, Gloucester, VA 23061, or Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 9, Bena, VA 23018.