Lt. Col. (Ret.) John Michael Bell

Mike,

You were a great friend. I will always remember the great times we had in Louisville. You were certainly one of M/G Carl Black's "Best of the Best". Your career and reputation attest to that. To your children I say that you all could not have had a better man for a father. I knew him when you were just a twinkle in his eyes. If you would like to know something of him from his RF-4 days with the KYANG just contact me. Mike, just press on brother.

Bill Harkins, 123AW, KYANG (ret)
[email protected]
502 352 3205
Frankfort KY

My sincere condolences to the Bell Family. I flew with "Taco" many times. You could not find a more sincere and professional person, friend, and pilot. He will be truly missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Taco, Thank you for teaching me the importance of being a leader among men. You will be missed but your legacy will live forever. To all the family members and friends...Peace be with you all. I will always remember the goodness that Taco so freely gave to all. God Bless

Our prayers are with the Bell family, so sorry for your loss. Ray abd Sherry York

My deepest sympythy.
I really enjoyed Taco's humor and ehthusiasm for life.

My deepest condolences to the Bell family. I always enjoyed Taco's friendliness and fun personality while working with him at IDANG. He was a good guy who will be missed.

May God bless and comfort Taco's family and friends. I will fondly remember him as an outstanding pilot, friend, and mentor. My heart is breaking for the loss of such a quality soul.

March 11, 1996, was the day Taco called me to say that I had been hired as a C-130 Pilot with the 189th Airlift Squadron. We flew together numerous times over the years. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity he gave me. Godspeed Taco.

My heartfelt condolences to your family

John, Jason, Heather and Sally, and the Bell Family, my sincere condolence to you at this time. Godspeed "Taco." With deepest sympathy, Kenalee Pecora-Dougherty (ret. IDANG)

We salute your veteran. Our condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.

Taco you were always the optimist and adventurer in every thing you did. Words simply cannot be said of the great loss you have left in all our hearts. Happier trails my friend!

We always looked forward to drill weekend when we could be pretty sure to see Taco! He was always fun and a gentleman! All of the bartenders had a soft spot for Taco! Blessed Be!

We remember Mike very fondly here at the Kentucky Air National Guard. He was an inspiration to many.

RIP "Taco". You were my 1st fun softball coach for the Idaho Air Guard Women's team and it was good knowing you and I know the Idaho Air Guard was more than thankful to have you!

It saddens deeply to hear this news. Please except my condolences and know that Taco made a difference. You couldn't help but be a better person if you were lucky enough to know or work with him. His smile is still contagious.

My sincerest sympathy to your Family MIke. I will never forget your humor, your kindness, and your "Southerness." You were always a great guy to work for, and nothing but an asset in the IDANG. Godspeed and clear skys Taco.

I knew Mike when he was in the Motor Pool of the KYANG. I had the privilege to teach Mike how to drive a 28 passenger bus. I remember it like it was yesterday. We all encouraged him to become a Flyer. It is nice to know he did so well and touched so many people.

My sincere condolences to Mike's family. I had the pleasure of flying with Taco in the KYANG, and although it has been quite a while ago, I vividly remember him as a special person. He was a talented aviator, a determined patriot, and a true gentleman. His ever present smile was a sincere reflection of his inner self, a happy, personable guy. We missed Mike when he left for Boise, and no doubt, many more will miss him now. Peace and sympathy to friends and family.

My thoughts and prayers to Mike's family. Growing up with Mike was an experience I will always look back on with a smile. He was truly one of kind.

To the entire Bell Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult of times. Mike was a joy and we be deeply missed by all who knew him. Take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord and once again reunited with Betty and Ed.
His spirit lives on in each of you.
Love,
The Reinhardt's

Sally, I am so sorry to hear about Mike. I can't even think of it without tears running down my cheeks. I adored him. I always felt especially safe with him next door. He was my favorite neighbor to brag about. I will miss him terribly.

I knew mike when we flew RF-4Cs in Louisville KY. We always made special stops at Boise just to experience his great sense of humor. Those fortunate enough to know Mike will surely miss him.

My sincerest sympathies for John, Jason and Heather. Your dad was always kind whether bringing you to orthodontic appointments, or bringing me fresh pheasant. He stopped by my office a couple of years ago to show me a picture of all three of you and assure me that John and Jason still had great smiles! He was beaming with pride as he briefed me on your adventures and accomplishments. He was a very proud papa!

I pray that all the wonderful memories help to get Taco's family through this difficult time. RIP Mike, you were loved and respected by many.

I was sorry to hear of Taco's passing. I always enjoyed flying with Taco, especially on Functional Check Flights where we would test the capabilities of the Weasel. Taco sprinkled every briefing, flight and debrief with his great sense of humor and being around him always seemed to lighten any mood. I still enjoy telling stories of our adventures flying together. May God warmly receive his soul and may He comfort every heart that feels the pain of his loss.

Bell Family - we are sorry for the loss of your brother - may God bring peace to your family - laura strobel ryan, bob and jillian ryan - stmm family

Mike's passing touches every member of the Kentucky Air National Guard family. He most certainly was a critical part of our legacy of excellence over the decades. I personally have vivid memories of the aftermath of Mike's successful ejection from a flaming RF-4 Phantom on his way to Savannah from our base in Louisville. Thanks for your faithful and dedicated service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the nation.
Major General Ed Tonini, The Adjutant General - Kentucky

I am very saddened to learn of Taco's passing and send my deepest condolences to his family. I was privileged to serve and fly with him during his time with the 123rd TRW in Louisville, KY. I cherish the fond memories of our service and friendship.
Brig Gen (Ret) Rick Ash

I remember being a friend of Mike's at St. X HS in Louisville class of 74. He was smart, especially math, and had a quiet wit. From time to time I wondered where he wound up. I am not surprised he led such a proud and distinguished career. My prayers and condolences.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mike. As a member of the unit, he was respected and liked by both Enlisted and Officers. Always a friend and gentleman. The world would be a much better place if we had more people like Mike. Godspeed.
John Amshoff
Ky ANG

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad, my cousin. He was a great person, and I will miss his warm smile and wonderful sense of humor. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Love, Alice

Tom,
We are so sorry to hear about your brother Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jill, Tommy, Rachel and your entire family!

One of the first of the "Southern Boys" in the IDANG. A pleasure to know, fly, hunt and fish with! I am so glad to have known you my friend! "You have the aircraft."

You were such a "Southern Gentleman."
We are blessed to have known you.
Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Kerrie & Chip Walters (Boise, ID)

Mike was such a good friend to my husband, Jay, and myself, and always such fun for our children. We all have many good memories of time spent with Taco and his kids.

So sorry.

My son, David, needed some help to complete one of his college class assignments. Mike asked if he could help my son with his assignment and my son, to this day, remembers the friendship Taco extended to him some 15 years ago.

I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation and an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one.

If you wish for a personalized memorial sympathy card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salutes, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, please send your request to:

Chaplain Richard Reuer
Honoring Those Who Served Ministry
1206 6th St SW
Minot, ND 58701

Or click on CONTACT ME to email a mailing address for which card be mailed to.

This service is a free to all veteran families. I wish to thank you for your serving from one veteran to another – Thanks!

I was fortunate to have flown on Mike's wing in peace and combat and to count on him as my friend on the ground. Godspeed Taco. Outboard and up.