The big guy

I write this message with a heavy heart. One of our own Master Sgt. Michael Maltz died on Sunday 23 March 03 along with five other flight crew members in a helicopter crash during a nighttime mercy mission in Afghanistan. The HH-60G Pave Hawk crashed Sunday during a flight to pick up two children with life-threatening head injuries and take them to Kandahar. Msgt Maltz was a Para Rescue, but he start his Air Force an spent his first six years in Cable. I had the pleasure of working with Mike at 1827 EIS Kelly AFB TX. I honor his passing and salute him for the hero he is. May God bless and keep you and yours. You are missed. Msgt Maltz wake is on Wednesday 2 Apr 03 from 14:00-17:00 and 19:00-21:30 at Manganos Funeral Home 1701 Deer Park Ave Deer Park, NY 11729 631-586-3600 Mass and funeral to be held at St Matthew's Catholic Church 35 N Service Rd Dix Hills, NY 631-499-8520 on Thursday 3 Apr 03 at 10:30.

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Alvy replies from Elmendorf AFB on Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at 1414L
God Bless Mike, He was a great guy and died doing something he loved.... He was one of the best the Air Force had..

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Steven M. Cox replies from San Antonio Tx on Thursday, April 3, 2003 at 0804L
I was stationed with Mike at the 1827 and spent time with mike TDY to Kirtland AFB. I remember Mike training to get into the Para Rescue program. I last saw Mike while deployed to the desert myself in 2000. The guy looked exactly te same as he did in the early 80's. I am sad and I am proud to have known such a great man. Thanks Mike for giving me freedom!

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James N. DiTomasso replies from Cincinnati, OH on Thursday, April 3, 2003 at 1451L
Mike has touched the hearts of thousands of people throughout his short life both personal and profesional. Only Mike would pull his retirement paperwork just two weeks prior to his retirement only to help out others once again as he has continued to do through out his life. He was the kind of person others would only dream of being. After being his roommate for several years, I was privileged and honored to learn a tremendous amount from Mike. We traveled back to NY and met his family and went on a few vacations together. Every time and or location, Mike was always looking out for the benifit of others. What an honor for all of us which served with this true American Hero !!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless Mike and his Family.

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webmaster replies from here on Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at 1819L
Posted up two photos honoring MSgt Maltz.

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michele replies from New York on Thursday, April 10, 2003 at 2131L
Michael Maltz was my first and favorite cousin. He was my heart. I can not believe he is gone. I always thought Michael was super human. We were so close and had a special bond. I miss him so very much. He was so very special to me and I will never get to give him another hug. I feel as though my life has changed forever and it will never be the same without my special cousin Michael.

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Larry Persons replies from Dayton Ohio on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 1228L
I had not logged on to the site in awhile. I deeply saddened to hear about Mike's passing. I knew him from the 1827th and will miss him. I ran into Mike years later at Lackland while doing a project there. He was very proud of the fact that he achived his dream job. He was a good man and he will be missed by all who knew him.

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Javier Barrera replies from Beeville, TX on Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 0914L
I had not logged in for quite a while and I'm saddened by the news of