KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- On October 12, 2019 it will be 45 years since six crew members of the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the Typhoon Chasers, were lost during Typhoon Bess.
The Swan 38 Memorial Scholarship, named after the 54th WRS crew with the call sign “Swan 38”, who disappeared without a trace over the Western Pacific on 12 October 1974, is a memorial in their honor to remind everyone and their families that they are not forgotten.
The crew members on board the C-130H Hercules that fateful flight were Capt. Edward R. Bushnell, 1st Lt. Gary W. Crass, 1st Lt. Michael P. O’Brien, 1st Lt. Timothy J. Hoffman, Tech. Sgt. Kenneth G. Suhr, and Sgt. Detlef W. Ringler.
In honor of their sacrifice while performing their duties to protect the homes and lives of the local population by gathering critical data from typhoons, the Hurricane Hunter Association gives out the Swan 38 Memorial Scholarship annually.
“We will be giving out two scholarships,” said Maj. Kimberly Spusta, 53rd WRS and HHA treasurer. “This year we were able to increase the scholarships to $2000.00 each, which is an increase of $400.00 each over last year and we are hoping to continue increasing our scholarships again next year with the support of our families, friends, and the local community.”
The scholarship is available to members of the 403rd Wing and their dependents. Members include all reservists, civilians or retirees, who are working for or assigned to the 403rd Wing, the dependent must meet the Department of Defense dependent benefits criteria.
This will be the 12th annual scholarship presented by the Hurricane Hunter Association. It recognizes outstanding students in the 403rd Wing by providing a form of financial assistance for the continued study in a field of their choosing.
If you would like to apply for this scholarship, information can be found on their website at: https://www.hurricanehunters.com/swan38.htm or you can contact Spusta at kimberlyspusta@gmail.com.