Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Roy,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served as a USAF Security Policeman. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 27, 2023

I have been here at Eielson for 27 years. The main gate still carries his name!

GS-11 Gary Olson
354 Security Forces Squadron

February 27, 2020

In 1960-61, I was on the same security flight as Roy at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas (our first base). Good man. Quiet, friendly, hard working, etc. I left PCS to Moron AB, Spain. Roy to Alaska. Rest in peace, Roy.

CMSgt (retired) Bill Vickery
USAF

February 27, 2020

I was coming back from Fairbanks on February 27th 1963. I spoke with Roy briefly at the gate and told him I was heading home at midnight. When the explosion happened I was coming through North Pole which is about 13 miles from Eielson. I didn't find out Airman Hursey got killed till I got home. He lived in Star NC which is the geographical center of North Carolina. I lived in Biscoe NC which is 3 miles south. We honored him at the Star Fiddlers Convention at East Montgomery High Scool in March 2013. The 50th year since this tragedy. I will always remember his last words to me at the gate. TELL EVERYONE AT HOME HI AND I'LL SEE THEM SOON. Little did I know his life would be over in a hour.

Airman Frank Abernathy
Home Friend

April 3, 2016

Thank you all sincerely for your kind words. I never met my Uncle as I was born in 1964. My family has given me a glimpse into his life, and I followed in the family footsteps of sorts by serving as a Military Police Officer (31A) with the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I later went to work for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as a forensic scientist. Again thank you all.

CPT
nephew

September 27, 2015

My father Tsgt. Daniel C. Cameron was the boom operator on that plane when it went down. Sad for everyone. I am looking for any info from that day as I never knew my Dad. thanks.

Scott Cameron
Son

July 27, 2015

I was almost 10 years old when the unthinkable happened. At an early age I knew I wanted to be a pilot. The explosion and the carnage after had a profound effect, on me, at an early age. I remember they had to make a temporary entrance, past the destruction, until a newer and better gate (named after the Air Police Airman Hursey) was built.

Maj. USAF Res.

November 21, 2013

Being a former airman at Eielson assigned to the 5010th m&s aircraft and missile ground support squad, I was alone that night working at the shop
when the accident occured.As a habit after working there awhile I knew when a aircraft such as the Kc-135 would "rotate"on takeoff .Normally
the takeoff was in the direction of north, towards fairbanks.I noticed the green wingtip nav/light through the shops windows.This to me was not normal as usually the aircraft are well airborn past the shop.The engines sounded normal but as the nav/light streaked past the complete row of
windows I got a sick feeling in my stomach.Seconds later I heard the crash.It was full winter and dark outside.Immediatly the office phones started ringing.I answered and was told to deliver as many portable light plants (wheeled) and Herman/Nelson BT-400 wheeled heaters to the crash site which I did.I made several trips that night and one of the first to arrive except for fire/rescue.I was immediatly struck by the eerily solemn quiet that come over the crash site except for the engines of the large fire fighting equipment off into the distance.I heard voices but only those of rescue.Soon the lights of the light plants I delivered were plied to the scene.My first impression was"where is the wreckage"? There was a substantial section of tail section, a engine here or there and one large piece of a wing section, that was all I observed at the time.Then I walked over in the direction of the main gate.All there was was debris.The red brick, wood and glass structure was gone.My thought went to the person or persons who must have occupied the hut at the time, I knew it wouldnt
be good for them.There was nothing but a foot tall stump of a wooden telephone pole left beside the sheared foundation of the gate house.That
was all that was left as the gate house sat off the end of the runway, but at a distance.
Later the same day when some daylight came I joined many others as a large sweep of the site was made in a single abreast column consisting of at least four dozen airmen.We were told to look for "remains" and any other things of interest and report.We found a small mechanics tool pouch w/small size wrenches and socket set inside it.
I was not aware of any major body remaines being found when I was there right after the accident, but later that spring when most of the deep snow had melted we were asked again to perform another column sweep.This time we did find numerous pieces of human remains.We also discovered to look where the large black raven birds were scavaging, as they were discovering the same.The remains were well preserved after being in deep snow for some months.We respectfully gathered them and turned them over to authorities.It was a real sobering experience for me and I'm sure others.
I purchased and have in my possession the entire Fairbanks newspaper addition of the incident in excellent condition.
I prayed GOD take mercy on their souls and comfort their famlies.They were our "brothers in arms"doing their job.DUTY-HONOR-COUNTRY.

William Elliott (A/1C 1959-1963)

November 9, 2013

Being a former airman at Eielson assigned to the 5010th m&s aircraft and missile ground support squad, I was alone that night working at the shop
when the accident occured.As a habit after working there awhile I knew when a aircraft such as the Kc-135 would "rotate"on takeoff .Normally
the takeoff was in the direction of north, towards fairbanks.I noticed the green wingtip nav/light through the shops windows.This to me was not normal as usually the aircraft are well airborn past the shop.The engines sounded normal but as the nav/light streaked past the complete row of
windows I got a sick feeling in my stomach.Seconds later I heard the crash.It was full winter and dark outside.Immediatly the office phones started ringing.I answered and was told to deliver as many portable light plants (wheeled) and Herman/Nelson BT-400 wheeled heaters to the crash site which I did.I made several trips that night and one of the first to arrive except for fire/rescue.I was immediatly struck by the eerily solemn quiet that come over the crash site except for the engines of the large fire fighting equipment off into the distance.I heard voices but only those of rescue.Soon the lights of the light plants I delivered were plied to the scene.My first impression was"where is the wreckage"? There was a substantial section of tail section, a engine here or there and one large piece of a wing section, that was all I observed at the time.Then I walked over in the direction of the main gate.All there was was debris.The red brick, wood and glass structure was gone.My thought went to the person or persons who must have occupied the hut at the time, I knew it wouldnt
be good for them.There was nothing but a foot tall stump of a wooden telephone pole left beside the sheared foundation of the gate house.That
was all that was left as the gate house sat off the end of the runway, but at a distance.
Later the same day when some daylight came I joined many others as a large sweep of the site was made in a single abreast column consisting of at least four dozen airmen.We were told to look for "remains" and any other things of interest and report.We found a small mechanics tool pouch w/small size wrenches and socket set inside it.
I was not aware of any major body remaines being found when I was there right after the accident, but later that spring when most of the deep snow had melted we were asked again to perform another column sweep.This time we did find numerous pieces of human remains.We also discovered to look where the large black raven birds were scavaging, as they were discovering the same.The remains were well preserved after being in deep snow for some months.We respectfully gathered them and turned them over to authorities.It was a real sobering experience for me and I'm sure others.
I purchased and have in my possession the entire Fairbanks newspaper addition of the incident in excellent condition.
I prayed GOD take mercy on their souls and comfort their famlies.They were our "brothers in arms"doing their job.DUTY-HONOR-COUNTRY.

William Elliott (A/1C 1959-1963)

November 8, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 8, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 49th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored amd revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 27, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 27, 2012

I joined the Air Force in April 2005 and became a Security Forces member soon there after. I recieved orders to Eielson AFB, AK and upon arriving for duty my first post watch was at Hursey gate which by now has been moved to a different location not far from the site of this incident. I felt like I should leave a reflection of this since I feel like it is our duty to carry this forward.

Thank You and God Bless.....

1 Feb 2012

SSgt Randy Hickey, USAF Security Forces

“You're short on ears and long on mouth.”
― John Wayne

February 1, 2012

I served with A3C Hursey when we were young troops at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. I believe Roy arrived in mid 1960. He was a good young man. Friendily, hard working, took pride in his appearance, i.e., shined his boots, pressed his fatigues, etc. I left Little Rock AFB in April 1961 for Spain and Roy went to Alaska a few months
later.

Bill V.

CMSgt (retired) Bill Vickery

June 29, 2008

Hero's are never forgotten! Continue to rest in peace brother.

Paul Bodenhamer
Police Officer
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

Former 36th SFS Andersen AFB Guam
Security Forces

Police Officer - Paul Bodenhamer
Dept of Veterans Affairs

April 10, 2008

Having spent many swing and mid shifts on patrol at Eielson, Hursey Gate was a nightly reminder of the ultimate sacrafice that could be given by a fellow Security Policemen. One that I will remember always.

TSgt (Ret) Dale Metz
U.S. Air Force Security Police

February 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 21, 2008

I served proudly as a SP from 1991-1998 and am very grateful for the men like Roy Lee Hursey that laid the foundation for other Airman to follow. SP Hursey will not be forgotten!

SSGT Matthew Anselmo
USAF

February 5, 2008

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTON MY FRIEND. GOD BLESS.

TSGT. VINCI, CHRISTOPHER A.
HANSCOM AFB SECURITY FORCES

February 6, 2007

Security Policman Hursey,
On today, the 43rd anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

February 27, 2006

It has been 40 years since that fateful night that took so many lives. As I stand at the Hursey Gate at Eielson Air Force Base, I see airplanes pass over my head. Each time I see a KC-135 pass overhead, I wonder about the events of that night so long ago. As I look at the corner plaque in the wall of the Hursey Gate, I am reminded that
"All gave some... Some gave all".

Airman First Class Swafford
Eielson Security Forces

Airman 1st Class Swafford
Eielson Security Forces