Lost a close friend in Iraq today

[Tex Pete]

Found out about four hours ago that my good friend, CW5 Ret. William F. "Sonny" Hinchman, was killed in a helicopter crash today.

Sonny finished his second tour in Iraq in January, IIRC, and retired from active duty in April. He was working for Xe(Blackwater) at the time of the crash. He was a helicpoter pilot for many years, flying primarily Blackhawks and Kiowas.

My heart is broken. Sonny was one of the funniest, nicest human beings you could ever meet. He was working in Iraq so he could be home for football season to watch his stepsons play football for TCU (TE Logan Brock, LB Tanner Brock) and Copperas Cove, Texas HS (DE Cooper Brock). Sonny was the greatest stepfather, and was so proud of his kids.

I just found this quote from another deployment:"Michael, a soldier in Iraq who has a blog on the net, cited some Kiowa pilots from the 1st Cavalry Division that had been dropping soccer balls from their helicopters after completing their missions. One story in particular really struck a chord.

“I remember this one time when we came down, ready to drop a few balls and we see this kid standing off in the distance. He had his arm cocked back to his ear, just ready to hurl a rock at us. I pulled one of the balls out and tossed it to him. The kid just stood there for a second, like he really wasn’t sure what to do, but then he dropped that rock, grabbed the ball and gave us the thumbs up. That was cool.” --Chief Warrant Officer Sonny Hinchman, Kiowa pilot."

I miss my friend. RIP Sonny.

[Tex Pete]

Ping to War News

[Darkwolf377]

Sincere condolences to you and his family.

[Anti-Bubba182]

Rest in Peace.

[null and void]

Lest we forget these are people not statistics.

[Norman Bates]

May his soul rest in peace

[Rome2000]

God Bless this American hero.

[tubebender]

MY condolences to you and many Prayers for the family...

[HokieMom]

We've all lost another good man. One of our best. I'm so sorry.

[SandRat]

A fallen American in Iraq.

[imahawk]

I am so sorry for yours and his loved ones loss.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Amen.....God be with his family, friends, and fellow patriots in Uniform.

Of whom the world is not worthy.....

[Jet Jaguar]

Rest in peace Sonny.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

You have my deepest condolences.

[F15Eagle]

Sorry for your and his family’s loss.

Prayers

[conservative cat]

I am sorry for your loss and the loss of a good man. My dad was an Army helicopter pilot when I was a kid, so I always say an extra prayer for these guys.

[Jewels1091]

I’m so sorry to hear of the lost of another American Hero warrior! God be with you and the family!

[Rome2000]

[Salamander]

Beautifully said.

My condolences and prayers for those who loved him.

[Kevin in California]

Prayers sent to this brave hero.

[goodnesswins]

So sorry. Our prayers are with you and his family.

[My hearts in London - Everett]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, Tex Pete. My condolences go out to you and his family.

[Irish Eyes]

So very sorry to hear about your good friend Sonny. My heart goes out to you and his family.

[rockinqsranch]

I know how you feel. Lost my best friend in Nam in ‘68 just days after discharge from active service in S. Korea. A Huey pilot shot down attempting take-off.

My sympathies for all, and prayers up for your friend and his family.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thank you for that graphic, Rome.

And thank God for brave men like this one!

[Kathy in Alaska]

TAPS

RIP CW5 William F "Sonny" Hinchman

Amazing Grace

[Velveeta]

I’m so very sorry for your loss.

[LucyJo]

Heartbreaking. Beautiful picture of him and his family. My prayers for you all.

[jveritas]

God rest his soul.

[RepublicanChick]

I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you, Sonny and his family in this difficult time.

[jazusamo]

Condolences to you and prayers for his family.

[Nam Vet]

Condolences and prayers for family and loved ones.

Nam Vet

[freekitty]

I am so sorry.

[roaddog727]

Bump for a fallen comrade in arms.

[TWhiteBear]

Condolences to family and friends.
TWB

[unkus]

Yes, another American Hero. He is now aware of our gratitude.

[lonestar]

May he rest in peace.

[glaseatr]

Sorry for your loss. It’s gonna be a long time before the sting goes away. The dull ache will last a lifetime.

[pbear8]

Deeply sorry for your loss, please be assured of my prayers.

[pistolpetestoys]

our thoughts and prayers are with you,Pete.Your friend is a patriot and a hero.God Bless Him.

[EDINVA]

From the pix, you can see the quality of the man. Such a loss. Condolences to his family and to you and his friends.
Prayers for you all in this very difficult time.

[FlyVet]

Sorry for your loss. Another Warrior, gone. May he reside in a better place now.

[MamaDearest]

My brother lost his best friend in Nam. To this very day he wonders why it was his friend who died and not him. In other words, it never goes away.

[grey_whiskers]

Prayers up for you, and his family.

Tell his family "thanks for his service and ultimate sacrifice" too...when it is appropriate.

[LUV W]

God rest the soul of
CW5 Ret. William F. "Sonny" Hinchman
Killed in Iraq
An American Hero

Providence~Amazing Grace.wma
[click]

[Eagles6]

Dang! Prayers up for Sonny and his loved ones. May he Rest In Peace.

[americanophile]

I weep for all our fallen heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan and tonight for William F. “Sonny” Hinchman; You are men who in your ‘lives fought for life and left the vivid air signed with your honor.’

[Yaelle]

So sad. I am so sorry for your loss. He just looks like a great guy.

[flying Elvis]

I’m sorry, his loss will be felt by all of us in the TCU family.
(Ph.D. 09)

[Future Snake Eater]

I’m sorry for your loss.