Posted on 11/23/2005 2:22:30 PM PST by A.A. Cunningham
Pendleton Cobra pilots remembered during memorial service
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005112219544
Story by Lance Corporal Lanessa Arthur
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2005) -- Family and friends remembered their loved ones Monday in a memorial ceremony held at the Marine Memorial Chapel here.
Maj. Gerald M. Bloomfield and Capt. Michael D. Martino both of Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force were 70 miles west of Ar Ramadi, in an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter, when they crashed while performing a support mission Nov. 2.
Both Bloomfield and Martino were buried at Arlington National Cemetery last week surrounded by other service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The families and Marines of the two pilots filled the chapel and the lawn outside watching a TV monitor and listening to loud speakers. This was one of many ceremonies held for the two Marines.
Marines spoke of the two men and their enthusiasm for life and for the Corps.
The two men were idolized with mention of their outstanding service. There were lighter moments during the memorial, bringing chuckles to the service by the Marines peers with topics of short gym shorts and height, or lack there of.
“Bloomfield was only (5 foot-7-inches) but had the personality of a giant,” said Maj. Dean L. Putnam, maintenance officer, Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 775.
To conclude the service, members of the family were escorted outside to gaze at a flyover of four AH-1W Super Cobras in honor of the fallen leaders.
The attendees soon gathered to reminisce of the two Marines and the ceremony.
Martino, who acquired the call sign ‘Oprah’ while in Iraq, was a ‘mother hen,’ caring for everyone around him.
Martino told his brother, Robert Martino, “if anything happened to him to take care of mom and dad,” said Sybil E. Martino, mother of 32-year-old Michael Martino.
“He was doing what he loved and he loves his country,” she said. “He loved the Marine Corps and we love the Marine Corps and only have great things to say about it.”
Bloomberg also had a love for the Corps.
“He kept me motivated,” said Maj. Dave L. Barnhart, 3rd Civil Affairs Group and communications Officer, Marine Forces Reserve, II Marine Expeditionary Force. “With aviation he knew what…he was talking about.”
Both Marines were awarded the Air Medal with Numeral “1” posthumously to represent One Strike/Flight Award for their participation as pilots in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“The ceremony was very moving,” said Todd Howard, friend of the family and former Marine. “(Their deaths were) an unfortunate event.”
Captain Michael D. Martino
I give thanks that the Marines still make 'em like they used to.
I agree with that sentiment. However, the other branches of the military deserve the same respect from all Americans for those of whom have served in the United States military.
al Anbar will be a better pace because of it.
I used to love flying done the coast in the VFR corridor just offshore and watch the Whiskey Cobras, F 18s, Sea Knights & MH 53 Es in action. I would see an occasional A-10 from Davis Montham (Tuscon). Since we were not in radio contact, we would flash our landing lights at each other to acknowledge we had each other in sight.
Professional courtesy, pilot to pilot.
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