Jerry Lee Eckhoff
April 13, 1951- December 23, 2019
Jerry Eckhoff was many things to many different people. He was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a grandfather and truly a great friend to all who knew him well.
I met Jerry in Nam as a young, very green Private in the Army. To me, he was an altogether different person. Jerry took his time to mentor me in the different aspects of the motor pool and maintenance, which served me well for the next 24 years. He always was looking out for those under his care. Case being, when we had missed our flight back down to the Delta, he found us a ride home and we made it in one piece. I still smile to this day about that night.
Since we both worked in ground maintenance, we rarely got a chance to fly even though it was an Air Cav Unit. When we did, we both jumped at the opportunity. On one such occasion we flew into a Hot LZ. The 1st bird was taking fire. I was in the 2nd bird, which was taking hits and Jerry was in the 3rd bird. We were returning fire but couldn't see where it was coming from. Jerry did see where it was coming from and took out the shooter. He probably saved the personnel in the front 2 birds and because of that, I call him my Hero.
To anyone who knew Jerry well, they knew him as a wild and crazy guy, who is missed by all.
We love and miss you, Shane, Robyn and Linda
Written by his friend, Mac.
