October 25, 2007

It is with heavy heart that I pass on the sad news that we have all lost a dear friend Ernesto "Gooie" Gomez, and a legend in the Marine helicopter community.  Gooie was the recipient of the Navy Cross for valor during a medical evacuation flight from Hill 881S during the siege of Khe Sanh.

Gooie, and his wife Carleen, were continuing to serve this country by participating in a seven day Minuteman Civil Defense Corps mission near the city of Mission, Texas.  On the evening of their third day they retired to some  facilities provided by the Minuteman Headquarters where Gooie passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at approximately 4:00 am CST.

A traditional funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at the Grimes Funeral Chapel, 728 Jefferson, Kerrville, TX.  A reception will follow at the First Baptist Church, 65 Washington, Kerrville, TX. 

You may send your condolences to the family via the Grimes Funeral Chapel by clicking the following link: Send Condolences

It was Gooie's desire to be buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.  His internment has been set for Monday, November 26, 2007 at 11:00 am.  There is a need relative to transporting Gooie to D.C.  If you wish to learn more and assist, drop me a line - "Uncle Frank" Gulledge

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the First Baptist Troop Fund in Gooie's name.  Gooie and Carleen have been active participants in this effort to collect and send support boxes to our troops serving in Iraq.

First Baptist Church
65 Washington
Kerrville, TX 78028

Cards an letters may also be sent to Carleen:

Carleen Gomez
170 Limestone Ridge North
Kerrville, TX. 78028

Pat Donovan, who flew many missions with Gooie, one of which earned him a Navy Cross also, submits the following in remembrance:

Carleen, we are with you now and always recalling Gooie's voice at Hill 881S who now lives on at the Marine Corps Museum. You are all in our thoughts and prayers of praise for the life and presence of Gooie who remains with us always.

This photo of Gooie was taken by Pat Donovan during the Warriors of Hill 881S reunion in November 2006 at Fredericksburg, Va.
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This day is somewhat darker now.  The sunshine of Ernesto "Gooie" Gomez is gone and he will be missed.  He was the quintessential Purple Fox.  He was an icon of our unit, our time in Vietnam, and our spirit.  He represented our famous squadron as the very best of the Best.  I pray for his family and wish them God's comfort and peace.

Semper Fi,
Courtney Payne

I had grown particularly close to Gooie over the years. He was an extraordinary individual and I have said that meeting him was one of the best things that happened during my work on his riveting oral history that now enhances the Vietnam Immersion Gallery of the NMMC. He was friend and role model.

Beth Crumley
National Museum of the Marine Corps