1stLt.  Jerry Skibinski, USMC was assigned duty in the Republic of Vietnam as a Helicopter Pilot in Command and Section Leader  for combat  missions with  "The  Purple  Foxes", of  Marine  Medium  Helicopter  Squadron  364, throughout  1969.   In  Operation  Iraqi Freedom  today,  this  same  Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 is deployed  in Iraq and is flying the same type of  combat missions  with  the same type  of aircraft,  CH-46E, assigned the objectives of accomplishing the medevac, resupply,  insert and extract of Marine Ground units into and out of combat situations.

Mr. Jerry Skibinski  raised his children to keep heart  in adversity  and stand tall  in  dedication  to  one  another.   We take pride  in our Squadron mate's daughter,  1stLt. Nikki Das,  USAF, who speaks with deep  conviction of her recognition,  in  her  husband  Capt. Eric B. Das, USAF,  of his  deeply  held dedication of his life to his God, his Family and his Country.  Eric was killed while flying a combat mission over Iraq on April 7, 2003.

We wish to assure 1stLt. Nikki Das, USAF of our prayerful presence, though it will be distant in  miles from her side.  With her we shall  keep heart in this adversity  and stand tall  in confidence with the entire  Air Force Family that surrounds and nurtures the Das Family. In fraternal spirit, in reverent praise and in genuine  thanksgiving for  the blessings bestowed,  to us as  American Citizens in this Land of the Free and a world of growing Freedom, our grati- tude  is extended to  the devout family of  the fine  United  States  Air  Force Academy Graduate, US Air Force Officer and F-15E Pilot who is and always shall be  remembered  in our hearts as  United States Air Force Captain Eric Das.

On behalf of each and  everyone of us Purple Foxes, we remain with  you all.
Semper Fi !