March 15, 2022 – Command Chief Warrant Officer, CW (5) David Hammon of the Illinois National Guard, marked the end of his 42-year career with a Final Flight today at the Aviation Support Facility.
The Final Flight commemorates an aviator’s career accomplishments and a successful final mission.
After his final flight, Hammon looked back on a career that took him to places such as Alaska, Hawaii, Cuba, Iceland, Iraq, Europe, and Central America. When he was asked what goes into a successful 42 years in the military, he credited health, academics, and his wife.
“Good health, being in aviation makes you stay healthy. The support of my better half. Believe me, we spent many hours studying; the academics in the flying realm is tremendous and we were always in the academics. She studies with me and quizzed me with flashcards while I drove.” Hammon said.
Hammond also reflected on what he would miss after his upcoming retirement in April.
“The flying, the mission, and the people… and the job that we do,” he said.
Upon returning from his final flight, he was greeted by family and fellow Guardsmen, and also a ceremonial hose down.
After the Final Flight landing, it is tradition for a large group of people will then welcome and huddle around the member, followed by a walk through a fire hose of water.
To end the ceremony, Hammon then got tour a new Victor-model Blackhawk helicopter, which was flown in from Kankakee for his ceremony.
