Mark Newell
Steve was a good friend, a great pilot, and a true patriot. After 9/11/2001, he was one of the first Americans to deploy to the middle-east and offer a response to those who had attacked our country. The missions in those early days of OEF were ambiguous and dangerous. The terrain, conditions, and weather were like nothing any of us had ever seen. Several very seasoned and senior pilots balked, lost their nerve, or otherwise stepped back from the full responsibility to deliver justice on behalf of a nation in shock and mourning. Steve never flinched. He was solid as a rock from day one. He brought America's response to those who deserved it and saved the lives of our warriors along the way. The nation owes him a debt it can never repay. His family can be proud of his service and of the man he was. Everything he did was for Lauren and the kids. He never lost sight of it. He was my friend and god willing, we'll meet again and have another drink together.
Col Mark D. Newell, USAF (Ret)
