FRESNO (KMJ) — A member of the Fresno’s 144th Fighter Wing, killed while taking part in Operation Clear Sky, will return to Fresno for a final goodbye.
Lieutenant Colonel Seth “Jethro” Nehring died during a familiarization flight in Ukraine on October 16th (click here for more). He returned to the United States on October 29th, and will come back to the Central Valley Saturday morning.
As well as serving as a pilot with the 144th Fighter Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Nehring also worked as a pilot for Southwest Airlines. The carrier will be transporting him to the Fresno Air National Guard Base along with his family and friends.
“It’s a really touching tribute from Southwest to bring him in,” said Major Luke Campagne.
The memorial on base will take place immediately afterwards, before the Honor Guard procession taking Lieutenant Colonel Nehring to Clovis Cemetery. A squadron of F-15 Eagles will also perform the the missing man flyover.
“Amazingly fitting, and an amazing tribute to Seth’s career in the 194th fighter squadron,” added Major Campagne.
The public is invited to show their appreciation, either at Clovis Cemetery or on the parade route. Leaving the base at 1pm, the procession will travel east on McKinley Avenue, turning left to go north on Clovis Avenue, then going left on 5th Street towards Villa, then north on Villa towards the Clovis Cemetery.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
