He is Capt. Daniel “Geezer” Gilkey, a Marine Corps Harrier pilot, now assigned to the 211 Squadron in Yuma, Ariz.

        Capt. Gilkey was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard and from January through April this year, he flew more than 70 hours of combat missions with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

        He received a degree in aeronautical engineering from Miami University in Oxford, graduating cum laude. He flies a Harrier jumpjet aircraft that lands and takes off vertically.

        “It was interesting to say the least,” said Capt. Gilkey of his tour in Afghanistan. “I was glad to have the opportunity to participate in the war against terrorism. It was hard to leave a wife and a small kid and another one on the way. But I saw participating in the Anaconda Operation a chance to function as a fighter pilot and do something for my country.”

        He said his son, Cameron, was 14 months old when he left. He was able to get home by June 4 when his wife, Viki, gave birth to their daughter, Hanna.

        “I would like to go again if I am needed,” Capt. Gilkey said. “I didn't experience any real tense moments except just being up there. I don't recall ever being shot at.”

        He said one of his scariest moments came during training in 2000, when his engine caught fire while flying over a desert in southern California. He had to eject and parachuted to safety from 18,000 feet. He was rescued unharmed.

        “I still stay in touch with Cincinnati,” Capt. Gilkey said. “I get back once a year and I stay up to date on the Bengals and Reds.”

        Christopher J. Uecker, a 1998 graduate of Moeller High School, graduated from the Air Force Academy with a bachelor's degree in research operations. He has been assigned to Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, Ga., to study pilot training. He is the son of Joseph and Patti Uecker of Miami Township, Clermont County.

        The month of July is miracle month at Florence Mall. The mall will conduct a fund-raising project with Children's Miracle Network by selling Miracle Balloons as a benefit for Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Balloons sell for $1 at various stores in the mall and at the customer service center.

        For more information, call 859-371-1231.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.
       

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