HIGH FLIGHT (an Airman's Ecstasy)

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth.
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there,
I've chased the shouting wind along and flung
My eager craft through footless halls and air

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

-John Gillespie Magee

Colonel Wade C. Straw – USMC Retired (AKA Barney : DOG), 70, of Vero Beach, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2018 with his loving and devoted family by his side.

Wade was born in Des Moines, Iowa on October 2, 1947, to the late Maj. Charles (USMC-RET) and Betyan Straw. Growing up in a Marine Corps family, Wade developed a toughness and sense of duty to country that would serve him well later in life. Answering his country's call, Wade left college in 1968 to enlist in the U.S. Army's Warrant Officer Flight Training Program. He trained to fly the Cobra Helicopter Gunship and was deployed to Vietnam in 1969. During his one year tour in Vietnam he amassed over 1,000 hours flying combat missions in support of our ground troops. He returned home in 1970, a true American Hero. For his bravery in combat, Wade was awarded the following decorations: 2 Silver Stars (Nations 3 ^rd highest award for bravery); Distinguished Flying Cross: 2 Bronze Stars with Combat V: Army Commendation Medal with Combat V and 41 strike/ flight Air Medals.

After completion of his enlistment, Wade left the Army and returned to college. Following graduation in 1973, Wade joined the US Marine Corps to fly jets. This was the commencement of a 30 year career flying various jet aircraft in the Marine Corps inventory. Advancing through the ranks holding various positions of responsibly and command, Wade retired from the Marine Corps in 2003 as a Colonel.
Thus ended an illustrious and envious adventure serving and defending our country.  Wade was awarded the Legion of Merit upon his retirement.

As President Ronald Regan said: "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don't have that problem." Wade did not have that problem!

All of DOG's (Wade's call sign) 1,000's of takeoffs ended with successful landings-except one! On Aug 3, 1976, during a routine training mission over the California Desert, his A-4 Skyhawk experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure. Unable to save his aircraft, he had to eject.  Upon ejecting, Wade's neck was broken and he then spent 4 hours on the desert floor before being rescued. He was fortunate to be alive! Shortly before his accident, Wade met, who would later become his wife, Elaine. Elaine became his caretaker and was instrumental in his recovery and return to full flight status.

After returning to the fleet, Wade would eventually end up flying Harrier Jump Jets, His time in the Harrier would find him returning to combat in the first Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) with Harrier Squadron VMA-542. He would later assume command of VMA-542.

When Wade retired from the Marine Corps in 2003, he went to work for the US Treasury Dept. in Washington, DC. He retired in 2013 and he and Elaine moved to Destin, FL.

In Jan 2015, Wade and Elaine's retirement dreams were shattered as Wade was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (A cancer directly related to his earlier exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam). Elaine again assumed her role as Wade's caretaker-being there for every appointment, test and procedure. She was by his side every step of his journey. Further deteriation in Wade's health necessitated a move in 2017 to Vero Beach to be near family.

Wade was so overwhelmed and thankful for Elaine's dedication to his wellbeing during his illness, he asked for her hand in marriage "again" – she said yes! Joined by family, Wade and Elaine renewed their wedding vows on April 14, 2018. Chaplin Richard Whipple of Vero Beach Hospice officiated the ceremony.

Wade's family cannot thank VNA/Hospice of Vero Beach enough for their medical and spiritual care of Wade and his family during his illness. We especially want to thank Nurse Donna Dickson and Chaplain Richard Whipple for being there in our time of greatest need.

Whatever you called him, Wade, Barney or Dog- He left us too soon. However, in his 70 years, he was able to experience many lifetimes of excitement, adventure and danger. Many times he was bigger than life itself- humorously, he would say, "Sometimes I have to hold myself back just to blend in." Shortly before passing, Wade reflected on his life and said, "I've done what I was meant and wanted to do-I've never had a bad day in my life." Quite a testimony to a life well lived and most others can only dream of……Mission Accomplished. Semper FI, Bro!

Wade is survived by his wife Elaine and son Tom. Brothers Dennis (Roxanne); Michael (Claudia). He is also survived by several cousins and many adoring nieces and nephews.

A military funeral with full honors will be held at Florida National Cemetery Bushnell, FL on Friday, July 20, 2018, at 11 AM.

The family requests any donations in Wade's memory be made to the Semper FI Fund, any military organization of choice or the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach.