Talon Traditional Cache

There are many stories to be told here for sure. Here's one of them: one of the names on the monument belongs to a former USAF fighter pilot with the callsign of "Sticks." This pilot had a distinguished career in the Air Force ranging over 22 years, from 1955 to 1977. During that time he flew the T-33, T-37, T-38, F-100, F-4, OV-10, O-1, and finally the T-39 aircraft. In Vietnam he flew two tours as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) flying the O-1 Bird Dog and then OV-10 Bronco, miraculously making it out alive from that extremely hazardous assignment. Many of his friends didn't and were shot down, captured and tortured by the North Vietcong. Some are MIA even to this day.

After the war he continued to fly and instruct other pilots in all types of aircraft. He was a beloved and respected instructor pilot by both students and his commanders. During his career he racked up over 2,500 hours in fighters, much of it in the difficult-to-fly F-100 Super Sabre. Sticks was the recipient of the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Bronze Star for his combat actions. While flying the OV-10 he received the Silver Star for staying on station to direct the rescue effort and close air support of trapped US Special Forces despite heavy ground fire and a low fuel state. Another FAC was shot down and killed in that action.

Early in his career, "Sticks" became part of Air Force history when, as a young officer, he actually named the Air Force's new supersonic trainer the T-38. An Air Force-wide contest was held and the young lieutenant came up with the name of "Talon." He won the $2000 reward the contest offered and the name has been used ever since. To this day, after some much needed upgrades, the T-38 Talon soldiers on and is still used to train today's fighter pilots.

After retiring in 1977, this pilot moved to Orem, UT built a house and started a very successful fencing company, "Lovena" (which is still around under different management). Despite his Air Force retirement, Sticks continued his love of flying by frequently flying his Cessna 182 where he would often take family and friends to even far off Mazatlan, Mexico. He was known to be an equally experienced and careful civilian pilot as well. But tragedy would soon strike.

In Dec 1984 Sticks and another civilian pilot were killed in the Cessna as they practiced night approaches at Provo airport. The aircraft was found by searchers the following day, having crashed through the ice of Utah Lake. To this day, the cause of the accident is unknown.

So shortly after his death, this experienced combat veteran was laid to rest in the Orem Cemetary right where you are now. He left behind stunned and saddened family and many lifelong friends, all of which came together to say goodbye to Sticks on that December day. A missing man formation of three F-16s from Hill AFB and 21 gun salute from their Honor Guard served to salute this veteran. It was an appropriate and appreciated honor for this combat veteran who served his country for over 22 years.

Yes, there are many heroes laid to rest on these grounds and sadly many more will follow. This is just the story of one. There are surely other great men that found this as their final resting place. As always, CoolCache salutes them all.

How do I know this particular story so well? "Sticks" was my father. You can find his grave 200 feet to the Southwest of the cache. It wears the image of his T-38 Talon. After a lot of internal debate and some encouragement from friends and family, I decided to place a cache here and share this story... only to perhaps make your visit to this wonderful memorial a little more meaningful.

Weekends or after 4pm might be the best time to access the cache. You will have more privacy for your visit. Also the cemetary asks no dogs be taken onto the grounds.