09 July 2007

In Memorium

In 1986, my family moved to Colorado Springs. It was the summer before 8th grade, and one of the first friends I made was Scott Oswell.

We read the Dragonlance Chronicles and had whatever other adventures 13 year old kids have. In high school, we were on the wrestling team together. I wrestled at 150 lbs, and he was closer to 125, but we'd work out together anyway. He was tall and skinny, and even though I'd usually tie him up in knots, he often sought me out to be his partner because he said it made him tougher to wrestle bigger guys. I seem to recall him winning more matches than he lost.

In 1991, we graduated. I went off to college and ROTC. He enlisted - first in the Marines (as I recall) and then at some point shifted over to the Army. He flew OH-58 Kiowa Warrior observation helicopters, and the Army made him a Chief Warrant Officer.

On July 4th, he was killed when his helicopter crashed in Iraq. He was 33, and it was his second tour in Iraq. He had three kids and a wife.

Rest in peace, Scott.
Posted by at

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

:(

08:18
Mark said...

I remember Scott. Very sad. One happy memory is his wrestling style being described as "a tightly wound up rubber band suddenly being let go".

11:13
Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear ....

12:37
Geis said...

Hi Dan,

I remember watching you and Scott wrestle. Yes he was a rubber band when you both wrestled, but with your strength and size, he needed to be able to twist and turn just to get away from you.

I am so sad that we have lost Scott. When he got his uniform after he graduated he showed up at school and visited me. He was so proud. I was also proud of what kind of person he had become.

There are a lot of special memories from our times together at AAHS.

You both are examples of why our country is such a special place.

God Bless Scott and his family.

Coach Geis
Air Academy High School

21:18
Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this news. Keep your memories close...

08:21
Dan said...

It's so strange to think Scott is gone. And, since the last time I saw him in person was graduation, it's also strange to think of him as a grownup, a soldier and a father. In my memory, he's still 17.

I was always impressed by the way Scott would seek out bigger guys to wrestle with. I think that's something he continued to do throughout his too-short life.

One positive to come out of this is that I've been able to get back in touch with some other friends from way back... including Coach Geis (see his note above).

Thanks to everyone for your comments too...

08:30
Michelle said...

He sounds like a great guy. Sorry to hear about the loss, and I'll keep his family in my thoughts.

09:34
Anonymous said...

Hi Dan: I (like Mom) remember Scott Oswell and you wrestling at Air Academy HS back in the late 80's..... he was quiet around adults but you and him seemed to be good friends..... so sorry to hear about his loss to his family and to our country; you had many good friends in Colorado Springs back then. I was impressed with the friends that you all had (your brother and sister too) at AAHS and the Springs. Ditto to your old Wrestling coach's comments..... good to hear from him again and glad that he remembered you guys so well....Dad

21:59
Totally Army Mom said...

Hi Dan,
I found your blog while looking for info about Scott I could use for my one-yr anniversary of his death. I met Scott just over a year ago when he and Cheri and the kids started coming to Emmanuel Bible Fellowship in Olympia.

My husband and I instantly became friends with the Oswell family. His wife and children are still living in Olympia. Scott is missed very much! He was a very special man!

22:32

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)