910th Grieves Loss of Fellow Wingman

3/20/2007-YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio --The 910th Airlift Wing received news that a valued wingman and friend passed away last week. Major Karl D. Hoerig, a C-130 pilot with the 910th Operation Support Squadron, was a member of the 910th Airlift Wing for 11 years who flew nearly 200 combat missions with nearly 400 combat hours serving honorably in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. "Karl has been a true friend, mentor, and long time member of the 757th Airlift and 910 Operational Support Squadrons," said Col Daryl J. Hartman, 910th Operations Group Commander. Major Hoerig began his military career nearly 25 years ago entering the Ohio Army National Guard as a military police specialist assigned to the 324th MP Company in Austintown. Continuing with the National Guard, he transitioned to flying UH-1 Huwe helicopters with the 107th ACR in Greenburg, Ohio as a warrant officer. He then transferred to the Ohio Air National Guard?s 179th Airlift Group after receiving his commission to fly the C-130 Hercules until 1995 when he transferred to the Air Force Reserve's 910th Airlift Wing to continue flying C-130s. Over the years, he has served his country with honor and distinction in the Army and Air Force earning many awards and decorations including the Global War on Terrorism and Expeditionary Medals, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal for his efforts during Hurricane Katrina. In his civilian life, he flew for US. Airways and most recently was employed with Southwest Airlines flying Boeing 737s. Major Hoerig loved to do woodworking, target shooting, welding and stained glass work. He belonged to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic church for the past few years, but spent most of his life attending services at St. Joseph Church in Newton Falls.