Nellis honors officer killed in Kuwait

Dick Benoit

Thursday, April 27, 2000 | 10:37 a.m.

Capt. Michael D. Geragosian, who was killed in a crash during a landing attempt at an air base in Kuwait in December, was posthumously awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal April 14 during ceremonies at Nellis Air Force Base.

His wife, Dana, accepted the award in his name.

Geragosian was a member of the 66th Rescue Squadron at Nellis and was assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis before that.

"We are a much better prepared Air Force because of him," Brig. Gen. David Moody, commander of the 57th Wing, told more than 200 friends, family and Nellis airmen who attended the ceremony.

Two other airmen were killed and 17 injured in the Dec. 10 accident when the C-130 transport aircraft transporting them was damaged while attempting to land.

The impact was so severe that the main landing gear tore away from the aircraft, leaving holes in the cargo and passenger area where the airmen were seated.

Special Olympics

Nellis Air Force Base will open its gates to an estimated 500 participants and 1,500 spectators as host of the 2000 Special Olympic Games May 19-21. The Air Force also will provide a volunteer film crew to document the event and produce a CD-ROM for participants.

Nellis is enlisting base volunteers to serve as set-up and tear-down crews, escorts and emergency medical personnel.

Opening ceremonies will be held at the Thunderbird hangar, which will provide a distinctive red, white and blue backdrop for the special athletes.

Athletic events will be held at various facilities around the base, and with shuttle transportation provided. Closing ceremonies are scheduled to be held at the Officers Club.

Special Olympics coordinators are seeking volunteers from the community. To volunteer call 474-0690

In brief

Dick Benoit covers individual and unit accomplishments of Southern Nevadans serving in the active duty and reserve armed forces. He can be reached at (702) 641-8664 or by e-mail at dickb@vegas.com.