Pilot’s fini flight raises funds for Guard families

Lt. Col. Bruce Patch, an F-16 pilot, gets hosed down on the flightline by Staff Sgt. Annie Jaramillo after his fini flight here Feb. 12. When Colonel Patch announced his fini flight to friends and co-workers weeks prior, a flood of volunteers came forward for the honor of drenching him. In turn, he raffled the opportunity among wing members at $1 per ticket to benefit the 162nd Fighter Wing Family Readiness Group. The raffle raised more than $100 to benefit Guard families. “I was hoping this raffle would become a tradition among pilots who retire from the 162nd. It’s for a good cause,” said Colonel Patch. He and his wife Tracy will move to Denver, Colo., where he will assume a position as a quality manager with the Veteran’s Administration’s Health Administration Center heading a Lean process. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Dave Neve)