YUKLA 27 memorial scholarship fund
Donation protected
This project seeks donations to fund college scholarships for family members of the 24 U.S. and Canadian Airmen lost in a tragic E-3 Sentry (AWACS) aircraft crash at what is now Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska onSept. 22, 1995.
On the morning of September 22nd, 1995, a United States Air Force E-3 Sentry, operating under the mission call sign of YUKLA 27, took off from what was known at the time as Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, on a
training mission. Shortly after takeoff, a flock of Canadian Geese collided with the aircraft's number 1 and number 2 engines. The resulting engine failures forced the crew to attempt a return to base for an emergency landing. Despite their valiant efforts the aircraft went down short of the airfield less than two minutes after takeoff. The crash tragically claimed
the lives of all 24 U.S. and Canadian Airmen on board.
The crew of YUKLA 27 were not only brave and dedicated Airmen; they were fathers, sons, husbands, and friends. Those left behind mourn their loss to
this day and their memories live on, both in their civilian and military families. Today, many members of the 962d Airborne Air Control Squadron still honor their memories by wearing an aircrew tab that simply states
"I2M220" -- the mission number assigned to YUKLA 27. As a result of this tragic loss, the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) program began at Elmendorf and was subsequently established nationwide by the Federal
Aviation Administration. This enterprising program has resulted in safer air travel for countless military aircrew and civilian travelers over the 20 years since the YUKLA 27 crew gave their full measure of devotion.
As we prepare to observe the 20th annual remembrance of this tragedy, many family members left behind are now at an age where they are pursuing higher education. Your generous donations will help the Rotodome Club (a private organization comprised of current and former E-3 aviators and friends of the
community) provide financial aid to these survivors who, even to this very day, miss their loved ones tremendously. We appreciate anything you can
contribute to these deserving survivors -- Thank you!
On the morning of September 22nd, 1995, a United States Air Force E-3 Sentry, operating under the mission call sign of YUKLA 27, took off from what was known at the time as Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, on a
training mission. Shortly after takeoff, a flock of Canadian Geese collided with the aircraft's number 1 and number 2 engines. The resulting engine failures forced the crew to attempt a return to base for an emergency landing. Despite their valiant efforts the aircraft went down short of the airfield less than two minutes after takeoff. The crash tragically claimed
the lives of all 24 U.S. and Canadian Airmen on board.
The crew of YUKLA 27 were not only brave and dedicated Airmen; they were fathers, sons, husbands, and friends. Those left behind mourn their loss to
this day and their memories live on, both in their civilian and military families. Today, many members of the 962d Airborne Air Control Squadron still honor their memories by wearing an aircrew tab that simply states
"I2M220" -- the mission number assigned to YUKLA 27. As a result of this tragic loss, the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) program began at Elmendorf and was subsequently established nationwide by the Federal
Aviation Administration. This enterprising program has resulted in safer air travel for countless military aircrew and civilian travelers over the 20 years since the YUKLA 27 crew gave their full measure of devotion.
As we prepare to observe the 20th annual remembrance of this tragedy, many family members left behind are now at an age where they are pursuing higher education. Your generous donations will help the Rotodome Club (a private organization comprised of current and former E-3 aviators and friends of the
community) provide financial aid to these survivors who, even to this very day, miss their loved ones tremendously. We appreciate anything you can
contribute to these deserving survivors -- Thank you!
Organizer
Dan Deboodt
Organizer
Eagle River, AK