Air Force Widowed Mother’s Plea
I’m Trudie Casler and my late husband Robert Casler was in the USAF for 10 years as part of the 552ndAWAC Wing and assigned to the 8th TDCS as a Maintainer and Crew Chief on aircraft tail number 118, the aircraft assigned to Commander of Tactical Air Command.
Robert entered the Air Force in 1982 and was making it his career. While assigned at Tinker AFB, we married and started a family, having three sons, Michael, Matthew and Sean. Our middle child was born with a disability that’s required over a dozen surgeries, he does well and lives with me at home. In 1992 our family was negatively impacted by the Reduction in Force Act when Robert was involuntarily separated thus ending his military career. Robert was immediately hired by Lockheed-Martin in California. While working on the wing of a 747, Robert fell and during the emergency room treatment, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Robert passed away on Father’s Day 2014.
It’s been a struggle being a single mother, but I’ve been able to respond to life’s challenges and changes – until now.
Our eldest son, Michael Casler was living in Bentonville, Arkansas. Michael never married but like his dad, was very detail oriented and easily expressed his love for those close to him. Again, much like his father, Michael didn’t freely share being destitute and living in a van, nor did he share his healthcare struggles. Michael’s teammates at Popeye’s where he worked last, refer to Michael as “A Huge Loveable Teddy Bear”
My eldest son, Michael Casler was invited to sleep in the warmth of the restaurant since the temperatures were forecasted in the teens. He was somewhat embarrassed but accepted the offer.
That night, Michael suffered a massive Widow-Maker heart attack and died in his sleep.
I’ve never done anything like this before but really have nowhere to turn.
My plea to everyone is to please help me raise the funds allowing me to travel from Illinois to Bentonville, Arkansas, to bring his brothers to accompany me, to afford food and a hotel for us, to be able to purchase an urn for Michael’s remains, to help pay for Michael’s Celebration of Life and for all of us all to return home.
Thank you for taking the time to read this
