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Wardo’s sudden death left so many of us without words. As the days — and now weeks — pass after the car accident that ultimately took his life, the word that keeps coming back to me to describe this awful unfairness is gaping. The verb, as in how we stared ahead in disbelief, jaws dropped, to the news that couldn’t possibly be unfolding. The noun, the stares of astonishment, expressions of tearful friends and family looking on as he was carried down the steps of the USAFA chapel to his final rest. And now, the adjective that keeps resurfacing, the awful hole that is left in so very many lives now that he is gone.

When I think about Scott’s life, though, I keep coming back to another word: loyalty.  Scott was sooooo loyal—loyal to his wife, to his boys, to his family, to his country, to his life’s passion (flying), to his God, to his friends.

The only way I can find to begin to fill the gaping hole is to think in the direction of how Scott lived, how he made us laugh, and how his actions spoke so clearly of his loves and his loyalty.

We love you, Wardo.

Friday, Sept. 25, 2015

The obituary that I wrote for the USAFA AOG:

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Scott Coleman Ward died Aug. 12 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident.  He was 47.

Scott grew up near Vail, Colorado, where he was a standout high school athlete, leading his Battle Mountain football team to the state championship. He went on to play football at the USAFA Prep School and Lacrosse at the Academy.

After graduation, Scott secretly eloped with the love of his life, Jennet. Following UPT, the Wards officially wed in a traditional ceremony at the USAFA chapel before embarking on what became Scott’s distinguished Air Force flying career that spanned C-21s, KC-10s, C-37s, and Boeing 747s (both E-4 and VC-25 versions).

On Sept. 11, 2001, Scott was airborne with students on a KC-10 training sortie as an instructor pilot (McGuire AFB). After the World Trade Center attacks, he was diverted to lead the first fighter refueling missions over Manhattan.

Jokingly nicknamed “The Golden Boy” by his buddies, Scott earned his MBA, was selected for Air Command and Staff College followed by a Pentagon tour, and was hired by the 89th Airlift Wing (Andrews AFB). His outstanding pilot and leadership skills were quickly recognized, and “Wardo” was bestowed the coveted honor of being one of 10 pilots hand-selected to fly the President of the United States on Air Force One.

“Any other job after this one is just going to be a job,” Scott joked about his impending retirement from active duty and the world’s most recognizable aircraft.

Scott and Jennet were thrilled when Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. offered him a position as a test pilot in Savannah, GA. He began flying for Gulfstream while on terminal leave, officially retiring just 10 days before the accident.

A devoted, lifelong Denver Broncos fan, Scott found great sport in his natural athleticism, regularly challenging and often dominating his buddies in golf or tennis. Scott was actively involved in coaching his sons’ football and lacrosse teams. Although recognized as an elite Air Force pilot, he will be remembered most as an amazing, inspirational, and loyal husband, father, and friend.

Scott is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Jennet; their three sons, Cole (12), Jake (11), and Zach (9); canine buddy, Desmond; mother, Shirley Ward; sisters Stephanie (Ted) Archibeque, and Stacey (Phil) Kerek; brother Richard (Tami) Ward; aunt Doris Bailey; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and friends who adored him, including Academy classmates he affectionately referred to as “The Groovers.”

He was preceded in death by close friends 1st. Lt. Laura Ashley Piper (’92) and Lt. Col. Daniel Patrick Murray (’92).

Funeral services were Aug. 21 at the USAFA Chapel. Pallbearers were Tim Adams (’91), Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dave Deames (’91), Col. Mark Ely (’92), Lt. Col. (Ret.) J. Carlos Gacharna (’92), Troy Heithcock (’92), Col. (Ret.) Dave Mott (’92), Maj. (Ret.) Mike Murray (’91), and Lt. Col. Daniel Thorn (’92). Interment took place at the USAFA Cemetery.

During the service, friends and family were comforted by the verse Scott regularly imparted to his sons, donned on Bronco orange bracelets, imprinted with Air Force blue ink: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)