I will Never Forget~ God Bless you My Cousin!
"There is sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love." ~ Washington IrvingDoug's Final Journey Home
Thank you everyone for sharing Doug's Final Journey Home with us. The outpouring of love and support from each of you was more than we ever could have imagined! On May 1st Doug was escorted home by his nephew Lt. Colonel Bryan T. Scott, USMC (Ret.), his cousin Sally Savard, Captain Jason Christie, USAF and Daniel VanOrden, Air Force Funeral Director. As he arrived at the gate, the Water Cannon Salute paying tribute to his final flight by the City of the Port of SEA TAC Fire Department was incredible and set the stage for each salutation along the way..
The Honor Guard carried him gently, with respect to the hearse after which the Patriot Guard, in a Missing Man Formation escorted him to Tacoma's Mt. View Memorial Park and Funeral Home. As the procession neared the end of the journey on I-5, Doug was honored by the Fire Departments from JBLM and Pierce County with their large ladders crossed and a huge American Flag hanging from them. In front of the fire trucks, standing along the railing of the overpass saluting were the men and women from the two departments. It took our breath away! Once we were at Mt. view we were each able to spend our own time with Doug and one another as we watched the Celebration of his Life video (created by Melanie Scott and son Ryan, Doug's niece and great nephew)- - - - - sweet memories for some and new facets of Doug and who he was for others.
May 2nd dawned slightly less sunny, but lovely and warm. Again the Patriot Guard honored and protected Doug as he was moved to the McChord Theatre at Joint Base Lewis McChord for his Celebration of Life Service. Along the way soldiers and airmen watched over those who had come to remember, honor and celebrate Doug and his sacrifice for our freedom. As with things that are left in God's hands, the Service was just right: Doug's great-nephew Ben opened the service with "On Eagles Wings", Chaplain Shipman's words were comforting and uplifting! Colonel Anthony Davit, 627th Air Base Group Commander, inspired us with his commitment to Doug, all POW/MIAs as well as those currently serving! Dennis Hill, Wilson High School Class of 1963 and USAFA classmate, read High Flight which always reminds me of what it must be like to soar in the heavens and touch the Face of God! When we are being the best of who we are - - - - isn't that exactly what we are doing! Doug always challenged himself to soar like the Eagle he was! The service concluded with "God Bless America" as sung by the Vietnam POWs as they became airborne on their journey home.
Following the service Doug was on his way to his Final Resting Place at Mt. View Memorial Park. Led again by the Patirot Guard the procession passed by the airmen/soldiers stationed every block along the route on JBLM-McChord Field. As the hearse entered the cemetery, the Lakewood Fire Department saluted Doug with the crossed ladders and the huge American Flag - - - a tribute fitting the hero he was. His final journey home was simple, solemn and complete with Military Honors, prayers, the 21-gun Salute and Taps. Following the folding of the flag his beautiful casket, his "Carriage of Love" was revealed. It was designed and built by Tami Michaels and her team of Veterans who continue their service by ensuring Fallen Warriors receive the respect for their sacrifices that they themselves were denied. It was magnificent! Isn't that being the Best of Who we are as Americans?
The final tribute, the flyover by the Black Jack Squadron, led by Tom Roberts.....complete with a Missing Man Salute, was a perfect culmination of two days of tributes, the celebration of a short life well lived, sweet sorrow and an outpouring of love! God Bless You All! DOUG IS HOME!
What we once enjoyed, deeply loved, we can never lose,
For all that we love deeply becomes part of us.
.......Helen Keller
Memorial Donations
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donating to the National League of POW/MIA Families in Doug’s name to help ensure the accounting for the remaining 1,577 personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War on this Memorial Day 2023.
Donate online through PayPal or by check to:
National League of POW/MIA Families
5673 Columbia Pike, Suite 100
Falls Church, VA 22041
For more information, please visit www.pow-miafamilies.org
Tributes
Leave a tributeI will Never Forget~ God Bless you My Cousin!
God Bless You Doug! And Peace be with Each of You! You are the very Best of who we are as Americans! Love to All! Sue
I know you are celebrating with my mom and dad~ Aunt Jeannie is making her fabulous Carrot Cake with the Cream Cheese Frosting,
and Uncle George is sitting with you, talking, talking, talking.....!
You are deeply missed~ Luv ya, Sally
It was a beautiful day for flying today, wasn't it? I enjoyed our visit today. And thank you for watching so closely over me. I can't begin to tell you just how glad I am that you are home.
Love, Vickie
I would love to see a childhood photo of Doug...or the both of you. Bet you have a favorite.
Warmly,
Deborah
Art "Taco" Tait, 16th Squadron, USAFA Fighter Pilot tribute
As you say it is a bittersweet moment and my feelings are minor compared to yours and the members of the Family. He is at home now and will always be remembered here as a terrific guy, and one who honored his Country.
I was nervous, until I saw you leave the plane. Then I knew you were home. You were finally home. I knew where you were. "My Doug" was safe and home at last.
We had a beautiful sunset here last night - right over the airport. As the sun began to set, I went next door to you're back yard. I went to the spot where you often stood as you flew you're planes. I sat right there to watch the sun set. I closed my eyes for a moment and I could almost hear the engines buzzing..........
I can't wait to see you again one day.
Love,
Vickie
Thank you for posting some photos of the Honors and Committal Services. I added some sacred tears to the pool of love for your brother.
Welcome Home Brother! And Sue, thank you for your decades of hard work in helping thousands of other MIA family members...I know Doug is proud of what you have done in his name.
COL Bill Fortier, Ret, USA; Auburn, CA; 2 tours in VN/33 yrs in uniform
I have had the pleasure of meeting his cousin Sally and learned of this site . Thank you Sally ~ Blessed be <3
May you stay forever young.
It has been the topic of many conversations and has allowed me to spread the history of Vietnam and the brave men of my era that served to keep us all safe. I suppose many thanks go to Doug for his service and as an instrument to teach the young.
I feel him with me each and every day.
He will be missed.
I am on my third bracelet with Doug's name on it. I will wear it forever.
loss has visited my life, and I have been devastated,
my hopes and beliefs have been challenged
sadness waits for me at every turn.
May I see beyond the pain, beyond loss,
moving beyond the sadness that now engulfs me,
I am beginning to heal and accept that the loss is real.
Bless my spirit with hope and understanding,
help me to know that all lives contain sorrow,
accepting that my life is blessed, even in loss.
Comfort comes to me now, as I begin to accept,
time is beginning to heal me, slowly and gently,
a soft smile is preparing to cross my lips.
Bless me now, as I accept, grieve, and heal.
Best Wishes and Blessings for You and Your Family
Ted
--
Closure with Pride, Dignity, & Compassion.
Ted Aub
Connecticut State Coordinator
National League of POW/MIA Families
I have Never forgotten you! I always looked for you on my airplane for the past 37 years~(Your bracelet has been all over the world with me!)
I just knew you were gonna be sitting in one of the seats! I miss you~
You are the Angel on my shoulder forever~God Bless you! Luv, Sally
Steve Henshaw
C co, 228th Avn Btn, 1st Air Cav Div
Viet Nam 1967-68
Buck Wolfe
US Army 1964-1967
Alan D. Opra
USMC Beirut 1983
Richard I. Chatman
USAF 1968 - 1972
Shannon L. Adams, MSgt, USAF (RET)
Munitions Systems (ammo)
Don Dignan
D/2/16, 1st Inf Div
1967-68
VNVLV-MC
I only wish peace of mind now for his family and a heart filled with respect, love and thankfulness I can never express for the sacrifice by Doug and his family, something too many of their fellow citizens are not even aware of.
May God bless Doug and his family. Thank you Douglas.
Tom and Nancy Engkilterra
National League of POW/MIA Families
Leave a Tribute
Just thinking of YOU~
I kno you are here, watching over ME!
You are missed deeply~
Luv You, Your Cuzz….
Sally
Just wanted to say “Hello”
Sooo miss You but Always say “HI”
to all the Vets I see! Last few were USAF & in Vietnam….I always share w/Sue as the Conversations are very touching!
Kno You are Always in MY Heart, Thots & Prayers
Luv You,
Sally
Yesterday was the 54th anniversary of your leaving this earth, but you are not forgotten!. I can still see your twinkling, mischievous brown eyes!!! I still know that you were always working to be the best you could be as was reflected in the after-action reports from your superiors....you were always studying your role as an electronics officer and everything about the F4-D. Just two weeks before your loss, you and Wes drew fire in extreme weather conditions in order for the helicopters to get in and rescue two downed American pilots. They were successful and for those valiant efforts you and Wes earned the Silver Star.
I was finally able to make my first visit to your grave since 2014 when you returned to your final resting place. The plaque commemorating you was placed one and a half years ago....but with Dick's illnesses ,and COVID this was my first opportunity to visit. You know you have a guardian angel keeping an eye on your grave.....trimming and acknowledging special days.
As we move closer to the birth of your great, great nephew, I am reminded how much our family has grown. When you left for Vietnam, our son Chris, the baby's grandfather was a pudgy little 10-month old. Today Chris has two sons, Tyler and Ryan, your great-nephews and a daughter, Haley, a great niece. Counting the addition of our third son, Jason, who has two sons and our oldest son, Bryan, who has two sons and a daughter, who has two sons, you have 6 great nephews and 2 great nieces and with our new baby boy you will have 3 great, great nephews. How you would have loved these kids! Hopefully you would have had some of your own.
So your story goes on!!! I pray that you are looking down from Heaven, even as several of your 16th Squadron-mates have joined you. Cousin Sally and I are keeping watch! I saw Linda last summer and she seems to be doing well.....I owe her some pictures of our Alaskan Cruise. God Bless you dear Brother!!! Our lives are richer because of who you were on this earth!
Victoria's Story
Captain Douglas D. Ferguson was born to fly. As far back as I can remember, on Saturday mornings, I awoke to the distinct "hum" of a remote-controlled airplane engine and no matter how much I had planned or wanted to sleep in, it was time to get up...because the hum of that engine meant only one thing. That was that Dough, or as my Mother would tell me many years later, I referred to him from the time I could speak as "my boy". He was up and there was no time to waste. I could watch him fly his planes from both of my bedroom windows.
Years passed, we all grew up. Some of our Narromoor "gang" were now in High School. Some had gone on to college, others had full time jobs. I was in high school and in the 5th year of what would go on to become an extremely successful, 32 year long career, which took me all over North America, showing horses, mostly hunters and jumpers. My career would end, exactly as planned, at the 1992 Good will Games with a Silver Medal.
Now it wasn't just the girls in Narromoor that talked about Doug. All the guys joined in too.....for a very different reason than his good looks and charm. Doug had been accepted in the United States Air Force Academy and was now flying the coolest jets and doing it with the same incredible skill that he had shown our entire neighborhood years earlier when he commanded his remote-controlled planes. We all moved into that stage in our young lives where anything was possible. So many big things were happening in our world. Time seemed to be flying by. One day an invitation cam in the mail.. Doug was getting married. And though I had a big crush on Doug, the one thing that stands out the most in my memory upon receipt of the invitation, was that I was profoundly and simply overjoyed for his happiness. And, upon seeing him (yes, through my tears), how happy he was and how his eyes lit up as he looked at his bride (and how she looked at him), it was obvious to everyone they were in love. The one thing , on the day of Doug's wedding that i will never forget about was that just as I reached Doug in the reception line how he smiled so broadly, turned to his new bride, introduced me as his next door neighbor and gave me the biggest, warmest, the most wonderful hug that , next to one of my Dad's hugs, was the best I had ever had! At seemingly odd times that very hug would sneak, unannounced into my thoughts over the next few months. I always wondered why, but usually I just giggled, sighed and shrugged it off to a youthful "crush". How was I to know that that hug would be the very last time I would ever see "my Doug", "my boy".
On December 30, 1969, Doug was a member of the ;555th Tactical Fighter Squadron flying crew with Fielding Featherston III aboard an F4-D aircraft. One of 5 on a mission over the Plain of Jars region of Laos when they were hit by enemy fire and their ship exploded into a fireball. No parachutes were seen. No emergency radio "beeper" signals were heard. However the very next day the crash site was photographed and 2 empty parachutes were visible, hanging in nearby trees. The area was too heavily defended for a ground search to be possible. As I write this today.....September 25, 2010. there is still no answer to "the question."
Upon news of this, my life....as I am sure so many others experienced.....changed FOREVER. Period. NOT ONE DAY has gone by with out, at the very least a moments thought about Doug. I talk to him often. I pry with him often. My Father, until the day he died, refused to speak about the disappearance of Doug. It was a subject that was off limits. It was too painful.....even for my Father...who had overcome his share of hardships in his 85 year4s of life.
It was the same with my Mother until the first U.S. Prisoners were taken in the Iraq War. My Mom called me at work that day and asked me to stop by her place on my way home. Actually she basically ordered me to stop by. Her mood was quite somber when I arrived. She said, "Sit down Victoria, there is something we need to talk about." In my heart I knew what it was about. As I sat down, I looked her in the eye and asked "Doug"? She nodded and we both burst into tears. A long overdue discussion followed and through our tears and sadness, I think we were both relieved that it finally had occurred. A few short weeks later, she passed away.
And I am left with "the Questions." I have slowly and quite reluctantly, come to terms with the fact that I quite possibly, may never have "the answer." With the hope that another family, or friend, who is haunted by the same "Questions (s), may someday have their "answer", I have put the Nam Comics up for auction. All monies earned from their sale will go directly to the National League of POW/MIA Families with the hope of paying for at least a plane ticket for one member of the League organized Family Delegation one one of their trips to Southeast Asia to reach their goal of the return of all prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for those still missing and the repatriation of all recoverable remains of those who died in Southeast Asia while serving our nation during the Vietnam War. Each member of the League-organized Family Delegation who travels to Southeast Asia funds their trip themselves at an average coast approximately $10,000 per person per trip. My Mothers' purchase of 4 sets of "The Nam Comics" baffled me. The very thought of her even going into a "comic book" store, I must admit, was quite amusing! When I asked her why she had purchased these comics, she replied", I don't know; I think it was Doug."
And now, 5 years after her death, I get it!
Victoria
Remembering You on the Second Anniversay of Your Return!
Two years ago today, we welcomed you home after more than 44 years! Your Homecoming was magnificent and one of the greatest Blessings of my life! The only thing better would have been you walking through the door ! Your spirit was everywhere and it was as if you were so ready to celebrate your Homecoming with us and be home close to family and friends. This year you are quiet so I know you are at peace! God Bless You for your service and sacrifice! You will always be my HERO!
Love you Always Dear Brother! Sue
Happy Birthday Doug
I know in my heart you are rejoicing in Heaven with our Father. Please know that we continue to pray for your family and those that still gone. We are grateful you are home - I included a picture of my visit to your grave to welcome you home and leave you my bracelet. God bless your family.