Hi My Cuzz!
Just thinking of You & wanted to add….Happy Birthday(Kno I’m a bit early…) Wish we all could be celebrating! You are in my Heart & Thoughts
Bless You✨

Hi My Cuzz!
Just thinking of YOU~
I kno you are here, watching over ME!
You are missed deeply~
Luv You, Your Cuzz….
Sally

Hi My Cousin!
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

Dearest Brother.....
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!

Hi My Cousin~
Time just keeps going forward~
Another year of the Holidays
I kno you’re watching ALL of Us!
You are ever sooo missed
Bless You….

Sally

Hi my Cuzz!
Thinking of you & all of the “Veterans” that Give & Gave sooo much for my Freedom I’m ever soo grateful
I miss You ever soo much but You are always in my Heart & Prayer….

Think you would remember my Best friend Kathy…Kno that we “bugged” You on your visits to the Resort…Her son in a Navy Seal, now finally retired after countless journeys to “The Sand”! Wish You could be with Him here as you “Two” would have been such good friends~ In Your “Special Way”, do let Him kno You’re there for Him
Bless You..
Your Cuzz Sally

Hi my Dear Cousin~
You are in my Heart & Soul~
There are no words that could come close to telling You how very much You are missed!
I’m certain You are watching over “All of Us”~
Luv & Light

45 years is a long time. A long time to contemplate, wonder, and lose part of yourself just wondering.
It's more than half of a lifetime. Never negate the sheer amount of time that it takes Families to garner a single iota of information, while the entire time searching and never letting go of the thoughts and memories of a Loved One.

I cannot fathom what Sue and the Family of Doug Ferguson went through. 
Now, however, there can be peace. Peace Profound. A special kind of Peace that is tempered through years of struggle, confusion, and the unwilling desire to give up.
Peace that has finally come home.  Home to His Family. Not alive and well, as so very many of us hoped for all of those years, but Home.  Home at last.

May God bless the beautiful Family, Friends, and acquaintances of Doug.
I stand humbled by this Families dedication to knowing and truth.

Mike Ferguson
Santa Cruz Ca. 

Hi My Cousin!
Thinking of You
You are ever sooo missed & I will NEVER FORGET~
Bless You

Luv,
Sally

I’m sorry if I have the wrong person but I have a bracelet that I have worn every year since 12/30/ 1969 to remember Douglas Ferguson who didn’t come back. Would you like to have the bracelet back for your loved one Douglas fergunson? I’ve never forgotten him…

This is a beautiful day to celebrate you and all of the joy you brought to this world….the laughter you found in simple things, your friendliness and support of others to inspire them on their journey and your dedication to be your Best. Even though you have lived in God’s Heavenly World for many years, your Spirit has lived in our Hearts every day!

Happy Birthday my Dear Cuz
We’re celebrating in our own way, huh?
You are missed beyond words and loved sooo dearly~
Kno You are watching & at peace!
Luv & Light to You♥️

Oh….Forgot to mention that the end of the Month a Group of Pilots/Planes from Davis/Monthan
A/F Base in Tucson, are coming out here to Participate in An Air Show!
Wish You were here as you probably kno some of the Pilots

Hi my Cuzz~
Thinking of You, always, & just wanted to say hello~
Had a fabulous chatt w/Sue a couple days ago~ Were your ears burning?
Kno you are sooo loved & missed ever so much
Luv,
Sally

Hi Cuzz….
Just a quik hello & I’ve felt your presence a few times recently!
Thank You for letting me kno you are here You are ever sooo much missed!
Luv ya!
Sally

Dearest Doug……
Where has the time gone….The days keep moving forward~ I remember like yesterday when Sue called me to let me know you were coming HOME  & might I be a part of Your Return! No hesitation, I was in, NO Question
as to What, When, Where~ It was such an Honor & Forever held in my Heart~ I shared this gift with my Flight Attendant, Pilot, Family….at Continental Airlines! Every trip I worked it was always “our topic of conversation” in the middle of the night going to South America! (as well as my trips to Hawaii) I truly remember every detail as if it was yesterday! Every event was just perfect & knew you were with us all,
“Finally Home”! I wanted to make certain All I spoke with knew “You were missed, sooo loved & HOME!”
I felt those I spoke with were more than glad to get this “Determined Flight Attendant” off the phone, & realizing I had a Plan, so they would do the best they could to uphold their promise to me or…., well it never came to that as I was on a “Mission” to do the BEST I could~
Your awesome Family really put the Plan in Motion I just was 1,000% committed to my part~ Everything was just perfect!
I miss YOU but know YOU are always right with each & every one of Your Family! Forever in OUR Hearts!
Luv & miss YOU my Cousin! Sally

My Dear Hero......

Eight years ago today we Celebrated your Life and Sacrifice and you were carried in the beautiful "Carriage of Love" to your final resting place that looks up at magnificent Mt. Rainier. In this past year a new marker was added to your grave which tells a bit more of your story and the more than 44 years we searched for you. I am grateful to the National League of POW/MIA Families without whose leadership we would not have prevailed and to the US Government and the agencies and continuous dedication for risking their lives in pursuit of answers. I am so grateful to Victoria for the out pouring of love from the Tacoma community that made your return more than anything we could have imagined. This world is a better place because you LIVED! When I think of you, I think of the Joy and laughter you brought to all who knew you!

I know you are there encouraging my commitment to help others who are still seeking answers. May they soon know the peace of finally knowing the fate of their loved one. God Bless You Always!

Doug, Again, I'm visiting your Families site to offer Love, and Acknowledge for yourself, and your Family.
I'm a nobody, who 35 years ago purchased a bracelet because our names were the same.

In the meantime, I've come to see the Love they have for you my Friend.
I've personally several friends and Family that never got recognition for their service in Vietnam.  Chuck Watkins, Danny Dickerson, Robert Doyle.... 2 of them did not come back.  Robert did. I've tried to acknowledge anything and everything that I've come across. As I explained to your Sister, Sue, I came across your Bracelet many years ago.  I purchased it, as we were both Ferguson's, not related, but I felt a connection.
Nothing more.

When I found out several years ago of your return, I wrote your sister on email, and was thrilled to finally cut into pieces, your bracelet, that I'd worn on my left wrist since 1983. 

I too celebrate your Birthday Sir. As I do every year.  Someone you didn't know, but is well aware of yourself and your accomplishments. 

Many of us are like this Doug. Unrelated, and uninvolved, but know Damn Well your story, and Sacrifice.

With Much Respect and Humility, Happy Birthday Douglas David Ferguson.
That needs to be said.  A simple 'Happy Birthday'  You are NOT Forgotten.
Love to you Sue...

With Love, Respect, and Honor,
Michael Allen Ferguson
Santa Cruz Ca. 

Happy Birthday to YOU my Cuzz! Am a tad late on Greeting but please know you’re in my Heart & Soul~
I look up in the Sky as my day continues on & I know you are Soaring & Smiling down at ME!
Luv You & Miss You! Sally
(I truly believe You are protecting me as I feel your presence ever soo many times! Thank You…)

Happy Birthday, Doug. You are not forgotten. Those of us who are left behind to remember our fallen brothers, think of you and so many more who died during that war. Thank you, Sir, for what you did for all of us.

Hi My Cuzz~ By no means had I forgotten “Veteran’s Day”! All were in my Heart~
As well, I wanted to share that I was at the “Wall That Heals”, TWO very emotional times while it was in my area~ I was able to share, Your Return Home, with three Vets at the wall that told me “ Somehow they were just drawn to ME as I was standing talking with You & Your partner! I kno he will be Home as well!!!
I luv & miss you my “Dearest Cuzz”!
Bless you~

Luv & Light,
Sally

Dearest Doug.....Today is Veterans Day 2021. Here in this upside down world it seems ever more important that we stop to pay tribute to all that have served and to those who are currently serving to protect our Freedoms. Where has love of country gone? Instead of celebrating who we are and what this great Nation has accomplished, we are trying to tear it apart. We can't change yesterday, but by being the best we can be, guided by our Creator, there is hope for tomorrow. God Bless You Dear Brother! I am grateful you are Home!

Hi My Cuzz~ Want you to know you are in my Heart & Prayers!
Memorial Day was very quiet for me with sooo many memories & filled
with Gratitude

Luv you “Cuzz”!

Sally

Dearest Doug! Soon we will be able to share the new Marker at your gravesite. I am pleased that it shares just a little bit more of your story as it tells that you were Missing in Laos......what it doesn't say is that it was more than 44 years before your remains were found and identified! What Sweet Sorrow that was.....hope was gone, but we could celebrate your short life and who you were and always will be and we now know where you are and can visit your grave, remembering all that you brought to our lives! Bless you on this Memorial Day 2021. May you continue to inspire all who knew and loved you! May those who visit this website know you just a little bit more and may their lives be richer for it! God Bless!

Hey Doug,
It is still fantastic to see the continual output of Love and Respect from your Family after all of these years.

I follow your Sisters Site for the simple reason that I received a mailed envelope in the mid/late 1980's from the POW Project.  They were 'selling POW/MIA' aluminum bracelets.  As I'd had a steel one in the early 70's for my family friend, Danny Dickerson, (Jolly Green) door gunner in Vietnam, I felt compelled to order another.

By chance, your Family Name was the same as mine. It suddenly became personal.

I'm not related, but have felt the connection for almost 40 years.  I'd occasionally do internet research, when I suddenly found out a few years back that Doug had been discovered and brought home.

Again, I never knew him.  I was also thrust into contemplating the finished history of something on my damn wrist that was, and would remain, unknown.

Suddenly, it was known.  A few years ago, I took my bracelet, and cut it in two with a pair of shears.  It was symbolic. 

I was tempted to throw them into the Northern California woods, but stopped, and put the 2 halves in a wooden box. 

Again, I never knew your Brother. I am but one of thousands who wore the bands, and later was able to find more about the individuals on them.

It was such a part of my life that I will never lose it, yet, it makes me supremely happy to look at it, cut in half in a wooden box. Cut in half. Signifying He's no longer 'missing'.  I had tears when I took the tin shears to the Bracelet.

I hope I am not out of line, or place.  I simply wanted to share. I check this site often, and am thrilled that His Legacy is kept alive by his Loving Family.

With Supreme Respect,
Michael A Ferguson,
Santa Cruz California.

Happy 76th Birthday Dear Brother! One of the few things that makes me smile is that you are forever young in my mind....... good looking, friendly, dancing, sparking, mischievous eyes, always ahead of the pack with a fabulous sense of humor!

I remember when you showed up in St. Louis as you travelled around the world between your Second and First Class years at the Air Force Academy........hopping planes, and sleeping in airports and train stations. I had lived in St. Louis for about a year, was 7 months pregnant with my first son and had never driven downtown alone to where you said you were. But, I found you and brought you back to our condo. It was a good thing that I had followed God's message as my husband Dick was in Detroit and wanted me to go with him. I just knew you would be coming through and I should stay home. I showed you a few things in St Louis and we got to talk about your travels.....including a stop in Vietnam. (Glad I didn't know that before you went!) You were always so curious and adventuresome.

Thank you for this day of remembering the special times and the wonderful loving, caring and thoughtful person I had the privilege to have as my brother! You have made my life richer than you can ever imagine!!! God Bless You! I hope you are at PEACE! We did our Best to see that you are home!!! Those you love are Close!

Hi my Cuzz! As you kno, there is not a day, moment, minute, hour that you are not in my Heart~ I feel you & kno you are with ME!
I started to send a “Big Hello” to you a couple days ago & I just let other things clutter my time~ It sure happens!
Here I am now, early morning as it is peaceful~
I’m sending Birthday Wishes to YOU!
We just celebrate in our OWN way, huh?
In my moments of sadness, I think of You, My Patents, Sue.....all my “loved
ones, My Family... & I feel peace~ It’s as simple as closing my eyes & I see everyone sooo clearly~ I remember & that is my happiness!
These are crazee times & the process is quite slow to have some
normality~
Luv you my Cuzz~
Happy Birthday! Your day is always Special to ME‍

Hi my Dear Cousin! Yesterday being Veterans Day was very quiet for me~ I will never forget Your Sacrifice for my Freedom as well as all the other Men & Women that have done so!
Know I love You & miss you ever so much~
Sally

Dearest Brother:  This is your 75th Birthday Message! Still miss your dancing mischievous eyes and deep laughter! I see and hear you in the living room watching the Three Stooges, laughing uproariously! And I remember your gentleness and your caring for others......especially Grandma Lou's sisters! You were the most special person in their lives! You were always there to support your friends.....you always heard their hearts.....their dreams and their longings! You were so kind to our Mother and made her feel so special! She loved the wood sculpture you sent her from Thailand and I now have it on my mantle!!

Remember our first flight to Washington DC!? It was really rough from Chicago to DC and you got sick....I toughed it out! But you had the last laugh when you became a fighter pilot! We had such a great time in DC visiting all of the sights and navigating the city on our own! Remember the night Dad and Mom were at a formal convention dinner and you and I went to the dining room for dinner ......our waiter had safety pinned his suspenders to his pants and we thought that was hilarious! For the life of me I don't know why?!

What a different world we live in today! You wouldn't know it!! I'm not sure it is a better place, but I do know it is better because you lived and brought focus and passion to everything you did.....flying, your love for Linda and Gomer, of course, friends and family!!! You inspired so many and my life has been so rich because you are my Brother! God Bless You Always!

Happy Birthday my Dear Cousin! You are so missed & loved~
This is such a sad time here with the Virus! I kno you wud be right there helping all you could~
You are always in my Heart & Prayers!
God Bless You
Luv ya!
Your Cuzz Sally

Hi Doug~ Where has the time gone?
Please do forgive me for not getting in touch for a bit~ I remember Dec.30,1969, like yesterday~ I will NEVER forget and You are always in my Heart~
I was just writing Sue a note that turned into a Novel about the time my Girlfriend & I went to the Wall~
We were on a DC layover~ I felt you here w/me as I was telling Sue about our adventure~ I will NEVER not have my POW/MIA patch!!!
I miss YOU deeply but I do know you are OK & always with ME!
Luv ya, Sally

Just wanted to say “HI”~ You are always in my Heart~ Miss You ever sooo much!
Luv ya~
Your Cuzz, Sally

My precious Cousin!
Thinking of You~
It is so Arizona Hot today!
I remember how excited I Always was when you & Sue came to visit~
The joy You Both brought to my Parents! Thank you soo much~
I luv ya & miss you deeply!
Always in my Heart

To Doug's family,
Today I found in a jewelry box that my 94 year old mother-in-law has, a POW-MIA bracelet. The bracelet has the name 1st Lt. Douglas Ferguson. I quickly looked online in hopes of finding his family and returning the bracelet and am quite thrilled to see that they not only have honored their brother, uncle, and friend but have helped others to do the same. God bless your family for sharing Doug's story and may Doug rest in peace knowing that he is home. If you would like to have this bracelet for someone in your family, please let me know.

Hi my Dear Cousin~ I tried so hard yesterday to send you a Birthday Message~ I do believe you knew I sent it from my Heart & today is a better day!
You are so very special~ I do not let your Spirit be forgotten, ever!
I always share your Journey with so many people! This morning I happened to notice a gentleman that had a hat on that said “ Purple
Heart” so of course I thanked him for his service( Paratrooper) & had a fabulous chatt in the isle at Safeway! He gave me a big Hugg & said, “Wow, did I ever get a chill!”
We both knew you were there! Thank You• And....as I was filling my vehicle w/Gas, a Biker( Laughlin River Run is occurring) was pulling into the pump next to me & I saw his “Vietnam Vet” on his bike so I went over & thanked him for his service~ He looked at me, shook my hand & chatted for a moment~Then showed him my Bracelet I wear from your “Homecoming”~ He was silent, incredible humble & just stood with, I’m certain, all his memories!
I will NEVER EVER (!!!!) let others forget about YOU or the Sacrifices
each & every one of You have made for All Of Us!
I miss you~
Your Cousin,
Sally

Dear brother! Today is your birthday! I want to honor and remember all that you brought to this world! You brought your joy and laughter through your twinkling dancing brown eyes and you made the world a better place. You showed us what commitment to excellence looked like even up to and including that last flight.....always be the best you can be! You challenged us to do the same. You brought your love to everyone you met and made them feel so special because you listened to their stories and heard their hearts! You loved a good game of Trivia and were so good at it! Now your great nephew has taken up your mantle so you have passed your gift on! Another has demonstrated his focus and commitment to learning and striving to be his best, while another has your gift of friendliness. And for me, I continue the commitment to help others sustain their courage and strength to find the answers to the fate of their loved ones! Happy Birthday and God Bless You Dear Doug. You continue to make this world a better place!

My Dear Cousin Doug~ I just read these incredible story's! You are so very loved & missed beyond words~ I truly believe you are with ALL OUR Family in Heaven and You All are Always watching over ME~ Thank you! Sally

Hi Sue
My name is Lisa Codner O'Flaherty. My husband, Danny O'Flaherty, is a professional musician and singer/songwriter from Ireland. He came to America in 1970. When he was in Chicago he was playing with a group called The Irish Minstrels. He just told me a story I want to share with you about your brother, Lt. Douglas Ferguson. At some point just after he arrived in America, he met a group of veterans returning from Vietnam. They were often in his audience. They told him they were doing a project to help remember those MIAs. They were giving out silver bracelets with the name of the soldiers who were left behind. Danny selected Lt. Douglas Ferguson's name. Danny knew the name was Scottish, and felt a kinship with him. He wore the bracelet on stage for 10 years. He never knew what happened to him, but thought about him many, many times.
The bracelet has been sitting on our desk for all these years. I'd seen it many, many times, but we never spoke of it....until today. Danny is doing an album about Hero's from the war. We were working on it today, and Danny took out the bracelet and told me the story. It was just a few days ago I looked at a picture of him from 50 years ago and saw the bracelet on his wrist. So today, after he told me the story, we googled your brother's name. Needless to say, we've shed a few tears. Your brother looks so much like my son!! I had cold shivers from head to toe.
We are so sorry for your loss all those years ago, but I'm sure it feels like yesterday to you. We just wanted you to know that your brother will always be remembered by us.
Much respect
Lisa and Danny O'Flaherty

In 1971-72 I was a senior in high school in Durand, Michigan. My friend and I requested POW/MiA bracelets to wear. Mine bore the name of Douglas Ferguson. I wore it and prayed for him daily. My brother and cousin also served in Vietnam. Time went on and as he crossed my mind I would pray for him, his safe return home. Several years ago my husband and i visited the Vietnam Wall in DC and I found his name in the ledger and that he was still, at that time, identified as a POW/MIA. This morning on our way to church my husband bought us Diet Coke's and on the label mine said, "Douglas" - I mentioned it automatically made me think of Douglas Ferguson and I said a prayer again. My husband has heard the story of the bracelet many times! This morning, though, I ventured out on the internet and put "Douglas Ferguson, Vietnam, POW/MIA" I knew nothing of him other than his name on the bracelet. Imagine the tears that welled in my eyes as I read about his event, the parachutes, and the undying love of his sister to continue to pursue him and bring him home. To read about him in this tribute, on the obituary site, and the incredible full military funeral has brought me closure, and I know this must seem minuscule, but I feel such a sense of relief at this time. I posted this on FB and one person who also wore a bracelet is now going to try and search for her "name" - Thank you, Douglas Ferguson, for your service, and ultimate sacrifice, for my freedom and my country. Rest in Peace Capt. Ferguson.

Remembering you on your 73rd Bday. It is heartwarming to see all those who still make you a part of their lives.

Happy Birthday Doug~ You are in my heart & soul so I DO celebrate "your day"! I miss you deeply my Cuzz~ Luv you always! Sally

Hi my Cuzz~
You have been so heavy on my mind & heart! I miss you! I hope you hear me chatting with you & asking for your guidance~ I truly believe you do so that's all I need~ You are in my heart & soul~ Love you! Sally

Hi Cuzz~ I miss you and thank you so much for your sacrifice for my Freedom! You are always in my heart~ You are my Hero!
God Bless You!
Sally

Sue shares a beautiful example of knowing Doug's body was only a vessel. His spirit is eternal and always with us. Birthday joy!

Dear Brother! What joy you have been in my life! Your hilarious laughter, your twinkling brown eyes always reflected something mischievous and your kindness and caring always brought happiness to all you met. Your strength commitment and courage inspired others to follow because you did it quietly and humbly. You never needed nor wanted accolades. Even today you continue to light the way! Happy Bithday!

Never forgotten.
Happy Birthday, brother.

Rick

Thought about Douglas off & on through last night. Did not know why he had come to mind. Now I know! Had worn his bracelet for 22 years. One of the hardest things I had to do was remove it and place in the box @ the service.
I had used his bracelet to open conversations with the next generation who, through school, had not been very well informed of our brave men and women's sacrifice.
I learned of Douglas' final arrangements through one of those young people that had heard me speak of him. Had Rebecca not have told me,I would have missed his service. Greatly Missed

Happy Birthday to you my Cousin Doug~ You are forever in my heart!
I miss you so very much~ Please know you are soo missed as well as loved deeply~ God Bless You!
As always,
Sally

I sat in the theatre and stared at Doug's coffin, I remembered him from high school days at Wilson. I graduated there in 1963. Doug always had a smile on his face. He was a special young man. I served in Vietnam in 66-67 with the 1st Marine Division and I lost a number of friends and brothers in that part of the world.
I am so proud of you, Doug. You will live for many years in the hearts and minds of those whose lives you touched. Welcome home brother.
God bless you and the family and friends you left behind.

I purchased a POW bracelet in 1971 at the age of 8 from Sears store. I wore it for years and sent a letter to his wife. I always wondered what he was like and looked like and the why, the how. I still remember his name until this day all these years later. So nice to see he was honored and returned home.