Book of Memories for Linda Kay Mc Tague

Condolence From UPT Class 82-05

Thu, 18 May 2017 10:07:07 EDT

We knew you when you were just plane old "Linda". You never really changed. "Fly like the wind", Linda. We'll all see you at some point again........... and have a great party when we do!

Condolence From Patty Meredith

Wed, 17 May 2017 20:30:24 EDT

Thinking of Linda on this sad day. Linda and I played AF and Armed Forces Volleyball together. She was a great teammate. A quiet leader who always made any team better. Even though we had lost touch with each other, I thought of her fondly. RIP Tag, you will be missed and the world is a better place from your many contributions.

Memorial Candle lit by CMSgt Kimberly S. Turner - 113th WG/CCM

Wed, 17 May 2017 19:35:20 EDT

CMSgt Kimberly S. Turner - 113th WG/CCM

Condolence From Keith Crowell

Wed, 17 May 2017 08:29:55 EDT

On behalf of the Home Builders Association of Western Michigan, the loss of Linda is a tremendous loss for all veterans. She inspired our group, young and old, with her heartwarming and loving telling of Honor Flight missions, and she provided the inspiration for a builder veterans night at the Air Zoo in October. We will miss her.

Condolence From Hatice Biddle, SSgt (DC ANG)

Wed, 17 May 2017 07:46:55 EDT

I write you with heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.

Condolence From Connie Reeves

Tue, 16 May 2017 20:53:12 EDT

Dear Linda, The world was a better place with you in it. You quietly, competently, and assuredly acquired positions of greater rank and responsibility. No fanfare. No self-promotion. I enjoyed bragging about you to male pilot friends as you continually surpassed their achievements. I'll never forget your stories of flying on 9/11, bringing VIPs back from the Midwest, and the eerie sensation of being practically alone in the airspace. Your retirement from the military was just like you...wearing combat fatigues, no huge pomp and circumstance, just a dignified ceremony and celebration. You made a great transition from military to civilian life, and made a difference everywhere you went. I hope you were having fun that last day. We already miss you. You have been taken too soon. You were a stalwart of Women Military i

Condolence From Peggy Phillips, Col, USAFR (ret)

Tue, 16 May 2017 13:33:43 EDT

It was truly an honor to serve with Gen McTague. We met early on in our careers through Women Military Aviators. May your family find comfort in knowing she was well loved and a life well lived. Her legacy is a testimony to that life and the love of her family.

Condolence From Kimberly K. Dougherty, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.)

Tue, 16 May 2017 11:33:56 EDT

I first met Linda in the 1980s, as colleagues in Women Military Aviators, and was immediately impressed with her ability to make everyone she met feel valued. With quiet, confident leadership, she blazed a trail for women in aviation. I’m honored to have known her, and will join Col Hamilton in a toast! Blue skies and CAVU weather!

Condolence From Barbara Garwood, USAF/USAFR Major (Sep), Captain American Airlines, Retired

Tue, 16 May 2017 11:15:17 EDT

Linda and I were pilots and instructor pilots in the same squadron in 1985 at the USAFA. She flew the de Havilland twin Otter parachute jump plane, while I flew gliders. There were not many women officers at the time then. It was easy to became friends with Linda as she was genuinely kind and professional officer. She had a remarkable career, supported the Women Military Aviators and the journey of the evolving opening of jobs in the Air Force for female pilots. God Bless you Linda as you soar above us in your final flight. You will be remembered and missed.

Condolence From MSgt Angel Love-Shorter

Tue, 16 May 2017 09:29:04 EDT

God bless you all - may peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.

Condolence From Mr. & Mrs. Joseph W. Sharrar

Mon, 15 May 2017 21:59:51 EDT

Thank you for your service. It is a distinct honor and privilege to have known you and to be so close to your family.... We love you and know that you are on your most important assignment to date in the Lords Kingdom. The legacy you have left is evident throughout everyone you have blessed through fellowship, friendship and sacrifice! Godspeed General McTague! ✝💛🇺🇸

Condolence From Gretchen Chisholm

Mon, 15 May 2017 21:10:41 EDT

I was just getting to know Linda thru The Ladies of Harley group. I admired her accomplishments, her humble nature, her smiling personality. She is gone too soon and will be missed . RIP Linda

Condolence From Karl Conlet

Mon, 15 May 2017 19:41:15 EDT

RIP Ma'am your legacy will never be forgotten.

Condolence From Sue Riippa

Mon, 15 May 2017 19:39:58 EDT

I met Linda in the 80's when she played softball with friends of mine - but had recently gotten reacquainted through the Ladies of Harley chapter, first when she gave a presentation we all attended and then when she joined our group. While I did not have an opportunity to ride with her I did enjoy several dinners with her including last Wednesday night. She always had that smile on her face, almost as if she had a secret she was trying not to give away. A life gone too soon but oh so well lived. She will be mourned and missed by all but her spirit and attitude and love of life should serve as an inspiration for all of how to make the journey on earth. Godspeed and till we meet again, General.

Condolence From Val Lauer

Mon, 15 May 2017 17:58:48 EDT

I have know Linda since we were kids. We went to school together. Attended Battle Creek Central together where we played basketball, volleyball and softball. We attended Kellogg Commuity College where we played volleyball again together. I will never forget her wonderful sense of humor and her devotion to her friends. She was a women of integrity, a trailblazer for all who had the privilege of knowing her. RIP my friend.

Story shared: Talons Out Honor Flight Guardian

Mon, 15 May 2017 17:57:28 EDT

I had the joy and pleasure of sharing the Mission 11 Talons Out Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. with Linda just two and a half weeks before her death. Although a key founding member in getting the Talons Out flights to fly out of Kalamazoo, Linda had never been a guardian before. Her previous nine flights saw her serving in many other capacities from flight staff to bus captain. But she had never been the escort for an individual veteran.

When I talked with her at our Guardian training, she was SO excited to be able to accompany one veteran visit "his memorial". The smile on her face as she talked about the upcoming opportunity truly lit up the room!

Knowing Linda, that veteran had a truly memorable experience as she shared her wealth of knowledge and facts about Washington and the various memorials the flight group visited. Her love of our country and her deep appreciation for our military would have been evident to her travel companion.

It was my honor to know her and to walk with her for part of this life's journey. Our veterans have lost a strong ally; our community has lost a committed volunteer; and our country has lost a dedicated leader.

God speed, General McTague.

Condolence From Bev Russell

Mon, 15 May 2017 16:05:37 EDT

I grew up in the same neighborhood with Linda as kids. We hung out some, played catch and in high school were on the same volleyball and softball team. I come from an Air Force family and could not be more proud of her accomplishments. God Speed Linda!!

Condolence From Monica Betor

Mon, 15 May 2017 13:06:17 EDT

I was fortunate enough to get to know Linda when we both attended Undergraduate Pilot Training in the Air Force. As the only two woman in a large class of nearly 100, we shared a kitchen with adjoining rooms. She was an incredibly intelligent, amiable, stable rock in a time of great pressure. The world has lost one of it's best.

Condolence From Colonel Kelly Hamilton, USAF, (retired)

Mon, 15 May 2017 12:17:13 EDT

Linda leaves a legacy of strength, friendship, devotion to duty, and genuine concern for others. I first met her at the Air Force Academy in the 80's. Her ability to bring out the best in people, and willingness to go that extra distance to insure their success was admirable. She championed the advancement of women in the military, always leading by example. Her promotion to Brigadier General was a proud day for those who knew her professionally and personally. She will be missed, and remembered for her good humor and love of life. I honor her with a toast from a silver flask. Farewell dear friend; God be with you as you take your final flight.

Condolence From Mary Melley Blissard

Mon, 15 May 2017 10:12:04 EDT

I was thrilled and amazed to know Linda through WMA. She was exceptional, and fought for and blazed the path for so many women aviators. But also she was funny, generous with her time, and genuinely happy to share time, experiences, and laughter with her friends. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Condolence From Colonel Marcelyn Atwood, USAF (Ret)

Mon, 15 May 2017 05:30:55 EDT

I've known Linda since the early 80s when we met at a Women Military Aviators conference. She was always open and ready to listen. We shared our trials and laughs over the years. We were all so proud of her when she was promoted to General and commanded the 113 Wing, blazing yet another trail for women in the military. Her quiet strength lifted us all and gave us courage to continue to serve with humility and grace. We'll miss you!

Photo shared: Updated Photo.jpg

Mon, 15 May 2017 05:23:56 EDT

Condolence From Lt Col Peggy Carnahan, USAF (ret)

Sun, 14 May 2017 23:12:10 EDT

I've known Linda since we were both instructors at the USAF Academy in the mid-80s She was a trailblazer among women military pilots. Many don't realize that she jeopardized her career by fighting for the repeal of the Combat Exclusion Law and by going toe to toe with USAF leadership to open up combat aircraft to women. Linda was a true leader of quiet courage, a pillar of the Women Military Aviators association, mento and inspiration to many, and most of all, a really loyal friend. Blue skies and Tailwinds, Linda!!

Photo shared: obit photo.jpg

Sat, 13 May 2017 10:23:31 EDT