Last Vietnam era Arizona Guardsman makes final flight

Photo By Sgt. Edward Balaban | Chief Warrant Officer 5 Stephan A. Bourassa gets the traditional wet down from his friends and co-workers upon returning from his final flight as an Army aviator, June 24, at Papago Park Military Reservation, Phoenix. Bourassa is the last Vietnam era Army aviator in the Arizona Army National Guard and is retiring after 41 years of service.  

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES

06.24.2011

Story by Sgt. Edward Balaban 

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

PHOENIX – Chief Warrant Officer 5 Stephan A. Bourassa made his final flight here June 24 in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. He is the last remaining Vietnam era Army aviator in the Arizona Army National Guard.

Bourassa, who turned 60 years old this week, is retiring from the military after more than 41 years of service. Born in Natick, Mass., but raised in Tucson, he enlisted in the Army in 1970, completed helicopter pilot training and saw combat in Vietnam during 1971-1972. Upon his release from active duty in 1974, Bourassa returned to Tucson and became a city firefighter. He retired from the Tucson Fire Department in 1995.

Bourassa joined the Arizona Army National Guard in 1975 and was immediately assigned as an aviator. Owing to his full-time job as a firefighter, Bourassa served as a traditional Guardsman performing his monthly weekend drills and two-week active duty training until 2003 when he entered the Active Guard and Reserve program.

Bourassa’s awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, rifle and pistol expert badges, Master Army Aviator badge, two overseas service bars, and numerous state commendations and awards.

A Phoenix Fire Department pumper was on hand to spray the traditional stream of water as Bourassa’s helicopter taxied to a stop in front of the Army Aviation Support Facility at Papago Park Military Reservation here. Family and friends, including the senior leadership of the Arizona National Guard were present to honor Bourassa’s achievement of long and safe service. As he climbed out of the cockpit, he was doused with the traditional champagne spray signifying the end of his flying career.

Gazing upon the crowd, Bourassa was visibly touched by the outpouring of support. His comment to those present was, “Forty one years! It’s been a trip!”

He thanked everyone for being at this momentous event, citing several friends and colleagues. He also urged those junior to him to embrace all that the Army aviation community has to offer and continue to be the best Soldiers and aviators they could be so that they too, eventually, could safely reach retirement.

• Date Taken: 06.24.2011
• Date Posted: 06.28.2011 16:22
• Story ID: 72905
• Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US