Tragic death of our friend Kelly Hinz

SDMBB&ST member Kelly Hinz and another U.S. Marine Corps pilot tragically died May 2 after their single-seat F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets collided over south-central Iraq. Hinz shipped out to Iraq on January 18 from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Kelly was a frequent skier on the waters of Hidden Anchorage when he was able to slip away from his training while stationed at Miramar. Kelly was a nationals-level slalom and trick ski competitor.

Catholic memorial services will be held Friday, May 13th at 10am at the University of St. Thomas Acquinas Chapel in St. Paul, Minnesota. Kelly's brother Ben has said there will be a memorial service at Miramar on May 26th. More details on this will be posted as they become available.

An educational trust fund has been set up for Kelly & Molly's seven-month old daughter Abby. A post office box has been set up at MCAS Miramar:

Abby Hinz College Fund
P.O. Box 45161
San Diego, CA 92145
Acct. # 3004143511

See news stories from May 5 and May 6 from the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty met with Hinz's family during the private visitation and ordered U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today at the Capitol complex, including state buildings, monuments and grounds, in honor and remembrance of Hinz. More information...

Funeral services were held Friday, May 13 in St. Paul.