The spirit of giving is deeply ingrained in the close-knit community of the Air Force’s 321st Missile Squadron. Now former members are raising money and starting a college scholarship endowment at Laramie County Community College to honor one of their fallen, 1st Lt. Blake "Moose" Woockman. 

On the afternoon of June 29, 2017, I met Blake Woockman. That morning, I had become the commanding officer of the Air Force’s 321st Missile Squadron. The squadron is known as the “Greentails.” While a part of the Army Air Corps stationed in the South Pacific during World War II, the squadron painted their B-24 tail flashes green to distinguish their bomber aircraft from the other Jolly Roger squadrons.

Blake sought me out to personally explain why he had missed his annual physical fitness test. He included Kyle Martinez in the meeting because Kyle managed the unit’s fitness program. He wanted me to know that it wasn’t Kyle’s fault that he had missed his fitness test.

Blake told me he had a minor cough that a doctor said was pneumonia and was on antibiotics to kick it. He didn’t want to take his fitness test (which included running a mile and a half as fast as possible) with pneumonia. He wanted a high or even a perfect score on the test. I agreed healing before he took his test was appropriate.

That was the last day I spoke with Blake Woockman.

Long story short, Blake’s pneumonia wasn’t bacterial. It was fungal, and the antibiotics weren’t helping. About a week after our conversation, he went back to the doctor, and they sent him to a specialist because he hadn’t gotten better. Another week later, he was in the ICU. It was too late when the docs figured out what was wrong. Blake passed away on September 16, 2017, during transit to Arizona to receive specialty medical care.

I only spoke with Blake in person one time, but I’ll never forget him. He was the shining example of Americans who volunteer to serve the nation. Humble. Positive. Brilliant. Superb weapon system operators who put the team above themselves. Young Americans who take personal responsibility for their actions and strive to improve the unit.

The Greentail Heritage Room didn’t have a name at the time. The squadron named their Heritage Room the 1st Lt. Blake “Moose” Woockman Room. The plaque in the room has a picture of him and his surviving spouse with these words:

We dedicate the 321st Missile Squadron Heritage Room in the memory of our brother, Blake Woockman. A consummate officer and faithful wingman, Blake brought a smile to everyone he met with his unwavering positivity and sincerity. Blake was the person we all strive to be; the kind of man you take pride in calling your friend. Generous and kind to a fault, his aptitude and attitude were second to none. We will miss you and will keep you always in our memory.

Rest easy Greentail.

About a month ago, two former squadron members, Mike Wilson and Austin Rodemaker, approached me. They are establishing a local community college scholarship named the Blake Woockman Greentail Memorial Scholarship.

Details about the scholarship:

Students of Laramie County Community College (LCCC; Laramie County, Cheyenne, Wyoming) will be eligible to apply. The scholarship will be open to veterans, active duty, reserve, or national guard US military members who are seeking any degree and attending either full-time or part-time. Students must have and maintain a 2.5 grade point average to qualify.

Mike is the most motivated person I know. He is now the commanding officer of Office of Special Investigations (OSI) Detachment 804 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

Austin has a remarkable gift for selflessness. He knows how to work with people and situations to achieve the best outcomes. He is now the leader of a nonprofit foundation and a board member of another.

The spirit of giving back is deeply ingrained in the ethos of the Greentails and the community we serve. Blake Woockman's life was a testament to this spirit of service, and in his honor we aim to continue this tradition. The Blake Woockman Greentail Memorial Scholarship isn't just a memorial; it's an ongoing commitment to foster education, leadership, and community service.

Fundraising is well underway. Your generous donations can make a tangible impact on the lives of aspiring students from the military community, giving them the financial support they need to achieve their educational goals.

To donate, please contact Austin Rodemaker at the Laramie County Community College Foundation at [email protected]. Or give me a ring or an email and I’m happy to help.

Greentails continue to inspire with their courage, compassion, and leadership. I am proud to have served with them all.

May God bless the United States of America.

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