My friend Gregg

Long time friend Gregg Gammack died in a motorcycle accident yesterday in Eastern Pennsylvania. He was riding with his wife Patsy, who was on her own bike at the time. This is a difficult time for me as he was a wonderful friend for whom I now want to write in his memory. I helped Gregg remodel his Arizona home several years ago and he helped me do the same on my Arizona home in 2006. We became quite good friends while working these tough jobs together and putting in some long days. We have ridden thousands of miles together on our Harley's both with and without our wives. Gregg was a Vietnam vet, helicopter pilot, and in his civilian life a corporate pilot. He later hung up his wings but still worked in the aviation industry until retiring 4 years ago. During those working years when I knew him, he was always very serious and all business, but after retiring in 2006 I never saw him without a smile. He and Patsy shared some precious retirement years together on their farm in Kentucky and also at their Arizona home in the winters. I received a Happy birthday call from Gregg just 10 days ago and he told me all about his new Harley. He was so excited to be on that bike, that it made me want to be there with him. This is a photo of Gregg and I after a ride to the Superstition Saloon in Tortilla Flats, Arizona a few years ago. So My friend, while you take that ride in the sky, keep the chrome polished and watch out for me. I might just catch up for another adventure someday. We did have some fun! Julie and I both will sure miss you.

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GAMMACK, GREGG L.Synopsis:The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gregg L. Gammack (0-89587), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMM-361), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on May 10, 1967. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Captain Gammack upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Home Town: Seattle, Washington

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Adair Countian dies in motorcycle wreck in Pennsylvania A new Adair Countian, who recently moved here from Seattle, WA, and who had won many friends in his adopted Kentucky neighborhood, died in a highway tragedy in eastern Pennsylvania.Gregg Lee Gammack, Columbia, KY, was killed after his motorcycle left the roadway, struck a guardrail at Mile Point 19.8 in Greene Township in Pike Co., PA, on Interstate 84 on Thursday afternoon, September 9, 2010.A dispatcher with Blooming Grove Barracks of Troop R, of the Pennsylvania State Police, said that the accident was reported to the Pennsylvania State Police at 3:15pmET.The dispatcher said that Mr. Gammack was pronounced dead at the scene. She said that I-84 was closed for approximately 3 hours as a result of the wreck.Pike County is located on the eastern border of Pennsylvania. Blooming Grove Township is in the central part of the county.According to friends in Adair County, Mr. Gammack's wife was riding on a separate motorcycle and was not involved in the accident. She is being escorted back to Kentucky by neighbors who drove to Pennsylvania to be with her and see her safely home.