“It is my duty, as a member of the Air Rescue Service, to save life and to aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placing these duties before personal desires and comforts. These things I do that others may live.”

Pararescueman Killed in Action

Dennis Patrick Hay was a Pararescue Specialist from 1998 till 2001 and a graduate of PJ Class 98-03. He decided that he wanted to fly helicopters and went from the USAF to the U.S. Army warrant officer program and flight school. After graduation from flight school, he was stationed at Fort Carson, CO and was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 32-years old when he was killed in action on August 29, 2005. His OH-58D Kiowa helicopter came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire at Tal Afar, Iraq. Dennis was born November 9, 1972 in Charleston, SC to Barry and Patty Hay. On July 1, 1995, Dennis married Rebecca Wilson in St. Mary, GA and they started a family together. Dennis is survived by his wife, Rebecca; his son and daughter; his parents, Barry and Patty hay; his brother, Barry; his sister, Bridgette; his aunt, Nancy Humphrey; his uncle, Chuck Hay; and his cousin, Rhonda Nelsen. Dennis served his country in the U.S. Air Force for eight years and in the U.S. Army for four years. Dennis served as Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Pararescueman (PJ), and an OH-58D Delta pilot. Dennis P. Hay was a specialist in saving lives. He was an Army helicopter pilot trained in rescuing downed airmen. Before that, he was in the Pararescue. "Sons don't get any better than he was," said Patty Hay, his mother. "He had a servant's heart and was quick to tell you how much he loves you." Hay was in the Air Force for eight years and in the Army for four years. "He was my buddy and was always a blessing in our lives for many years. He was one of the finest young men that I've ever known," wrote Larry Peterson and his wife, Shirley. "He was a ray of sunshine in this dark world," said Jennifer Ingram, a friend. "He could make a grump smile and a sinner a saint. Hay was in the Air Force for eight years and in the Army for four years. Dennis enjoyed cycling, flying, jumping, hiking, and most of all spending time with his family.   He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; a son, 5; and a daughter, 2 CW02 Dennis Patrick Hay is interred at Arlington National Cemetery
Dennis Hay & wife Rebecca	Dennis and his children
Dennis and his OH-58