Alaska Airlines pilot answers Call: Flying A Hero one last time as ‘Gramps’ receives final ride

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Alaska Airlines honors one of the last surviving heroes of Pearl Harbor, escorting him to his eternal rest.

In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Richard Clyde Higgins, a chief petty officer in the Navy, witnessed the chaos of Pearl Harbor unfold from his bunk. Amidst the bombings, he sprang into action, aiding his comrades and saving aircraft from destruction. Though he survived that fateful day, Higgins always insisted he wasn’t a hero, reserving that title for those who never returned.

Higgins led a remarkable life, embracing roles as a family man, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Fondly known as “Gramps,” his infectious smile and captivating stories endeared him to many, even amassing a following on his Instagram account, “quarantine chats with gramps,” where he recounted his military service.

On March 19, at the age of 102, Higgins passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spanned generations. Newspapers nationwide shared his story, yet few knew of his final wish—an unlikely request made to a newfound friend, Alaska Airlines Captain Adrienne Grechman.

Their acquaintance began three years prior, during a chance encounter on a flight from Honolulu. Captivated by Higgins’ distinguished garrison cap and warm demeanor, Grechman, herself hailing from a military family, struck up a conversation. Learning of his journey as a Pearl Harbor survivor returning from the 80th Anniversary Memorial, she was deeply moved.

A bond formed between Grechman and Higgins, leading to continued correspondence over the years. So, when the opportunity arose to fulfill Higgins’ final journey, Grechman, without hesitation, stepped forward.

In a poignant tribute, Alaska Airlines ensured Higgins’ passage home was befitting of a hero, echoing the reverence felt for a man who exemplified courage and humility throughout his extraordinary life.

It’s part of who we are at Alaska Airlines to honor service members like Mr. Higgins,” Grechman said. “On that morning at Pearl Harbor, he was just a 20-year old boy.  He became a man who spent his life reminding us of what it truly means to serve. Today, is truly the honor of a lifetime for me.” 

Despite the sunshine bathing Portland, an air of solemnity hung heavy. Grechman found herself at the Portland airport early Saturday morning, accompanying Higgins’ family. After completing her flight check, she joined them on the tarmac, where Alaska’s special “Honoring Those Who Serve” aircraft awaited.

First responders from the Port of Portland Police, Fire, and Air National Guard stood in formation, their emergency vehicle lights flashing in respect as members of the esteemed Fallen Soldier team conducted a poignant ceremony. Clad in safety vests, this all-volunteer group carefully conveyed Higgins’ casket to the waiting aircraft using a special cart draped in the American flag and adorned with insignias representing all five branches of the armed forces.

As the flag-draped casket ascended slowly up the conveyor belt, a moment of silence enveloped the air in tribute to Higgins.

There wasn’t a single dry eye to be found on the runway.

Upon arrival at Los Angeles, the aircraft received a water cannon salute from airport firetrucks. Higgins’ casket was then solemnly transferred off the aircraft to a waiting coach parked alongside an identical flag-draped cart. Crafted by Alaska maintenance and engineering employees as part of their Fallen Soldier Program, this cart and the accompanying ceremony have become a benchmark for honoring fallen military members in the industry.

Dan Brosch, an Alaska aircraft maintenance technician who has been involved in numerous flights honoring fallen soldiers, attested that the raw emotion of such moments never fades with repetition.

  “There is no greater thing you can do for a fellow human and their loved ones than provide compassion, honor and dignity at the time of their death,” Brosch said.  

Brosch bestowed special honor coins upon members of the Higgins family, including four great-grandchildren gathered planeside—a poignant token from Alaska’s Fallen Soldier team.

Following this, the family journeyed to a graveside ceremony, where Higgins was interred beside his wife of 60 years, who had preceded him in passing.

Higgins’ daughter Vicki, who was in awe of the day, said her dad, who was very humble, would have wondered why we made such a fuss. “But, he would have loved it,” she said. 

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