R.S. ‘Bud’ Freeman
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. “Bud” Freeman of Longboat Key and formerly of Bradenton Beach, died Oct. 3.
He devoted his life to community and military service. As a teenager he patrolled the local beaches searching for invaders from German submarines. He knew very early he would pursue aviation and at age 16 earned his pilot’s license.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marines to begin his military career, and once a Marine he was always a Marine. Using the discipline and motivation of the Corps to advance to the U.S. Air Force, where he was commissioned as an officer.
At age 21, he became the youngest to ever command a B-29 Superfortress. He earned decorations, including the Air Medal for service that included Korea, Bay of Pigs and the Republic of Vietnam. He attained the pinnacle of a flying career as an Air Commando Instructor Pilot. After the Air Force, he flew for Florida Airlines, BLM Firefighting in Alaska and 15 years as chief pilot for Mote Marine Laboratory, where he again patrolled the local beaches, allowing scientists to observe manatees and sea turtles.
At age 84, he decided to stop flying, completing an accident-free 68-year career. As a master aviator, he loved America, family and flying.
A very quiet professional, he wished only two things of others: 1. Do your own thinking. 2. Never waste a day of Freedom.
Lastly, he lived the Air Commando motto: “Any time, Any Place.” He never failed to answer the call.
Mr. Freeman was the devoted husband of Vera Hope Freeman for 74 years and father of Mark and Michael.
A private military graveside ceremony at Sarasota National Cemetery will honor him. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations to support the families of his lost “brothers in arms” can be made to the Air Commando Association by email to melissa@aircommando.org or a call to 850-581-0099. Condolences may be made online at brownandsonsfuneral.com.
John Swager
“Big John” Swager
Please, join us and the family of John Swager 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25, at Holmes Beach City Field for a celebration of life for “Big John,” “Red Beard,” “Capt. Barbarossa,” a 30-plus-year member and leader of the Anna Maria Island Privateers.
Sponsors: The Islander, Holmes Beach and the HBPD, The Privateers, Waste Pro, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, Billy Rice and TK Grill & BBQ-Traveling Kitchen. 100% of memorial donations will go to The Privateer “Big John” Swager Scholarship Fund.