Peoria Region: Normal Community High School Graduate Col. Gregory Watson Among 8 Killed in B-52 Crash in California
Col. Gregory Watson, a Normal Community High School graduate and Illinois State University alum, was among eight people killed when a B-52 bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on June 15. Watson, 53, was a weapon systems officer for Boeing and a member of the 307th Bomb Wing.
A Central Illinois Son Lost in Mojave Desert Tragedy
Col. Gregory Watson, a Normal Community High School graduate and Illinois State University alum, was one of eight people killed when a B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert on June 15. Watson, 53, had deep ties to the Peoria region. He worked at ISU's public radio station WGLT after earning his degree in communication.
"Greg was sharp, dedicated, and above all loyal. I cherish the years I spent with him and I grieve along with his family and countless friends," said Willis Kern, who was WGLT's news director at the time Watson worked there.
According to Howard Packowitz of 25 News, Watson was performing his role as weapon systems officer for Boeing at the time of the crash. He was based at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and flew to California for the test flight the day before the crash, a family friend told reporters.
A Routine Test Mission Turned Deadly
The B-52 Stratofortress took off at 11:20 a.m. local time on Monday, June 15, to perform a test supporting a B-52 radar modernization program, Air Force officials said. The aircraft burst into flames shortly after takeoff. All eight crew members aboard were killed, according to the Los Angeles Times and CNN.
Watson was a member of the 307th Bomb Wing, the only bomber unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The unit released a tribute on social media.
"Though he was most recently assigned to 10th Air Force, Greg spent nearly a decade as a cornerstone of the 307th. From leading the 343rd Bomb Squadron to guiding our airmen in numerous leadership roles across the Wing, he was a mentor, a leader, and a true friend to so many of us. As a Command Weapon Systems Officer with over 3,200 hours in the B-52H, his dedication to the mission was matched only by his devotion to the people he served alongside."
A Family and Community Mourn
Watson graduated from Normal Community High School in 1991. Kern said Watson hosted local segments during NPR's Morning Edition during his time at WGLT more than 30 years ago.
Watson is survived by his wife, Michele, five children, and two stepchildren. Family friend Carol Pampe described Watson as a "huge" Chicago Cubs fan. The family released photos of Watson and Michele, including one taken at a Cubs game.
Pampe set up a GoFundMe page to help the family. The fundraiser has raised nearly $64,000. Pampe wrote that Michele is navigating the transition from two incomes to one, with two of Greg's children still in college and one on a church mission.
"All funds raised will help cover immediate expenses and bills, providing some relief as they adjust to this new reality. In addition to daily living costs, I hope to raise funds to allow Michele to help the kids with travel and school expenses," Pampe wrote.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Air Force.