Bergen County Stars

07/21/2026

03/20/2026

Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86. His family confirmed his sudden passing on Friday, saying he died Thursday morning in Hawaii, surrounded by loved ones.

To the world, he was a martial arts icon and one of Hollywood's greatest action stars. But before all of that, Carlos Ray Norris was a United States Air Force Airman.

In 1958, Norris enlisted in the Air Force as an Air Policeman. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where a fellow Airman gave him the nickname "Chuck." He was then stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea, where he discovered martial arts and began training in Tang Soo Do. That moment changed the course of his life.

After returning to the U.S., Norris served at March Air Force Base in California until his honorable discharge in August 1962 at the rank of Airman First Class. He later said his military service was the foundation of everything that followed.
In 2001, the Air Force named him Veteran of the Year.

Just 10 days ago, on his 86th birthday, Norris posted a video of himself training in Hawaii with the caption: "I don't age. I level up."

Rest easy, Airman

02/03/2026

Check out our MASH helicopter at the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame Museum

Most people know about M*A*S*H units and the "Bubble" helicopters of the Korean War, but few know the story of the document that actually revolutionized battlefield medicine: The Neel-Spurgeon Report.

In 1951, helicopters were still considered experimental "flying trucks." Commanders used them for everything—hauling mail, ammo, and generals. Occasionally, they'd strap a wounded soldier to the side, but it was often an afterthought.

Enter Major Harry Neel (a doctor) and Captain John Spurgin (a pilot).

They conducted a groundbreaking study that proved the helicopter wasn't just a convenience—it was a medical necessity.

Their report revealed two shocking facts:

1. The "Shock" Factor: A 10-hour ambulance ride over frozen, rutted Korean roads was actively killing soldiers. The constant bouncing caused blood pressure to crash. The helicopter ride was smooth, preserving the patient's physiology and keeping them alive for surgery.

2. The Time Difference: A trip that took 10 hours by jeep took only 20 to 30 minutes by air.

Based on these findings, Neel and Spurgin argued that helicopters shouldn't be "part-time" ambulances. They demanded that aircraft be dedicated medical assets with their own crews, equipment, and Red Cross markings—protected under the Geneva Convention.

The Army listened. Because of the Neel-Spurgeon Report, we moved from "Casualty Evacuation" (grab any vehicle available) to "Medical Evacuation" (MEDEVAC)—a dedicated system designed to save lives above all else.

History is written by the victors, but survival is written by the innovators.



We remain closed due to a lapse in government appropriations and hope to reopen soon!

12/10/2025

Atlantic City Airshow

I have another one for you courtesy of our friends at AirshowStuff.

The USMC F-35B Lightning II demo schedule.

U.S. Marine Corps