July 28, 2002, Phoenix, AZ
A picture of KC during his second season with the USAF Thunderbirds in the mid-1980s at Nellis AFB as No. 5 "Lead Solo"
Below the tribute to KC from his colleagues at Southwest Airlines, Thanks to Frank Schmuck
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES’ PILOTS GIVE THANKS TO A VETERAN
The month of November has two holidays for America - Thanksgiving and Veterans' Days. As we enter this month, we offer words to say thank you to one of our outstanding veterans - First Officer K. C. Schow. Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth C. ("KC") Schow, Jr. (USAF retired) began employment as a pilot with Southwest Airlines in 1998 after a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Military. KC graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1978 and earned his Air Force Pilot Wings the year after. He was a Top Gun Instructor, a United States Air Force Thunderbird Pilot, as well as an F-16 Squadron Commander. KC flew 47 combat missions during the Persian Gulf War earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals.
Shortly after being hired by Southwest KC was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that fewer than 100 people in the world have ever had - Ossifying Fibromixoid Tumor of the Soft Parts. Initially the cancer was benign and KC was able to fly as a pilot for Southwest. A year later during a routine medical exam the cancer returned, only this time malignant. Despite being sidelined due to his illness, KC continued making contributions to Southwest Airlines and the country. As a member of Southwest's Pilot Interview Team KC helped ensure only the best come to Southwest Airlines, and although he was fighting his own health battle, KC continued to fight for his wingman (Major Michael Donnelly)* and the successful recognition of Lou Gehrig's disease as a Persian Gulf War related illness.
July 28, 2002, at the age of 45, KC passed away quietly in his home with family and friends present. On August 28, 2002 Southwest Airlines honored KC with his last flight as his ashes were flown, with family and friends onboard, from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Baltimore-Washington International airports. The United States honored this great American hero, the day after, when he was interred at Arlington National Cemetery, along with a planned F-16 flyby arranged by the office of U.S. Congressman Bob Stump of Arizona and the United States Air Force.
KC was a devoted son and brother, a loving husband and father, a loyal friend, a dedicated officer and an outstanding pilot. KC Schow exemplified "Service Before Self," and he touched everyone he met with his infectious smile and positive personality. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of more than 20 years, his daughter, Kristin, and his son, Trey (a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant). KC will be dearly missed by his family, friends, fellow pilots and coworkers. We can all be inspired by the way he lived and passed, with courage and dignity.
Written by Captains Mark Leyba and Frank Schmuck
Made possible by Southwest Airlines’ Pilots
*( Major Donnelly flew 35 combat missions as KC Schow's wingman during the Persian Gulf War of 1991. Major Donnelly is presently in the latter stages of Lou Gehrig's disease, is known for his book entitled Falcon's Cry and for being a leader in the successful acknowledgement of Lou Gehrig's disease as a Persian Gulf War related illness.)
