ArcticInsider reader, Christopher, recently sent me photos of his 2022 Thundercat, which he outfitted with a custom graphics wrap to honor some of his fallen brothers (friends) during his 19yr tenure in the Marines.
Arctic Cat dealer, Cofiells, in Glastonbury, CT, did an amazing job helping Christopher complete his vision for this one-of-a-kind hyper sled.
Christopher, I appreciate your service and that of your fellow fallen Marines. Thank you. I hope everyone enjoys the photos, as well as learns a bit about the men behind the names adorning this special wrap. – Kale
If you have a cool Arctic Cat with a story you think readers would like to see here, send me a few photos and a description, and Ill run them as a Reader Rides feature. (arcticinsider@gmail.com)
The following is background on the Marine names adorning Christopher’s Thundercat.
Cpl. Jesse W. Stites, who grew up in Roxana, Ill., and Interlachen, Fla., died when a CH-53-D Sea Stallion crashed conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 19, 2012. Riddick was a crew chief assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Master Sgt. Travis W. Riddick, a native of Centerville, Iowa, died when a CH-53-D Sea Stallion crashed conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 19, 2012. Riddick was the quality assurance chief for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Cpl. Kevin J. Reinhard, a native of Colonia, N.J., died when a CH-53-D Sea Stallion crashed conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 19,2012. Reinhard was a crew chief assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Capt. Nathan R. McHone, a native of Crystal Lake, Ill., died when a CH-53-D Sea Stallion crashed conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 19,2012. McHone was a pilot assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Cpl. Joseph D. Logan, a native of Willis, Texas, died when a CH-53-D Sea Stallion crashed conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 19, 2012. Riddick was a flight equipment technician assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Capt. Daniel B. Bartle, a native of Ferndale, Wash., died when a CH-53-D Sea Stallion crashed conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 19, 2012. Bartle was a pilot assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Cpl. Jonathan Faircloth, of Mechanicsburg, PA, died when a CH-53D Sea Stallion crashed about 2 miles from Marine Corps Base Hawaii in view of Heeia Kea pier on March 29, 2011. The helicopter had been in the air for just a few minutes after taking off on a routine training mission before calling a Mayday and making an emergency landing. Faircloth was an Aerial Gunner with personal awards including four Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
