Their Story
Remembering Frederick D. Dellecker.
Capt Frederick Drew Dellecker, 26, served as a Pilot within the Special Operations Command of the U.S. Air Force. On March 14, 2017 he lost his life along with two other experienced officers in an aircraft accident during a training exercise near Cannon Air Force Base.
Drew was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, grew up in Ormond Beach and graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2009. He then attended the United States Air Force Academy as a part of Cadet Squadron 13, where he learned to soar gliders and earned his jump wings. Drew graduated from the Air Force Academy with a pilot assignment in 2013.
Following the culmination of a year-long, dedicated effort to earn his flight wings at Laughlin Air Force Base, Drew joined the Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field near Destin, Florida. His most recent assignment took him to Cannon AFB in New Mexico, as a proud member of the 318th Special Operations Squadron.
When he wasn’t in the air, Drew loved all things outdoors. Growing up as an avid surfer, he translated those skills to intense snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains. Other interests included a wide range of sports, off-roading in his jeep, photography and music of all genres. Playing trumpet was a special passion in Drew’s life, which gave him a special love of both traditional and modern jazz.
Drew’s sense of humor was legendary. He loved the art of the practical joke, a clever theme party, the sense of surprise, and a great story. A huge laugh with friends, over the simplest real-world things, made his day and gave his life meaning.
Drew gave new meaning to the phrase “man’s best friend.” While in pilot training, he once shared a hot dog with a flea-ridden stray dog, who clearly had delivered a recent litter and was starving. This moment turned into a great outcome for both; Drew got a companion he named Daisy and she was given a second chance at a new life.
When he had to move on to a new assignment, he turned to Southern Paws Transport, a non-profit organization that specializes in placement of last-chance dogs in forever homes. Daisy now resides in Boston with a loving family.
Drew was promoted to the rank of Captain posthumously. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Drew is survived by his parents, William and Karen Dellecker, and his brother, William “Brett” Dellecker.