Alfred James Cargen

Alfred J. Cargen was born 29 June 1930 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Alfred M. Cargen and Florence Nancy Fox. He enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 17. After basic training he was sent to aircraft and engine mechanics schools. He served on B-29s in Yakoto AFB Japan. He was discharged from the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant.

The next day, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed Infantry basic training and was assigned to an aircraft maintenance unit in Korea. From Korea, Al rotated to Ft. Riley, Kansas where SFC Cargen was selected for a direct appointment to Warrant Officer as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He attended flight school at Ft. Rucker, Alabama and graduated in June, 1956. He attended Fixed-Wing Qualification course and graduated in September 1960.

Al’s experience and professionalism brought many interesting assignment including: Arctic Test Board at Fort Greely, Alaska; Fire Team leader and Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Peliku and Da Nang,Vietnam; Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Presidential Flight Detachment, Washington D.C. and Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was the eleventh aviator to be qualified on the iconic Huey helicopter.

During his Army career, Al was awarded: The Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with Seven Oak leaf Clusters and Valor Device, Army Commendation Medal with Four Oak leaf Clusters and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. He retired from the US Army June 1968 with 20 years of active military service.

After his military retirement, Al became an Army Civil Service employee serving as an aircraft maintenance officer/test pilot, aircraft equipment specialist and aircraft safety specialist. He served as the Chief of Aviation the Safety Branch, Aviation Division, HQ Fifth US Army. During this time, he published a pamphlet titled “Reference Index of Army Aviation Publications.” He developed 5-day Aviation Life Support Equipment training for aviation personnel that included an overnight survival training exercise. Al was awarded The Department of Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. (James H. McCellan Aviation Safety Award) His office, Fifth Army Aviation Division was awarded the prestigious Daedalian Award for Army Aviation Safety in 1980

In May 1982, AL accepted a transfer and promotion to serve as the Army Aviation Safety Manager, Aviation Division, National Guard Bureau. Under the leadership of John J. Stanko, Jr. Chief of the Aviation Division NGB, Al implemented several aviation safety and accident prevention programs which reduced aviation accidents. He considered the four years at the NGB the most productive of his career. In June 1986, he retired his civil service position with 19 years of service.

January 1987, Al established Aviation Safety Organization (ASO) initiating classes for aviation and ground safety and OSHA compliance. A five-day Aviation Mishap Prevention Orientation Course (AMPOC) was designed for both officers and enlisted personnel. The mixing of personnel contributed to the success of the AMPOC. ASO courses were conducted worldwide to both active Army and Reserve Components. He is the oldest person to complete training for Bosnia. Over 100,000 service members have attended courses by ASO. He was awarded the Order of Saint Michael (Bronze) for his outstanding contribution to Army Aviation.

Al belonged to St Mathew’s United Methodist Church, Army Aviation Association of America, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, Order of Daedalians, Stinson Flight, and instructed in AARP safe driving.

He is survived by his wife Catherine Cargen, daughters Cathy Newsom (Mike) and Roberta Cargen.

The family thanks the staff at Silver Tree Nursing Home and Elara Caring Hospice for the loving care Al received.