Only USAF Wing Commander to record an air-to-air kill during Operation Desert Storm passes away

F-15 Eagle pilot Col. Rick N. downed an SU-7/17, making him the only wing commander to record an aerial victory in Operation Desert Storm.

On May 25, 2021 former F-15 Eagle pilot Col. Rick N. Parsons passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at his home with his wife of 54 years, Nancy Parsons, at his side, The Gazette reports.

Parsons was born Mar. 7, 1944 in Lyndonville, New York.

He graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1962 and from the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) in 1966. On September 3, 1967 he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Custer, in Lyndonville, New York.

After leaving the Air Force Academy, Parsons dedicated 26 years to defending the United States. His service in defending our nation included two tours in Vietnam, one tour in Saudi Arabia with flying over 5,000 hours in the T-38, F-4, F-15, and F-16.

Parsons commanded the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) Wolfhounds at Soesterberg Air Base (AB) and the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB). On Feb. 7, 1991, Parsons downed an SU-7/17, making him the only wing commander to record an aerial victory in Operation Desert Storm.

After retiring as a Colonel from his decorated career in the Air Force, Parsons began a second career as a Certified Financial Advisor in Monument, Colorado.

In celebration of his life’s hard work, after fully retiring Parsons and his wife built a beautiful home in Guffy, Colorado, which they enjoyed for 13 years before returning to Colorado Springs. He enjoyed spending time with his ’66 USAFA classmates, playing softball and pickleball, and watching the Rockies whether they won or lost.

However, he spent most of his weekends with his grandchildren – always an enthusiastic spectator, whether in person or online for sports or theater productions.

Nickel in the Grass.

Photo credit: U.S. Air Force