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Deborah Edwards posted a condolence
Friday, January 3, 2020
My condolences to the Edwards family on the loss of your father and grandfather.
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Mick McBee uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 2, 2020
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Les Edwards A Wonderful Human Being
Les touched so many or us in such a positive way that his passing leaves emptiness in our hearts. It is extremely rare to have such an outpouring from those who served under him as our commanding officer forty-seven [47] years later.
He was respected by all who served under him because we knew that he was looking out for us; NOT using his command as a stepping stone to higher office on our backs. Because of this respect for him and his leadership, the squadron won every award available. All these years later, he is still revered by all at the regular HS-7 reunions like NO ONE ELSE!!!
Les made captain even though he put his family first over advancing in his navy career by insisting that he stay in Rhode Island on shore duty and refusing to go back to sea.
How the Toothpick Made Him a Captain.
Less told me this story on two occasions: 1974 & 2016. Some of us in the squadron teased him about early shore liberty being med evacuated to the Philippines days ahead of the ship arriving for liberty because he ‘claimed’ to have inhaled a toothpick when he inhaled to laugh.
He was still so sensitive about that that he swore me to secrecy before going with him to his breakfast liar’s club in 2016 & 2017 because it was apparent he did not want to give them something to tease him about.
When it was time for him to be rotated back to a sea-duty assignment his detailer called with a plumb assignment on a path to possibly making admiral some day—as executive officer of a deep draft amphibious ship.
When Les refused the assignment because he wanted to stay with his family in Rohde Island, the detailer was very upset because he had locked in the assignment with the commanding officer of the ship. The detailer required Les to write a letter absolving the detailer and taking responsibility for screwing up his career.
Les sent the letter—then the toothpick saved him and he made captain anyway.
Out of the blue Les gets a call from his drinking buddy from the early toothpick liberty. He was his new detailer and he had Les’s letter. He asked if he could stick it in his desk until after the captain promotion board met. Les was promoted to captain.
The sweet epilogue: later, when Les was on the staff at the Naval War College, the detailer who insisted on the letter came through the war college---he was still a commander.
Co-Pilot
No one chooses to be the skipper’s co-pilot because who wants to be with the boss for hours on end unable have small talk about other senior officer or air complaints. And for a flight time hog like me, it probably meant less flight time because administrative command responsibilities lessened his availability.
However, there are not words to express how lucky I was to get to know Les much better than other had the opportunity. As a brand new plane commander, he let me alternate as pilot in command and he was the perfect co-pilot [the commanding officer could always assume command of any aircraft in his command]. He never questioned of overrode any decision that I made.
One day when it was my turn to be pilot-in-command, the airboss wanted us to takeoff in a wind direction I did not like and I refused asking for better winds. The airboss got on the radio and said: “Les, the Captain need to make time and doesn’t want to take the time to turn the ship, would you take off in those winds?” Les said: “He’s the plane commander.” The Captain turned the ship.
Rest in Peace Les.
The world is better to have had you among us. We all are better from the example you set for us !!!
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John DiMasso uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 2, 2020
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scott edwards uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
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scott edwards posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Comments from former Navy Comrades:
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I feel that loss too and so will many of our old Shamrocks. Without a doubt Les Edwards was the best skipper HS7 had and that is saying a lot. Cliff Moran and Pete Braun were great guys and great skippers but your dad was the best. We had a reunion in Oct and his name was brought up many times and more than once I heard guys say he was the best skipper, they had served with. This has been a bad year for our squadron. We lost two of our Shamrocks this past summer. I will notify the guys.
Respectfully,
John DiMasso
RIP Skipper
All - Skipper Edwards was the best. Even tempered, willing to give advice to wet-behind-the-ears JOs, and a man who cared deeply about those under his command regardless of rank. We needed lots more like him. Fair Winds and Following Seas Skipper.
Mike Brinck
A sad day, to be sure….(thanks for keeping us together on this journey, John & Guido…you are leaders!),
A leader who listens, has “an ear to hear and an eye to see” beyond the obvious, with compassion for the individual and the Team at the same time, is very rare….our Skipper, Cdr. Les Edwards was such a man.
A manager will direct, organize, ‘manage’ existing resources and control activities, however a leader goes 'above and beyond’. As an innovator who inspires individual and corporate/collaborative growth, synthesis through collegiality, Commander Edwards has been a good example to all who aspire to leadership - a Team-player and Team-leader, may you Rest In Peace!
My sincere condolences to Cdr. Edwards’ family!
Until we meet again,
In Christ,
Dick Mooberry
I just reported to HS-7 when Cdr. Edwards took the reigns of the squadron. I remember how kind and commanding he was. I always felt at ease serving under his command. HS-7 has always a great squadron. I believe that it was at its best under his command. He will be missed by many. My prayers for his family and friends. Thank you Skipper Edwards!
Joe Mosolits
Skipper Edwards was my first Commanding Officer in HS-7. I remember him dearly as a true professional who treated everyone with respect and fairness. A leader who lived by the motto
of Do the Right Thing. We need more like him not only in the Navy but in all aspects of leadership. My condolences to his family. He is and will be missed by all.
Carl Holeva
It's with a heavy heart that I tell you that we lost the Skipper yesterday, the 29th. It's been a rough year for our Shamrock family. I'll forward his son's letter.
Have a good New Year.
John
Commander Edwards (Skipper) will be greatly missed. My 1st Helo Squadron & a great one at that. Could not have asked for a better Skipper who led by Example & ALWAYS REMAINED CALM..... Blessings, Daryl Potteiger
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Kathleen Parks posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Scott, so sorry to hear the passing of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lisa and your family during this very difficult time.
Sincerely Steven and Kathy Parks
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Mike and Trish McNaull posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Les Edwards was a great XO and CO of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Seven (HS-7). When I came back from VN in 1971 and joined HS-7, I was his co-pilot. He taught me a lot about flying the H-3 and leadership in general. Trish and I send our condolences to Peg and his family.
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Deborah Foster lit a candle
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
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Les was a great man and someone we looked up to and his presents will be greatly missed. We will miss his visit to the lake. Our love and thoughts to the Edwards family. May he rest in peace. Calvin & Deborah Foster
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The family of Leslie R. Edwards uploaded a photo
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
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