TACAMO FALLEN - BOB “ STUZ” STUSNICK

Bob was retired Air Force RC-135 pilot that was Contract Instructor Pilot in the simulators from 1990-2024

The TACAMO Community extends its sympathy and prayer for peace to Leeann Stusnick's family and friends during this time of the passing. TCVA will share Bob's obituary when it is received.

Mark Mayerske Reports

"It's with a heavy heart that I must pass on some sad news to the TACAMO community. Leeann Stusnick informed me earlier that Bob passed away today unexpectedly at their home. Bob Stusnick was part of the foundation of the E-6 pilot training program and for the last 34 years, trained every E-6 pilot at some point in their career. He was truly one of smartest men I have ever met and will be sorely missed by us all. Please keep Leeann in your prayers during this very difficult time. I will pass on services information when it becomes available."

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THE LEGACY OF BOB “ STUZ” STUSNICK

By John "Irish" Keilty

A GENTLE AND HUMBLE SERVANT AND REALLY REALLY GOOD GUY WHO TAUGHT US TO BE ALL WE CAN BE AND TO FLY IN A TACAMO SKY.

Scooter says he always had a great story,

T1000 says greatest of all time,it should be known,

Coach says a great man and a Patriot,

Hyjack says he gets credit for thousands of safe flight hours flown,

Skipper Mayerske says he was one of the smartest men he ever met,

And to so many Naval Aviators he was one of TACAMO’s greatest assets we will never forget.

It was about 3 and a half decades ago,

When Bob Stusnick landed in TACAMO,

He was kind and he was thoughtful of others,

He was always gung ho and full of gusto,

He quickly mastered the E-6A Mercury,

Teaching young nugget pilots how to mature and grow!

We remember Stuz from those early days in NTSU,

He was disciplined and a very passionate man,

Always providing a positive and constructive critique ,

And always ended with encouraging words of “ yes you can”!

Our TACAMO war-fighting community ,

Has been flying deterrence for over 60 years,

And a Pro named Bob Stusnick taught all of our pilots,

More than half that time to fly the jet with no fear!

Bob Stusnick became a TACAMO legend ,

Because he loved to teach and “just do his job”,

Hundreds of young Naval Aviators,

Who learned to fly and fight and win from a Pro named Bob!

No pre or post flight brief could compare,

With the one Bob would give as the IP,

Details after details of strengthening worthy knowledge ,

To keep our country free on land ,in the air and at sea.

Always sharing a flying lesson from his experience,

Always a life message in everything Bob would say,

Always that caring smile and that positivity,

That would end with his students having a better day.

When Shadow, Ironman and Roughneck Ready Rooms,

Look back on their proud safety records in a TACAMO sky,

Well they won’t have to look very far,

To realize and understand the reasons why!

You see when you have a dedicated Pro like Bob,

His relentless commitment and remarkable drive,

His uncompromising integrity and in depth knowledge,

Caused TACAMO aviators to not just survive but thrive.

Stuz was a gracious professional and humble servant,

Who made a difference in mankind and America’s defense,

His untiring pursuit of excellence and perfection,

Resulted in a personal contribution that was truly immense.

God has now called The great Stuz home,

To a place of majestic brilliance way up high,

To soar now with other saintly legends,

In a deep beautiful heavenly sky!

And for those who STUZ leaves behind,

Leeann and family ,

And the many TACAMO Aviators ,

Who are now Bob Stusnick’s legacy!

We thank you for your professionalism,

We thank you for training our cockpit teams,

We thank you for your selfless service ,

And for teaching us to “be all we can be”!

In the years and decades that lie ahead,

For navy pilots in a TACAMO sky,

Who are now the Stusnick Legacy,

Battle and combat readiness will remain an all time high!

And we will mostly miss your friendship,

——-////——

Rest in peace to a real pro, an honorable Air Force Veteran, a great Navy Instructor Pilot, a loyal husband and family man and a really really good guy!!!——///——

WE WILL MISS YOU STUZ

PRAYERS FOR LEEANN AND FAMILY