Elmer Michael “Mike” Casey Jr. was born in Chicago, IL to Mary Therese and Elmer M. Casey Sr., along with sister Laurette and brothers James and David. In 1961, he graduated from Brother Rice High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and played baritone sax in the band. Mike earned the honor of attending the Summer Science Institute in St. Cloud, MN, and later in Bozeman, MT during high school years. He served briefly in the Naval Reserve prior to entering the United States Military Academy on July 1, 1963 with the Class of 1967.
While at the Academy, Mike could be described as “Mr. Sincerity and Reliability.” That was his nature. He was always organized and ready for the task at hand, be it academics, military instruction, athletics or social events. And he always did it with this smile that could only be described as a “smirk.” He was a friend to so many, helping others with difficult academics or enjoying the company of classmates and friends. It became noticeably clear as we entered our third and fourth years that he was focused on becoming a physician. When we were able to choose electives, Mike chose tough courses like organic chemistry while others chose courses that would enhance their grade point average. Examining his choice of extracurricular activities while at the Academy—Rocket Society, Astronomy Club, Math Forum—certainly indicates his intellectual focus. But do not be led astray, Mike knew how to have fun, and he was a loyal friend to his classmates. He was often the voice of reason when there was a decision point as to whether to stretch the limits of cadet regulations, and many are grateful now for his wisdom back in those years!
Upon graduation, Mike chose the Signal Corps as his branch of choice. He attended the Signal Officer Basic Course, followed by Ranger School. His initial assignment was with the 32nd Signal Battalion in Germany, followed by transfer to Vietnam. He had applied for medical school under an Army program, and his service in Vietnam was cut short so that he could begin medical school at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, from which he graduated in May 1973. Mike completed a Rotating Internship at Letterman Army Medical Center at the Presidio in San Francisco, CA. This was followed by six months in Pensacola, FL, where he was awarded Navy Flight Surgeon wings. Mike then moved to Fort Rucker, AL, where he was trained in the investigation of aircraft accidents and acted as an instructor in the Flight Surgeon Program. He also worked as flight surgeon for the Silver Eagles Army Helicopter Team, a position that he truly cherished. In those days, most Army medical doctors served their trauma rotation at San Francisco General Hospital. Mike was no exception, and a civilian nurse named Linda was working in the trauma unit at that facility. As fate would have it, she caught his eye. There was instant attraction that ended up in a marriage that lasted over 45 years. What a wonderful partnership it turned out to be! Mike was a strong influence in Linda’s decision to pursue a military career as well, and in 1978 she joined the Army Nurse Corps as an officer and began her active duty as they were living in Germany in 1980. Linda had a distinctive Army Nurse career, including service in Iraq, and retired in 2000 as a colonel after more than 20 years of service.
Linda and Mike transferred to New Orleans, LA, where he attended Tulane University and achieved a master’s degree in tropical medicine and public health. They moved to San Antonio, TX for residency training in aerospace medicine with the United States Air Force. His following assignment was as division surgeon for the 8th Infantry Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, and with I Corps at Fort Lewis, WA. He had several subsequent assignments: hospital commander, Joint Task Force Bravo, Honduras; deputy commander for Clinical Services, Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis; hospital commander, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC; and the 18th Medical Command and 121 Evacuation Hospital commander, Seoul, Korea.
Mike’s military awards during his 30 years of Army service include the Naval Flight Surgeon Badge, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Ranger Tab.
Mike retired from the Army in 1997 and spent the next 10-plus years in various occupational medicine positions in the Seattle-Tacoma area. He and Linda enjoyed their retirement, living in Tacoma, WA and travelling throughout Europe, Africa, South America and Asia.
In the words of his wife, Linda, and his loving sister, Laurie, Mike was proudly and profoundly grateful to serve his country. Perhaps another soldier speaks of our loss best: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.” (George S. Patton Jr.) Those of us who knew Mike Casey are so thankful he lived among us.
— Linda E.Casey, Wife, and Dennis Huyck, Classmate and Forever Friend