Updated: 07/28/2009 9:31 AM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Vineeta Sawkar

SAWKAR: Goodbye Roger

Roger Greenan had a tough exterior but that is what you would expect from a guy who flew a helicopter in Vietnam. When you got to know him, he was a true softy. I enjoyed hearing his stories about covering news stories as our Chopper 5 pilot back in the 80's and 90's. I also really appreciated his kind words to me. I was truly saddened to hear that he died of a heart attack this weekend.

His son Scott died in a helicopter crash almost a decade ago. He was on his way to Green Bay to get shots for ABC for Monday Night Football and his copter went down. He and another man were killed. Scott was Roger's pride and joy and in some ways I would like to think they are reunited right now. Father and son hugging and remembering the old days. There is a little comfort in picturing that.

My thoughts are with Roger's family.