A Speicher Friend Speaks

Pensacola Iraq Shipmate and friend Robert Stumpf talks about his reaction to the discovery of the missing pilot’s body.

by Chad Petri

Published: Sun, August 02, 2009 - 8:33 pm CST Last Updated: Sun, August 02, 2009 - 8:45 pm CST

Retired Navy Captain Robert Stumpf reflects on the news that the body of his friend and shipmate Scott Speicher was found in Iraq.

“It's also refreshing to know he didn't have to suffer as a POW all these many years,” says Stumpf. Just a little over two months ago officials dedicated an old fighter jet to Speicher in Pensacola. Just two days ago, Stumpf found a copy of the sermon given at Speicher’s church the Sunday following his death. Scott’s story captured national attention over the years as his official status kept changing.

“From killed in action to missing in action captured, back to missing in action the fact his status changed so many times is very unusual,” says Stumpf. The former Navy Captain has watched the case closely, written articles on it and kept in touch with the Speicher family. For years, the lack a body fueled speculation that Speicher may have been a prisoner of war in Iraq. This discovery likely puts those theories to rest.

“It establishes his status as killed in action once and for all and gives some peace to his family, that's the greatest significance of all I think,” says Stumpf. He says he's also a little sad today, Sunday, August 02, 2009. He says there was always a slim glimmer of hope before today that Speicher was still alive. Speicher died on a mission to attack Iraqi defense systems in 1991. You can read a more detailed account here.

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