Sipe family visits AEDC Memorial

The family of John Sipe recently visited the base to view the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Memorial, located outside of the A&E building in honor of those who were serving out the Complex’s mission. When an explosion occurred in a test cell on Nov. 27, 1982, John Sipe was one of the crew members killed in the incident and his name is listed on the memorial. Jennifer Sipe, the daughter-in-law of Faye Mays of Manchester, John’s widow, made arrangements for the family to visit the Memorial, since she and several others in the family had never viewed it. Col. Raymond Toth, AEDC commander, and Steve Pearson, Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA) general manager, met and spoke to the family during their visit. Pictured left to right: Col. Raymond Toth; Paul Sipe, son; Jennifer Sipe, daughter-in-law; Jonathan Sipe, son; Lonnie and Debbie Lance, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Sherman Mays, husband of Faye Sipe Mays; Faye Mays, widow; Bill Sipe, son; Tina Sipe, daughter-in-law; Nikki Sipe Anderson, granddaughter; Steven Sipe, grandson; Cara Gray holding Hannah Anderson, great-granddaughter; and ATA General Manager Steve Pearson. In front are Jacob and Lily Anderson, great-grandchildren. (Photo by Rick Goodfriend)