Russell A. Bender • Army, Air Force • 1924 – 2016 • WWII • Russell A. Bender Served in Europe during WWII as part of the 386th Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force. He was a tail gunner on the B-26 Marauder, and later as a gunner on the A-26 Invader. After the war he worked hard, raised a family, retired and lived out his remaining days toying in his garden and teaching his grandkids wonderful life lessons. Russell was passionate about making sure every veteran who passed in his community received full military honors at their funerals. Russell served in the VFW Post 1599 honor guard for many years until his health could no longer allow. Pap was truly a Hero and is missed dearly.