11/01/2025
🇺🇸 Max Beilke, 69, of Laurel, Maryland, was among the first declared missing after the Pentagon attack on 9/11. A retired Army master sergeant, Max was in a meeting supporting veterans and their families when Flight 77 struck the building 🕊️.
🌾 Born in Pipestone, Minnesota, Max grew up on a farm in Alexandria with five sisters. Drafted in 1952, he served in Korea 🇰🇷, re-enlisted in 1956, and met his wife Lisa while stationed in Germany 🇩🇪. Together they raised two daughters, Susie and Michelle, and cherished three grandsons — Joseph, Luke, and Joshua 👨👩👧👦.
🎖️ In 1972, Max deployed to Vietnam as a 20-year veteran. On March 29, 1973, he became the last American combat soldier to leave Saigon — a moment captured live on TV 📺 as he boarded a C-130 transport home.
📚 After retiring as Senior NCO of Army Intelligence Command, Max earned degrees from the University of Maryland and Central Michigan. He continued serving through civilian roles, championing programs like TRICARE for Life and the Survivor’s Benefit Plan. His advocacy earned praise in the Congressional Record and through his newsletter, *Max Facts* 📝.
🏈 A passionate sports fan and youth coach, Max rooted for the Minnesota Vikings and gave his time to baseball, football, and basketball. He was a devoted member of Columbia Presbyterian Church, living his faith through service and fellowship 🙏.
🌍 Max traveled widely, speaking to retiree groups and always closing with an Irish blessing. In his honor, we share it with you:
> “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” 🍀
Rest in peace, Max. Your legacy of service, compassion, and strength lives on.
