CREW CHIEF NOT FORGOTTEN.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: Paul Grondahl -

Even as the 109th Airlift Wing takes on more planes and responsibility, the mechanics have not forgotten Crew Chief Joseph Butler, 46, of Knox, who died of a heart attack May 3 during training on the polar ice cap in Greenland.

``The irony is that Joe had the idea to start polar survival training for all the crews,'' Davis Willoughby of Burnt Hills said.

``It's been really tough without Joe around,'' said Charlie Fox of Gallupville, Schoharie County, an aircraft engine mechanic supervisor who was a close friend of Butler's.

Butler made the Greenland trip annually and was a kind of social director at The Roost, a club for the 109th crews at an air base on the massive Arctic island. The crew chiefs are considering a memorial to Butler. A plaque at The Roost has been suggested.

CREW CHIEF NOT FORGOTTEN.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: Paul Grondahl -

Even as the 109th Airlift Wing takes on more planes and responsibility, the mechanics have not forgotten Crew Chief Joseph Butler, 46, of Knox, who died of a heart attack May 3 during training on the polar ice cap in Greenland.

``The irony is that Joe had the idea to start polar survival training for all the crews,'' Davis Willoughby of Burnt Hills said.

``It's been …