Major Benjamin “Chex” Meier

Organ donor

Donated in 2015

Honored by Donate Life America

Major Benjamin “Chex” Meier always wanted to be an Air Force pilot. He succeeded in his goal, flying combat missions over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. His heroic actions earned him the 2013 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Daedalian award. In 2013, he was also handpicked to be an F-35 test pilot, which will undoubtedly save future American service members’ lives. In 2015, while on his morning run, Chex was struck in the head by the mirror of a passing truck. He was declared brain dead less than 24 hours later. He was able to donate his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, saving the lives of yet another five people. Ben is survived by his wife, two young sons, two sisters and their families, and parents who will forever miss him.

Benjamin’s Story

Major Benjamin “Chex” Meier wrote in first grade, “When I grow up, I want to be an Air Force pilot … I’ll fly across the volcanoes with blue hot fire shooting out.” He succeeded in this goal, and overcame many challenges while serving his country: a broken back, several severe aircraft emergencies, and blacking out in a sharp turn in his F-16 that nearly cost him his life.

Chex flew combat missions over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, saving many dozens of ground troops from hostile fire while under fire himself. On one mission over Afghanistan, Chex was called in to repel enemy insurgents attacking US soldiers from a building. Suddenly, people ran out from one side of the building. Chex refused an order to attack them after determining they were women and children human shields. Instead, he trained his cannon fire on the insurgents on the opposite side of building, neutralizing the threat with no allied or civilian lives lost. For his heroic deeds, he was awarded the 2013 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Daedalian award.

Chex turned down a coveted spot at the Air Force Weapons School to be at home with his wife and new son. In 2013, he was handpicked to be an F-35 test pilot at Edwards AFB, where he applied his combat experience to improving the new F-35. This last service to his country undoubtedly will save future American service members’ lives.

On September 28, 2015, while on his morning run, Chex was struck in the head by the mirror of a passing truck. Only 33 years old, he was declared brain dead less than 24 hours later. Saluting pilots and airmen lined the hospital walls as he was wheeled into surgery to donate his heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, saving the lives of yet another five people. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

Ben is survived by his wife, two young sons, two sisters and their families, and parents who will forever miss him. A tree has been dedicated to him in the L.A. Arboretum, and an F 35 still proudly flies with his name emblazoned on it.