Michael Arnold, 59, was at work at the Washington Navy Yard on the morning of September 16, 2013, when Aaron Alexis entered Building 197 with a concealed, altered shotgun and began shooting. Arnold, a Michigan native who lived in Lorton, Virginia, had retired from the Navy at the rank of captain after nearly three decades on amphibious assault ship programs and was then working as a civilian contractor. He was a husband and father of two sons and an active member of his local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter, where he was building a two-seat Sonex aircraft and was known as a reliable mentor and friend.

According to family and colleagues, Arnold stepped out of his office during the attack while on the phone with his wife and walked into the shooter’s line of fire. Law enforcement engaged Alexis inside the building and fatally shot him shortly after 9 a.m., ending a rampage that killed twelve people, including Arnold. Federal findings later concluded Alexis acted alone; with the shooter dead, there were no arrests related to Arnold’s killing.

Did anyone who knew Michael through the Navy Yard or the EAA chapter have memories to share about his work, flying projects, or family?