Thanks CG, We did.
To my personal friends, Squadron Mates, combat buds:
John H.
Dale C.
Steve P.
Ralph G.
Tom C.
Dillon McF.
Frank B.
Dave B.
Dan S.

I close my eyes, I can see there faces - they never age. I miss them terribly.

"So here's a nickel on the grass to you, my friend, and your spirit, enthusiasm, sacrifice and courage - but most of all to your friendship. Your's is a dying breed and when you are gone, the world will be a lesser place."

Cheers!

 

As we recover from Covid and head into clear skies this Memorial Day Weekend, please remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. I'd like to remember ENS Morgan Garrett, USCG and LT Rhiannon Ross, USNR who were killed in a training mishap flying the Texan T-6B in Foley, AL on Oct 23, 2020. Fair Winds and Following Seas. Please mention those who you would like us to remember this Memorial Day.

CG

 

The crews of Repent 68/69 who perished while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on 26 October, 2009. Capt Kyle Vandegiesen, Capt Seth Mitchell, Capt Eric Jones, and Cpl Greg Fleury. Semper Fidelis, brothers.

 

LT Miroslav Zilberman. Abrek.

Stayed with Bluetail 601 (E-2C) when a prop failed to feather after an engine failure returning to the USS Eisenhower after a mission over Afghanistan so the rest of the crew could get out.

31 March 2010.

I was supposed to hot seat into 601.


Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk

 

Specialist Josh Pearce. Killed by an IED in Mosul in Feb 06

 

Two Octobers ago I made the bucket list pilgrimage to Normandy. I spent a solid week there visiting two or three different sites every day. Had I spent a month there, I would have not seen half of it.

As I walked every beach, I contemplated the fact that my life as a first-generation American would not have happened had the Americans not rolled through my mother’s village in Northern Italy in 1945.

My mother was two at the time, and the region she lived in was annexed into Italy after WW1. The native language was banned, towns were Italianised, and culture was squashed. After the Fascists were removed, the Nazis came in. The boys were drafted, and many families were relocated to Poland as they weren’t “ethnic Germans.” Most did not survive.

When the Americans rolled through in 1945, a new hope was born.

My grandfather would often wonder, “are they good people?”

My mother made the switch and emigrated in 1970.

I assure you all, this land is born of sacred blood, spilled on foreign soil. It is not forgotten.

It is my privilege to be an American, thanks to the brave souls that remain where my descendants came from, and to those that guard our freedoms today. My condolences to the friends and family of the Fallen. They are revered and cared for on this Decoration Day.

 

Amen.

Thank you for sharing.

 

I was in Bagram Afghanistan may 2005- Oct 2005. Remember the incident late June....most of you know it if you have seen the movie The lone survivor. Remember all those who were part of that mission. I saw 53 caskets during a fallen comrade ceremony that week.

 

I can’t even imagine...

Thanks to all you military guys and gals for what you did and do.

 

ITSC Dan Healy
LCDR Erik Kristensen

28 Jun 2005