In case you thought all former Lightfighters you served with were now nostalgic wannabe's like Don as 17th Regiment Association Secretary and Webmaster, and yours truly (pic above) as re-enlistee for a post 9/11 CONUS "Operation Noble Eagle" vacation - you're wrong.
I "accidentally" re-enlisted Kevin Gilfether (Hard Luck Chuck and Scouts 4/17, 1987-1990) into the CAARNG after I was back from my Title-10 mission. Kev went and got it done with the CAARNG's 1/184 IN (AA) in Iraq. He's back home now. Bit more tan and with a few more stories. Thank you Kevin.
HHC's former 1SG (1988 - mid-1990) continues a proud career and remains Lightfighter in his heart as Command Sergeant Major-Joint Forces Command, Mark S. Ripka. I do not think he will mind if I tell you his son, a 1LT from the long-gray-line and now with the 2/502, 101ID(AA), is recovering from wounds received while leading American fighting men. He is expected to RTD soon. (In case he does mind - I am of course knockin' out 25 after this and will then recover...)
And very poignantly brothers, former Buffalo medic and scout medic (1987-1991) SPC William "Willie" Fernandez died as a result of wounds received in combat last November 2005. He answered the call of the American citizen-soldier and reenlisted after 9/11 with Pennsylvania's Army National Guard. Serving with the "Bloody Bucket" 28th ID (if you do not know the story of the 28th in WW2 you might do well to learn of it). Willy not only reenlisted, but re-classed as an 11B, and had to go to jump school. Why airborne in a leg unit? Because he made it through their LRSD selection. You expected something else from a former Buffalo?
We may miss Willie and regret his loss - we should in fact - but we can never take anything away from him for having been one of our very best and no bullshit. He was doing exactly what he wanted to do, knew exactly who and what he was, and was the model of man and soldier throughout. Believe it. Cherish it. Remember it. Honor it. It is the epitome of what the American infantryman is supposed to be. Not a bunch of words like this, or an ideology or dogma or anything less than a fully human life; a commitment, a love and a spirit lived and celebrated to its fullest. Every damn day. Willie knew what it was and lived it. Let us never forget it. Please take a look at Willie's regimental affiliation crest in this DA photo below. Pray that we can all wear that device with as much solemn honor and gratitude.
There are others among our alumni with stories of continued service or honorable citizenship. We'll hear about them from time to time I am sure.
That is all.
Buffalo.
4 comments:
FUCK!!!
yeah. that was my first reaction too Pat. my second and enduring one was that i felt lucky to have known him.
I didn't get the opportunity to meet Willy, but am happy to know that he is fondly remembered by the guys who did know him. His name will be on a paver at the 17th Infantry Regiment Memorial in the near future. If anyone else knows of someone that we served with who has passed away, please let me know. To date I've been able to get pavers for the following people:
W. Delaney Gibbs (C&B 4-17)
Robert Carley (Scout 4-17)
CPL Lester J Day (B 4-17)
Edward Thompson (Scout 4-17)
CPL Doug Smith (B 4-17)
I would also like to get a paver for the members of B 3-17 who died in the helicopter crash during Operation Just Cause.
RIP
How can such a faint memory come back so suddenly and just smash you in the face!!! God dang skinny Willie. I remember he and Pat Ruppel and I going out... Long story. Ha. Guys like him and Gil kickin it as civilians for so long and when the balloon goes up, they once again answer the call. Willie, may he rest in peace.
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