He was a good guy

Dear Mario…You are a true Patriot and a Hero. You paid the ultimate sacrifice for love of country. You are not and will never be forgotten. You went to Jesus on my fifth birthday, dear Friend (07/12/1968). Rest in peace within the Love and Eternal Light of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Those who believe in me will never die” (Jesus). With the utmost respect and gratitute, Nelson da Costa. 

Bruce was my roommate aboard USS Ranger.  We were both assigned to Attack Squadron 196 flying A6A Intruders.  Bruce was a great guy and a respected pilot.  He was a careful and courageous flyer.  He and Nick Brooks were good friends of mine and their loss was hard.  I had the difficult duty to pack up his belongings and return them to his family.  Members of VA-196 still raise a glass to toast Bruce and Nick every 2nd of January.  

I would like to share these pictures of Ronnie.

This street was named in honor of Ronnie McNish.

Ronnie and his family toured the United States.  He and father Speedy McNish were World Trick Motorcycle Riders. This photo is Ronnie and his mother.

Darron, it may have been many years since you left us. Like myself the people of Carlstadt were heartbroken when you lost your life protecting us. 

You may be gone but never forgotten. Thinking of you and your family on this Thanksgiving Day.  

Rest In Peace. 

Hi Buddy, just stopped by to say hi again. Hard to believe almost half a century has gone by. I still miss you, brother.

Bruce

Darling, you are out of my sight but forever in my heart.  I’ll again be with you in God’s Time.

I just found this memorial web site and the memoir post by Tommy’s brother, William brought tears to my eyes.  Thank you so kindly for sharing your cherished memories.  I am 55 yrs old now and have never forgotten Tommy, thus I feel compelled to share some memories of Tommy from childhood:

As a child (up til I turned 5 yrs old, the age I was when Tommy gave his life for our country), my family lived next door on Willow Drive. Tommy was the very first person I knew who died and went to Heaven.  Tommy was always such a big hero to me for defending his country so all of us could be safe and free- something I never forgot. To this day, I always remember Tommy and his bravery whenever someone I know passes away, or whenever I encounter a vet or service member.

I will never forget the lovely Firth home encircled by an exquisite yard (which my older sister, Mary Anne, and I were generously permitted to roam and play in)- a yard with great climbing trees, a fairy tale-like gazebo (which was referred to as “the summer house”)  elegant, fragrant  roses and other colorful flowers- and oh-so wondrous to our  childhood eyes- Tommy’s beautful horse, Ginger! 

Often, Tommy let Mary Anne and I pet, feed & play with Ginger- which was a big deal and very exciting to us as kids. We felt like we had a real corral and cowboy right next door, something we otherwise only saw on the western-themed TV shows of the era. Thoughts of my childhood always have been and always will be indelibly stamped with memories of Tommy- the awe-inspiring hero with his treasured horse who lived next door to us on Willow Drive. I couldn’t ever possibly thank the Firth family enough for all the childhood play in that glorious yard, and most importantly for sacrifices made by your family while William and Tommy so courageously and selflessly served our country. Rest in eternal peace, Tommy.  Thank you for your duty, valor and honor in paying the ultimate price in securing liberty for all….and for adding such blissful happiness and a sense of adventure to the long ago childhood of the two little girls who lived next door.