In Memoriam

GARY HIPP

Gary pictured with some of the men from weapons platoon,

Larry Savage, Ed Smeed, Jerry McClary, Gary Hipp,

Jim Deluco, And Paul Cosh kneeling

Gary Hipp, a Brother  of the Association and member of  the original contingent of A/2/12, Fort Lewis to Vietnam, has passed on as of August 3rd, 2004,  Gary had been ill the last few years and that prevented him from joining his Brothers from his old Army unit at one of our reunions. We regret the missed opportunity to tell him just how much his presence was felt by the young men who shared their dangerous mission in Vietnam.  He was remembered as a very loyal and brave member of his platoon and will forever be honored for his gallantry. We'll miss you friend.

ONE OF OUR MEMBERS, LEROY CARPENTER, AND ONE OF GARY'S MANY FRIENDS,  ATTENDED THE FUNERAL OF GARY HIPP. HE WAS SO MOVED BY THE OUTPOURING OF LOVE AND RESPECT FOR GARY BY THE COMMUNITY THAT HE WAS MOVED TO WRITE THIS LETTER TO ME TO SHARE WITH OUR MEMBERS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE. I THINK IT SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT THE MAN WE WERE PROUD TO CALL BROTHER