I recently came across letters Fred had sent from Viet Nam. Always positive and cheerful. The last one arrived after we learned of his death. I still think about him and the fun times we had at Heights. What a loss!
I just read David Brown's post about dealing with the Feds and the smuggled art. Amazing. Well written. Someday I'll write about the time I was a witness in a Federal trial of some of the executives of a large corporation I once worked for. The executives' knowing disregard for employees' health will eventually lead to about 1500 deaths from mesothelioma..... They all got off...
David's page took me to the link for Fred West's page. Fred was the backstroker on the swim team and an all around great guy. Lot's of comments on Fred's page about that from Dana and others. Can't add more.
However the point of all this is to thank David for posting that beautiful poem in memory to Fred. I lost several buddies in Vietnam, althought I was over there later than most - 1972. I acutally visited the Vietnam Memorial in DC several years ago and found and touched Fred's name and couple of the others. I get to DC regularly but I can't go back to the Wall. It is just too overwhelming ....
A nice young man thanked me for my service to the country (it is the thing to do now- what a change!) the other day. My response, "you're welcome. I wish it had made a difference"
I only knew Fred from football, and didn't know him really well, but I remember him being a real class act. I'm glad to have known you, Fred, even for a short time.
Fred was one of our crew comprised of swimmers and football players Dana, Griffith, Tim, Tom and Carl Langraf. We hung out in the summers working as lifeguards all over the city. Fred was a constant, a buddy I could count on and the first close friend I ever lost. When I first heard of his death I was in shock, I didn't call anyone nor did I go to his funeral. I was scared. Years later while in D.C.with my young family I saw his and Tim Spring's names on the wall. I wish I had gone to his funeral service I think that would have given me closure. I always think of Fred everytime Nam is discussed...may he rest in peace. Benich
I too remember Fred so well! Definitely was a "jock", but also so friendly and such a warm smile!
When I was in Washington with my son and grandson last year we went to the wall and I also found Fred and Tim. I touched their names and tears ran down as I remembered them both with different memories of each. While we were there, the honor guard came and the laying of the wreath ceremony took place. It seemed so appropriate at the moment and added so much to my visit . Such tragedy for their families and friends. Rest in peace.
You were sacrificed 55 years ago today. My anger sticks. I remember later in that bastard war...while living in Chicago...69 & 70....many fellow U of Illinois grads were bribing their way into the Illininois National Guard (3k-5k) depending on which crooked Sgt. one knew....and the Chicago Med school (name blocked from memory) would give entry and a draft deferment for 100K.....didn't really have to read or write to get in. Wish I was kidding.
Fred, know that not much has not changed but if my hopes are right: you are having a perfect eternity. War is hell. You and Tim Spring know that better than any of your classmates. So until we meet again?
I remember Fred left Ohio University to join the Army, or Marines. And I remember feeling so conflicted over him going and me staying. He was so sincere. And three years later I was in Vietnam. Bill Oneill, Chagrin Falls Ohio. 440897128
Ginny Uhle (Wood)
I recently came across letters Fred had sent from Viet Nam. Always positive and cheerful. The last one arrived after we learned of his death. I still think about him and the fun times we had at Heights. What a loss!
Ginny (Uhle) Wood
Ralph Solonitz
Thank you for sharing your memories.Getting to know you all, even years after my youth is a blessing.
Jim Becker
I just read David Brown's post about dealing with the Feds and the smuggled art. Amazing. Well written. Someday I'll write about the time I was a witness in a Federal trial of some of the executives of a large corporation I once worked for. The executives' knowing disregard for employees' health will eventually lead to about 1500 deaths from mesothelioma..... They all got off...
David's page took me to the link for Fred West's page. Fred was the backstroker on the swim team and an all around great guy. Lot's of comments on Fred's page about that from Dana and others. Can't add more.
However the point of all this is to thank David for posting that beautiful poem in memory to Fred. I lost several buddies in Vietnam, althought I was over there later than most - 1972. I acutally visited the Vietnam Memorial in DC several years ago and found and touched Fred's name and couple of the others. I get to DC regularly but I can't go back to the Wall. It is just too overwhelming ....
A nice young man thanked me for my service to the country (it is the thing to do now- what a change!) the other day. My response, "you're welcome. I wish it had made a difference"
Al Merkrebs
I only knew Fred from football, and didn't know him really well, but I remember him being a real class act. I'm glad to have known you, Fred, even for a short time.
Tim Benich
Fred was one of our crew comprised of swimmers and football players Dana, Griffith, Tim, Tom and Carl Langraf. We hung out in the summers working as lifeguards all over the city. Fred was a constant, a buddy I could count on and the first close friend I ever lost. When I first heard of his death I was in shock, I didn't call anyone nor did I go to his funeral. I was scared. Years later while in D.C.with my young family I saw his and Tim Spring's names on the wall. I wish I had gone to his funeral service I think that would have given me closure. I always think of Fred everytime Nam is discussed...may he rest in peace. BenichBarbara Coe (Katsaris)
I too remember Fred so well! Definitely was a "jock", but also so friendly and such a warm smile!
When I was in Washington with my son and grandson last year we went to the wall and I also found Fred and Tim. I touched their names and tears ran down as I remembered them both with different memories of each. While we were there, the honor guard came and the laying of the wreath ceremony took place. It seemed so appropriate at the moment and added so much to my visit . Such tragedy for their families and friends. Rest in peace.
Monroe (Mike) Myers
I played lots of baseball with Fred. He was a great competiter I visit The vietnam wall ever Memorial Day . See u soon Fred.
David Brown
Got this from the wonderful folk at
Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg, Ohio.
Rest in Peace Fred. Rest in Peace.
David Brown
Fred,
You were sacrificed 55 years ago today. My anger sticks. I remember later in that bastard war...while living in Chicago...69 & 70....many fellow U of Illinois grads were bribing their way into the Illininois National Guard (3k-5k) depending on which crooked Sgt. one knew....and the Chicago Med school (name blocked from memory) would give entry and a draft deferment for 100K.....didn't really have to read or write to get in. Wish I was kidding.
Fred, know that not much has not changed but if my hopes are right: you are having a perfect eternity. War is hell. You and Tim Spring know that better than any of your classmates. So until we meet again?
William O'Neill
I remember Fred left Ohio University to join the Army, or Marines. And I remember feeling so conflicted over him going and me staying. He was so sincere. And three years later I was in Vietnam. Bill Oneill, Chagrin Falls Ohio. 440897128
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