Forty years late to Texas

[Dale A Riley]

Cpl Ken Wheeler and I checked into HMM-262 together but unfortunately I left alone at the end of May69. I wanted to let his family know what a great son they had raised, but they knew that, and I was not ready myself - so it took me forty years and I still didn't know what to say-but I had to go and after the HMM-262 reunion in Dallas I headed off to May and Brownwood and into the heart of this country and had my reunion with "Tex" and even though its been forty years it didn't seem that way because he's still here with me.

[Joe Reed]

Dale,
Been there and done that. Now you'll both feel better!

[Larry Zok]

As I did not make the reunion I could not help you with your buddy's family. Jake or any of the other members of the Squadron Board (Steve Bravard comes to mind) could have set you up with an "Operation Rose". That is something the squadron does in rememberance of our lost brothers. They were all there in Tx anyway, I am sure some of the guys could have gone with you on your journey.

Larry

[jejacobs]

Gentlemen,

Several years ago we performed a proper Operation Rose Ceremony for Cpl. Ken Wheeler. To see the pics and data go to our website:
www.hmm-262vietnam.com. Check out the left side menu under "Memorials - OP Rose Wheeler". His CO, Neil Allen, Kim Allen, Cecil Newcomb, my wife, Jenny, and I were there to perform the OP Rose Ceremony which was attended by quite a few friends, local dignataries, high school classmates, Army reserve Color Guard, VFW members and the area VA Respresentative and family members. After the grave-side ceremony, a Memorial Luncheon took place at one of his sister's home.

We did it up right !!

Jake

[Larry Zok]

OOOOPPPPPSSSSS

I had forgotten about that one. Gomen

[Jerome HALL]

;) OK Larry ! I seen it this morning,but kind of knew you was having a Brain laps. Don't fet because I'd bet we all have had those lapes at one time or another. Dale just had his own little Operation Rose and thats just great because it sounds like things come out all HUGs and some tears Im sure. So
as we ALL have said "Never Forget" Well when we go there from now on thats putting our actions where our words have been.
We miss you Big Guy,the fact is that Mel and I was talking about the reunion we all had dinner after others had gone home .Remember ? JJ:)

[Larry Zok]

I remember that night well. We had the supply guy come over, remember that? I wonder if he ever joined Popasmoke. I can't remember his name, but I remember that Mel knew one of the guys that he worked with at Marble!!

Sorry that I could not join you this year. Had my 40+1 High School reunion the week before so I was kinda exhausted from that. Another reunion I got talked into doing. I gotta stop that stuff!!!

[Jerome HALL]

I remember that night well. We had the supply guy come over, remember that? I wonder if he ever joined Popasmoke. I can't remember his name, but I remember that Mel knew one of the guys that he worked with at Marble!!

Sorry that I could not join you this year. Had my 40+1 High School reunion the week before so I was kinda exhausted from that. Another reunion I got talked into doing. I gotta stop that stuff!!!

:cool: I do remember the Marine and all the talking we did ,he was just amaze
that we had so much of his story. Of course MEL was the center of it all. The women just couldn't believe that we could run into someone that easy.
No I don't know if he join Popasmoke either.I do however believe I have a picture of us . Will have to get with it and see OK later.