| Duty
Position(s): Relief Commander Relief: Brief Army History: Units: |
Personal gallery |
| Awards
/ Decorations: Basic Training - Outstanding Trainee Advanced Infantry Training - Outstanding Trainee 82nd Airborne Division Soldier of the Month Ranger Tab Tomb Guard Identification Badge |
Campaigns: |
Highest Rank:
Sergeant (E-5) |
| Home
City / State: Mt. Rainier, Maryland |
Date of Birth: |
After the Army:
After the Army, I worked as a Teacher (English) and an Accountant.
Family:
I am the father of two sons and a wonderful daughter. I have been a foster
parent for six special children, and an adoptive parent to one.
Current Occupation:
Degrees/Schooling:
BA in English, University of Maryland
BS in Accounting, University of Maryland
Most Memorable Moment at Tomb:
It was late spring of 1962. During those days, the
Relief Commander stayed on the plaza following the Guard Change in order to talk
with visitors.
A woman and a young boy who was blind approached me, he had no eyes in his eye sockets. His teacher told me that during his school year he had won this trip to Washington. He wanted to meet a Tomb Guard.
I answered a few questions, then took him by the hand to the chains at the end of the mat. In those days, again, the chains were near enough to the mat, that one could touch the guard. When the guard reached out point and faced, I explained who the young boy was and that I would open the chains and enter the Tomb with him.
As I did so the full crowd of visitors became silent. I guided the boy to the Tomb and guided his fingers over the inscription. Then, when the guard returned to our end of the mat, I guided the boy to him and guided his hand to the Tomb Guard Badge, to his M-1 rifle, and kneeling down his spit-shined shoes.
I did actually shed tears for him and for the occasion. We stepped back behind the chains, re-attached them, had a few words and went our ways.
Return to Membership List and Biographies
Copyright © 2004 Society of the Honor Guard - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. All rights reserved.
