As this weedend starts, we as veterans and family members of veterans prepare for the beginning of summer. Many of us hold this holiday to a higher standard than most people. It is a time for us to reflect upon our own lifes and remember those whose young lifes which were taken while serving our country.

On Monday as the rifle salute sounds and "Taps" are played I ask you to remember a friend of mine. Gerry Goggins passed away this afternoon after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was 57 years ago. Gerry was drafted in late 1967. He arrived in Nam as an 11 Bravo with the 1st Infantry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart for action in November of 1968.

We hired into the phone company together in June of 1970. Being both Nam Vets, we swapped many war stories and shared several beers over the next 32 years. Gerry was the type of guy who would go out of his way to help anyone which asked. When someone had a weekend project to complete he was always the first one there and the last one to leave. I visited him on Wedensday and as usual his spirts were high and he couldn't wait to get out to enjoy the nice weather. I will truely miss him.

Please remember him on Monday. I know that none of you knew him but he was as close to family to me as everyone on this site is.

Thanks, and God Bless America.