Posted by
Curtal Friar on Friday, March 14, 2008 10:18:39 AM
I remember when I met Frank Wallace (name changed to protect privacy). He was in my AIT (that's advanced individual training for the non-Army folks - it follows basic training and gives you the specific skills to do the job you enlisted for), and I have to say, he was probably the most memorable person in that class. Frank was the proverbial class clown and the life of the party. He was always quick with a joke and a laugh, and was friendly to everyone. Frank was everybody's buddy.
In December of 1986, our AIT school shut down for the Christmas and New Year holidays. All those who had leave accumulated were allowed to use it to go be with their families. Frank flew to Dallas to meet his father, mother and sister. They were all going to have a good time going to Six Flags (wherever it is in Texas), then to Padre Island to hit the beach. It sounded like a grand time.
When vacation time was over, and we all were straggling back in from leave, a few of us, including Frank, were lounging in the day room and swapping stories. While we were there, we suddenly heard footsteps running up the hall. A few moments later, the CQ came in, saw Frank, and informed him he needed to go to the Commander's office right away. Frank and the CQ quickly departed.
A while after that, Frank came back into the dayroom, and he looked totally crushed. He sat down on one of the chairs, and the room grew quiet as we all looked at him. He finally told us that on that particular morning, his family was flying back to their hometown. The plane and gone down and there were no survivors. Frank was the sole remaining person in his family. We asked him what he was going to do, and he told us that the Commander told him to go home, settle all the affairs, take a few weeks off, and then call him and let him know if he wanted to remain in the Army. Several of us thought Frank should get out, but I'll never forget Frank's decision.
"My father was a retired first sergeant, and he was proud of me when I enlisted. If I get out now, I think he'll be disappointed. All I have now are memories and the legacy he gave me. I already told the Commander I would like to start in the next class, in February. I am staying in." His words were powerful, and we were all quiet after he finished speaking. After a couple of minutes, he left to go pack his things. Two hours later, he was gone.
I never saw Frank again. It's been more than twenty years now, and he would probably be retired now if he made it. I like to think of him that way. In my mind's eye, I can see him as a retired first sergeant or better. I imagine him with a family of his own and sons to whom he can share stories about the grandfather they never met.
Frank, wherever you are, this one's for you. I hope you achieved your dreams and continued your father's legacy. Carry on, brother.