Losing friends

I graduated from high school in a small Minnesota town in 1964. In that small town, I had a wide circle of friends - some from school, some from the neighborhood. One of my best friends was from the class of 1965, so I accumulated friends from that class as well. I married right out of high school and by 1967 I had two small children and a very busy life. 

The Viet Nam War seemed very far away, even though there were many local men (boys, really) drafted and sent there. Then in December of 1967, we received the sad news that Ron Sandmann. one of our local boys from the Class of 65 had lost his life in Viet Nam. He was one of the neighborhood boys I knew from childhood. His funeral was held around Christmas, and all who were still in town attended.

One of the Honor Guard for the funeral was another Class of 65 alumni, Jerry Milbrodt. As we were visiting after the service, Jerry told us he was leaving for Nam in January.

He said "I don't want to go - I know I will come home in a body bag just like Ron". We all told him not to think that.

Jerry was a gentle soul - an artist and animal lover. Jerry lost his life in Nam in February. Life in my small town was never quite the same after that. I still visit their graves, and on my first trip to DC I found their names on the Wall. Even though this was almost 50 years ago, they are still missed by their families and old friends.

I'm glad all those heroes who made it home are able to share their stories so that sad time in history will never be forgotten.