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YourHub.com \\ The Valley \\ Stories \\ Holidays \\ Veterans Day

Profession is a tribute to a veteran

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Contributed by: William Johnson on 11/9/2007

The year 1973 began with my being assigned to Delta Co. 122nd Maintenance Bn. 3rd Armored Divsion.

The post, known as Ayers Kaserne, (or affectionately called "the rock") was located about 30 miles north of Frankfurt. It was a brigade size complement of tanks, infantry, and artillery.

Our mission was to support the fighting forces in all manner. The brigade's mission was to stop the Russians in the event of an invasion of western Europe. Now mind you, the Vietnam War was winding down, but our forces in West Germany had been depleted because of that war.

Getting the Army back to full strength was the order of the day.

The company consisted of mechanics, armorers (guys that fixed all the guns), radio repairmen, and all the tech support personnel needed to keep this army in fighting form.

Being from Los Angeles, I soon located other troops from home. That is when I met Robert Newman from North Hollywood and Rob Lundin from Sylmar. Naturally we became friends. Robert and Rob were mechanics and I drove a wrecker, so we worked closely together.

Well two years went by and no invasion, thank God! In 1975, Robert left for home first, followed by Rob and I soon left Germany in September. But before I left for home, Robert had written me,detailing his plans since his arrival home.

Apparently Robert was planning on attending an air conditioning trade school. Little did I realize the impact that letter was going to have on me. So after I got home, I looked up Rob, picked him up and we were on our way to see Robert.

I waited in the car while Rob knocked on the door and asked for Robert. He soon came back to the car without Robert and the first words out of his mouth was that Robert is dead.

A drunk driver had caused an accident involving Robert, killing him. Truly a shocking bit of news.Well life goes on. I soon found myself attending LA TradeTech College, enrolled in the air conditioning program.

Why air conditioning you ask? Because that is what Robert would have wanted. I like to think that Robert planted the seed about air conditioning when I read his letter before I came home.

Fast forward 30 years, Rob and I have lost touch but I never truly have forgotten my fellow veterans. I have had a successful career in the air conditioning trade and also teaching the trade in a South Bay junior college.

Actually, I would like to pay tribute to Robert's family who I have never met and say that never a day goes by without some thought of their son. I think I have lasted in this trade because that is what Robert would have done.

So I salute you my friend and veteran. God Bless and rest easy.

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