I
was just reviewing last April's issue of Guardmount.
I was really struck by the story regarding bunker 051
Bunker at Tan Son Nhut. Of the S.P's KIA, I was stationed
with Billy Cyr
in Ubon RTAFB, Thailand. I served with the 8th SPS, and was
with there from May 1967 through May 1969. I was good friends
with Billy as we were both from Massachusetts.
I remember
when news arrived of Billy's death, it was quite a shock.
I can remember Billy and I talking about his wanting
an early out. At that time if you volunteered
for a second tour in SEA, you were promised an early
out. Billy got his the hard way.
For years
I wondered about him, all the others on The Wall. It
wasn't until that Guardmount issue that I remembered
a lot of fond memories. I want to thank the author of
that article, Frank Ybarbo for writing it and allowing
me to remember the fond memories of Billy.
Last May I
went back to The Wall and paid tribute to my friend after
many years. Today I am a Police Sergeant with the Ipswich
Police Dept., here in Massachusetts. I try to get to
The Wall as often as I can, at least once a year, as
well as visit the Police Memorial too. I have friends
on that wall also.
I also found
the name of another S.P. who died a non combat death
at Ubon in 1968, Lenord
Steno. He was my SAT leader and we were at the Bomb
Dump at Ubon that night he was shot. He was another friend.
I cried when I saw those names, especially Billy's. Thanks
for the article, thanks for the organization and most
of all thanks for making me proud to have served with
such an elite force. God Bless you all and have a happy
and safe New Year.
A brother;
Jack Poirier
