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
Steen. 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
