 | Both of our children were born in time of war. Tim was a child of World War II and our daughter was born during the Korean Conflict. We knew each of them was special, not because they were ours, but because they came into this world in times of great tribulation. As parents, we tried to make life easier for them and perhaps gave them too much. But they never lacked for love. Being an Air Force pilot required me to be gone so much of their lives, that the burden of raising them fell on Cleta. I count that as most fortunate for both children. Tim grew up very reserved, and somewhat withdrawn, but not unfriendly. He took every thing very seriously, and you sometimes got the feeling that he was looking for something that would be his and his alone. Lynne never met a stranger, and opposite of Tim, was outgoing and relaxed. |
| Tim loved sports, though he was never a star. He played football,
baseball. soccer, and loved scuba diving, making qualification in minimum time. Lynne was the cheerleader, and loved being a part of the squad. Tim tried college, but he seemed to have wanted the service all the time. His vision prevented pilot training, but I think he wanted paratroop training from the very beginning. He suffered from a knee injury from playing soccer, and the Jumpmaster at Ft. Benning didn't think he could make his fifth jump. With his usual determination, Tim got up two hours early, and iced down his knee to make that last jump. His pride in those Jump Wings was unbounding. He would spend hours just running when he was home on leave, always wanting to be in the best shape he could be in. I think he knew he had little time to prepare for what was ahead. When we were together the two short visits in Viet Nam, he said he regretted having to do what he had to do, but he never regretted his place in the Airborne. Had Tim lived, he would have made a loving husband and father in addition to a fine NCO and dedicated member of the Army. We are proud to have been his parents and to have had Tim as our son.
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| ©2008 WEBH |  |
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