Ricky was from Jacksonville, Florida and was barley out of high school
when he joined the army. After his training in the United States he arrived in
Vietnam and volunteered for The Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. This was a fairly
new unit in Vietnam designed to gather information about the enemy up close. In
fact, in his back yard with 3-4 other men. Why he or those like him choose to
do such dangerous work is still to be answered. Perhaps it is the desire for adventure,
to be different, to live on the edge, or perhaps this spirit was given by God
to fulfill their appointed destiny for their time in history. Men like this stand
out and I do not imply in an arrogant manner. No, I speak of men with true Character.
Ones that will take risk beyond what are called for, real team players.
Many
reading this were of the same mind as Ricky. Ready to give it all in defense of
the belief that "All Men are Created Equal" and should have the right to choose
how they will live. This idea is not of man, but of the Creator of all things.
God in his infinite wisdom gave man a free will, a will where one has the freedom
to choose. However dictators around the world usurp this intended freedom by imposing
their own will on those least able to defend themselves.
Ricky and I came
to the platoon about the same time but never got to know each other. We had not
been in the platoon more than two weeks and his life was taken while on mission.
When it was learned that he was killed, sadness fell over the platoon. It was
a feeling as if part of you went with him and to this day I remember that day
so clearly.
To his loved ones we say; it may seem all for naught seeing how
the world is today, but Ricky then, as soldiers of today, and all future soldiers
will continue to assure our freedom remains alive and the hope alive for the many
oppressed of the world. Thanks for standing strong all these many years with just
his memory and know our hearts are joined with yours. May the peace of our Lord
be with you always.
Bob Smyers |
