Today is February 23, 2008. I received a message yesterday from a Vietnam Vet of the 377th Air Police Squadron. It reads as follows:
“Joe, Jimmie died this afternoon at 3: 15pm.”
Jimmie was a Supervisor at TSN during 1966 – 1967. Ordinarily, I get the message that yet another of us has passed away for one reason or another. Ordinarily, I just say a prayer and remember (if I can) who they were and what they were to me. But the departure of SSgt Durham is a little different because I got to know him again, ever so slightly, just recently.
I have a habit of every once in a while checking through the “Guardmount” list of the VSPA. In early January I came across the email address for Jimmie along with an email address for SSgt Billie Dexter (VSPA LM #296 ). I happened to have photos of both these men at lighter times in our barracks area and thought they might like a copy of them. That started a flurry of email between the three of us. It also caused several phone calls between Jimmie, his wife Tina and me.
Jimmie has been undergoing treatment at the VA Hospital in Nashville TN for physical ailments that were directly attributed to Agent Orange (and don’t we all remember the “Ranch Hand” group?)… I shall not go into detail of his problems which were many. Just know that this man was more concerned that I and all of you stationed there at TSN get a regular Colon check up to catch any cancers early on. He was more concerned for my health than his own (translates into a true leader). As he approached his last surgery he was as confident of success as any one could be. I truly believed that he would survive and be ready for a visit this spring when Carol and I hope to be able to travel again.
Billie Dexter has been his friend for years and I have that knowledge to make this a little less painful. At least he did not die alone. I am asking nothing of you, except perhaps to take a minute and reflect on our time together and always remember our troops and our Veterans as they are us.
Jim’s wife Tina called me early yesterday morning to tell me that Jim did not have long to live but the family was planning a celebration of his life in the very near future. She really caught me off guard as I thought she was going to give me a positive update on his recovery.
If you have a recollection of Jimmie’s life and times please consider sharing them with his family. Forward any notes or comments to Joe McNeil and they shall be forwarded to his family.
I have missed the opportunity to spend some more time with one of our own and for that I will be forever sorry.
Stay safe and God Bless,
Proud to have served!!!
Joe McNeil
TSN, 6250 APS, 377th APS, 7th AF HQ
VSPA Life Member #50
