Another Memorial Day is upon us as we still have Troops in Harm’s Way. Sadly, that means there will be more paying the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms, just as a few from previous generations have done.
Memorial Day has always been a special day to me, far from just an extra day off or a day to frolic with a barbecue to kick-off summer. It seems to that it become more emotional as I age and the further the time between me and my time spent in Vietnam.
In all, my unit saw 13 men pay the ultimate price while I was assigned to it, but two always seem to draw the most of my memories, Sgt. Scott Stanton and SFC Robert Pilk,
Upon first meeting ‘Scotty,’ seeing his infectious smile and easy going manner, you would have a difficult time believing he was a battle hardened warrior. But he was.
He was teamed with Warrant Officer Bruce Carlson, pilot of a ‘Loach’ (named for the Army designation LOH, Light Observation Helicopter) and Scotty being his Observer. Under Scotty’s tutelage, they became one of the most effective scout teams in country.
Scotty made nearly everyone feel at home and he looked out for us “newbies” when we arrived.
