At the 2006 reunion, virtually every KIA family member attending thanked us for including them and honoring those that were Killed In Action. As a result of this positive experience, Richard Villa and I decided to double our efforts to find the rest of the family members that we could not locate. We have had a lot of success, but.....

Although we know their home towns, we have yet to find relatives of the three names mentioned in the heading of this category. We're hoping someone can help us out by remembering a family name or location other than home town.

And if we REALLY get lucky, maybe one of those family members will Google "237th Dustoff" and find themselves here on this web site. Please contact us or leave a message if you can help us honor these 3 men.

Phil

Since he was aware that I knew Joe Brown, Phil notified me that he had found his father.  Well, I got in touch with Joe's dad this week and he was very glad to hear from me.  We had quite a conversation.  

When I was in Vietnam, my brother was killed in the States in a construction accident. He was 22 years old.  I went home and remembered how grateful my parents were for any information about my brother, no matter how insignificant it seemed to the person telling it.   This made a huge impression on me and it was the reason I contacted Bob Hill's family after he was killed.  And it is why, even though I knew Joe only slightly, that I called his father.  Don't be afraid to call on any family member of a KIA.  I know from personal experience as I have a child who died at age 6, that one of the greatest fears of a parent is that their child will be forgotten.  When someone tells you "I knew your child" they are a connection to that child, no matter the child's age.  Very few people wouldn't want to know of that connection.  I hear occasionally that people don't want to bring up Allyson's name because they don't want to sadden me.  The fact is, she is thought about all the time and a connection gladdens me.  I'm sure it's the same for others.  We all saw the reaction of the families of the KIA's who were present.  Bruce Hill told me that he feels so enriched for being there.  I know the White's feel the same.  

I guess the above long paragraph was meant to encourage you to keep up your work.  And thanks for letting me know about Joe.  His father told me the details of his death and I'm glad to know after all this time.  He got most of his information, as you probably know, from Dennis Fujii.  I hope Dennis can make a reunion sometime.  

If anyone couldn't watch the video of the reunion, let me know.  Ed discovered he may have used the wrong CD's.  Once he learned that, he gave Bruce a new copy and it worked fine.  So we can redo any if you hear of any problems.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I have a lot to be thankful for this year as my son survived two tours in Iraq and was honorably discharged from the Marines Monday after serving 4 years.  

It has been my pleasure to be associated with the 237th.  I look forward to seeing everyone and many new faces at the next reunion.

I am a family member of John Alyn Largent. He was my brother.  My other brother just connected me to this site, so I don't know if you still need information, but feel free to respond or contact me.

Great to have you on board! We've been looking for you!

I sent you an email, let me know if you did not receive it.

Phil

cbx6 I sent you a PM, with my e-mail and address, please send me an e-mail so I can correspond directly with you. I knew John well as I trained him to take over my aircraft before I left the 237th.  I'm really glad you contacted us.

I knew all 3 !Loved them more than life. Dennis I forgive you ce623