Operation Just Cause... ...for as long as it takes
Sent in by Gunny Fallon
The sadness of Ted (Colonel Guy) passing away in April was eased somewhat on June 18th when his ashes were interred in Arlington. Those of us who were close to Ted can never fully recover from our loss, but it was a great comfort to see this True American Hero laid to rest with full military honors. It was a beautiful, dignified and very meaningful ceremony... but no more than Ted deserved. Many of those in attendance were former POWs including Ted's oldest friend, Colonel Gordon "Swede" Larson who gave a very warm and moving eulogy.
I spoke at some length with Swede during the reception and he commented on how proud Ted was of what we have accomplished with OJC. But the part of the conversation that will certainly stay with me for the rest of my days was his description of their friendship. I hope Swede will not mind me memorializing it here.
Swede told me that he and Ted were alike in that they loved flying and fishing more than just about anything in the world. He spoke of how they could sit at opposite ends of the boat for hours on end, without talking...just fishing and being together. "There was no need to talk," he said. "Some people could never understand that."
But I can understand it, Swede. It is a sign of a strong, secure friendship... a friendship that needs no window dressing, no pretense. It is a friendship based on mutual respect, admiration and understanding. It is a manifestation of the purest form of Brotherly Love. It is a friendship that I am very grateful to have witnessed. GBU Brother.
I also got to spend some time (not nearly enough time) with Ted's sons, Mike and Ted Jr. and Ted's wife, Linda. All I can say is, it's easy to understand why Ted loved his family so much.
