hey all,
as much as i don't like to talk about this kind of thing, i have lost a good friend. i got the phone call about 9:30EST monday, that he had passed away. this gentleman was a vietnam vet, and gave 20 years of his life as a volenteer fire fighter, and was very active in our squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. at the time of his illness, he was also employed by the NJ Office of Emergency Managment. cancer took this great man. it was a 7 or 8 month battle, and the doctors told him and his wife that it was beaten. after almost a year of not leaving his home except for trips to the hospital for the chemo and radiation treatments, he was able to come to meetings for a month or so. it seemed as if it snuck back up on him though.....woke up in uncontrollable pain, ambulance took him to the hospital where they did MRI, XRAYS, and whatever other tests they do. they found a tumor on his spine. that was only 2 weeks ago. right now, i don't know how we're supposed to believe in certian things when this man who spent his whole life doing nothing but serving his country, and the public, was taken in such a long drug out painful manner....he deserved better. at least he's in no pain now, and hopefully in a good place. he is survived by his wife, and his 14 year old son...both of whom we at hte squadron will try to help as best as we can.
john
