HM1 Minarjes HM3 Ruiz

[puckmedic]

Pending mission in MD for Ruiz. Confirmed mission for Gil. Gil was my friend. I was in Guam with him. For the first time since joining PGR I am stung and immobile. I so want to go but can not afford it from a missing work stand point. I also just got my credit cards startng to get smaller and can't put more on them. I have to stay here and miss the funeral.

I have asked Texas PGR to gap the line and that is where I will be in spirit.

I can't write any more I hurt too $#@^&% (mailto:$#@^&%)*() ing much, feels like a tazer to the testicles, no kidding.



I urge you all to attend any missions listed on www.patriotguard .org that you can safely get to. The families really appreciate it, friends too. Please join, please support those that need us.

[Da-Chief]

Puck,

I recieved your phone call bro, and I was "NOT" ignoring you. I have duty tomorrow (Last duy in my career btw) but after I heard about this, I was numb, and really go into my shell for a few days. Aviation side has been what I have done for years as I was a AVT for many, many, many years..

Both of these warriors will be missed.

I feel for you and HMC Barling and everyone else who knew them, I didn't have the honor.

V/R
HMC Crone

[dustmans]

We're reallyfeeling the loss on the wing side. We're running such a tight ship manning wise, the waves felt from just the loss of a few people reach along way in our community. I didn't know either of them but I know a lot of people who have worked with HM1 Minarjes, this has been a sad week all around. I can't even imagine how it is in the CASEVAC shack in TQ, HM1 was supposed to be part ofthe crewtaking over running the show.

[puckmedic]

You got a shell? I want one!!! I am attending GYSGT Elliot's funeral today here in Jackson TN. PGR was asked to stand down, then I find out from his cousin its a public funeral. So while PGR can not mount up per the PNOK wishes, we can come as individuals as long as we do not apppear as a group.

His cousin is extremely proud of what PGR does, anbd sheemailed me to personally invite me.



I think a lot of folks who knew Gil would say that he was always having fun and always teaching hm2's and on down many things. He also treated them like friends, which many of my fellow HM1s failed to do in Guam. There were a few who did, but Gil was most consistent at acting as a Mentor. If I had to pick one guy who in my opinion made the perfect CPO from the first classes at USHN Guam, Gil would be it.

There's the ticket puncher, always doing what he or she needs to do to make chief. They forget what a leader is supposed to do. Then there are the Gils of the rate. These folks do work, they instruct, they guide, the befriend and they mentor their subordinates. They don't sit in an office and act aloof.

We lost someone who was very likely flying that day to help and to teach young HM3 Ruiz. Losing two in one shot sucks, but we all must compartmentalize, grieve when we can and move on. No matter our status, we are still HM's and we know that this is not going to be the last time we suffer losses. Those younger HMs need to see us strongand confident in our dealings with adversity.

This one has me thinkingINEED TO COME BACK TO ACTIVE DUTY. YET, I KNOW MY FAT OLD BUTT WOULD BE MORE OF A HINDERENCE THAN A HELP.

Stay strong for those around us, it's what this rate has done since the beginning.

Doc Lee

West TN PGR

[Da-Chief]

Thanks Bro,

As you can see I am back around and about..

All.. Have a drink tonight to salute all "3" we have lost these last few weeks.

V/R
HMC