Alpha Troop
2nd Squadron/17th Cavalry
101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)
Alumni Association
A Last Goodby
I was not able to attend Gary Greens Memorial in Gillette or his fureral at Arlington because
my 13 year old daughter was undergoing major surgery and recovery to insert a 12" rod and
four pins in her thigh.
As some of you know,Bill Herrig and I were shot down and carried out on the wing of
Gary's Ship. The Army awarded him his most prestigous medal for that event. I gave him
credit for every moment I have spent since.
I will not be attending the reunion this tear but I went back to Arlington Cemetary last week
with my 17 year old son, Bodhi. We sat together on Gary's grave and I told him all of the
stories of my time with him, what kind of a he was and the risk he took to save my life.
Since Gary's permanent headstone had not been installed, Bodhi and I built our own Stone Pile
Monument. By now it has probably been brought down by the mowers but thats ok because
nothing is perminent. In our search for rocks we found a blood red rock and planted it just
under the grass above where we figured his heart would have been.
It was a very intimate and appropriate time for both of us. A father talking to his son about
men, war and how a single decision can change a lifetime. If it had not been for Gary I would
certainly have died (or worse) and not been able to raise my six children. What other reason
do we fight wars for but to secure the ability to live freely for our family, frienda and
countrymen. Gary may have had many dramatic and ballsey moments. He may have taken
risks that nobody else would have, shot straighter, raised the body count higher and recieved
many decorations for valor....However, I will always remember him in the eyes of my
children. Thanks Gary
Mike Hagar