In memory of my dad whom I lost when I was 4

[Gymrat]

I copied this word for word from a letter written to me by my dad's commanding officer in October of 1960. The document is still in absolutely mint condition in spite of being almost 54 years old. I am posting it as a Memorial Day tribute to my dad. Richard Henry Broeg



HEADQUARTERS
6499TH SUPPORT GROUP
United States Air Force
APO 94, San Francisco, California

Master Roger H Broeg
c/o Mrs Margie A. Broeg

12 October 1960

Dear Roger:
You will not be able to read or understand this letter now. However, I feel that some day you will appreciate reading about your father as written by someone in the Air Force who knew him and served with him. Because of this, perhaps your mother will keep this letter for you and give it to you when you are older.

For twelve years, which was most of his adult life, your father served his country in the United States Air Force. During this time, he served at stations in the Continental United States and overseas in Korea, Okinawa, and twice in the Philippine Islands. The most notable of all this service, perhaps, was that with the U. S. Air Force elements in the combat zone in the Korean conflict. At the time of his death he was a Technical Sergeant, head of a section of the Manila Philippine Islands detachment of my command.

I knew your father for well over a year. From what I have learned from others who knew him longer and better , he was a highly efficient reliable and dedicated non-commissioned officer, respected and liked by all his military associates. While he lived, he provided you, your sister, and your mother with all the comforts, conveniences and opportunities he could afford. He even provided for you, to the extent possible for this time in your life when he would no longer be with you. All these things, Roger, mean simply that your father was a first class military man, a first class citizen and a first class father.

As you grow older and want to know about your father, your mother will doubtless tell you more and more about him. But, as sort of an outsider, let me tell you this. I am sure your father wanted, above all else, that you and your sister should grow and develop into good, dependable and substantial citizens. AS you grow up, you should and you will become your own kind of man. But, one sure way to grow into the right kind of man, and the kind your father wanted and expected you to be, is to emulate the example he set for you. You can be justly proud of that example.

I mean all these things sincerely, Roger, and only trust that this letter may one day be of value to you.

Sincerely,

signature

JAMES T. BULL
Colonel, USAF

Commander

[Beer-lord]

That letter is extremely touching and brought tears to my eyes. We take so much for granted but I was lucky to grow up with a loving dad that made a huge difference in my life. The fact that he died for his country, hits home this weekend.
I don't know you Roger, other than this forum but you seem to me, to be every bit the man your father would have wanted you to be.
Thanks for sharing this.

[Banjo-guy]

Thank you for sharing your letter. It is such an amazing personal message. We can never repay the debt we as a country owe you and your family.

[John Sand]

Raising a glass to your Dad.

[Kealia]

I'll raise a glass to that. What a touching letter for somebody to take the time to write for you.

He sounds great.

[FedoraDave]

Very touching.

And, if I may interject my own (admittedly limited) opinion, you've lived up to your father's legacy. He was a fine man, and worthy of emulation. And so are you, Roger Broeg.

Two fine men.

[Gymrat]

In searching for this man to tell him what his letter meant to me I found the following.
http://www.tributes.com/show/James-T.-Bull-86577891
I came into possession of this letter in 2012. It would have been nice to have been able to contact the man and tell him what it meant to me.

[Gymrat]

Thank you all for your thoughts and comments

[RickS]

I am honored that you would share that with us, it brought tears to this old Marines eyes. My dad was also in the Air Force during the Korean conflict, but he was stationed in Arizona, where I was born, in 1952.

Just a thought, about you wanting to thank the Col. for his letter. Maybe it would be nice if you sent a copy of it with one of your own to his family.

[Gymrat]

I am honored that you would share that with us, it brought tears to this old Marines eyes. My dad was also in the Air Force during the Korean conflict, but he was stationed in Arizona, where I was born, in 1952.

Just a thought, about you wanting to thank the Col. for his letter. Maybe it would be nice if you sent a copy of it with one of your own to his family.

I did that where they had a place available to do so. I just don't know if they will continue to receive those 5 years later.

[RickS]

I think that the place that has his Obit. posted has records and they will get it to them.

It would be nice if there was a way to get their home address. Do you know what town that they lived in?
Maybe able to find them in the phone book ar something.

[T8rSalad]

Roger: What a very moving letter to read. It moved me emotionally with tears and a skip of the heart...Thank you very much for sharing that letter with us. You are a shining example of what your father would have wanted you to be. Good fortunes on being able to contact the Colonel's family.

Again, thank you for sharing with the Borg.
A salud to your father, the Colonel and you!!!