In memory of my dad whom I lost when I was 4
Posted: Sat May 24, 2014 2:47 pm
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
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
