Submitted by: the ole gunny

I'd like to start this blog on a little different note and not use my normal approach because of a very touching jesture. It was that was performed by a Very Good friend and fellow MARINE named John Gordon. Now, John's not a famous MARINE like some but, he certainly is a very respected individual. As one of my Gunners many years ago I had the distinct pleasure of serving with and also relying on him to cover my back, while we were flying on many missions in Vietnam.

While in country and protecting the local populace there were many times that we were called upon to provide Medical Transport for our Fellow MARINES and some were not as fortunate as others and did not survive but, then we all know this. What we don't sometimes remember is the pain that it leaves in our lives, and we have a tendancy to forget. Well, John has never forgotten that and wanted to show is appreciation for their service by constructing A Rememberance Bell.

Over the past few years John and I discussed several ideas and it was John's doing's that made this Tribute Bell what it is today. I just planted some seeds for thoughts. He wanted to take the bell to the Vietnam Combat Helicopter Acssociations (Pop-a-Smoke) Reunion in Florida, for the ringing-in of the names of our fallen brothers. Which he did. Since that veiwing it has been very well received . An approate gesture from a fellow MARINE to his fallen BROTHERS.

GOD BLESS OUR MARINES

SEMPER FI