Forty-one years ago I served in a line company with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. The unit was all volunteer and attracted the best America had, one of whom was Lt. John Robinson. He was what the Army called a mustang, a sergeant turned officer through OCS. Robinson was a natural-born leader, fearless and respected by subordinates and superior officers alike. He earned their respect having been wounded 13 times and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest medal our country can give for gallantry in action.
We still see each other. Over dinner last month he recounted how he took a special interest in me when I joined his platoon as a new man. I sat quietly letting him go on. My wife thought it was wonderful that he would have singled me out that way. I knew better. John took a special interest in every new man that came into his platoon, treating each like a kid brother. It was his way. He knew we were scared, untested and in his charge. By his example he was teaching us combat leadership. He was always teaching us how to fight and how to survive.
John is a man who remembers every trooper lost in combat. Yet each is remembered with a bit of sadness and overwhelming pride for the heroism and sacrifice they displayed. We drank a toast to their memory and I could see a tinge of pain in his face.
History may forget all the Lt. Robinsons who served our country but as for me, I doubt that I and many others would be here if it were not for him. Some of us served and some like John Robinson served with distinction. He is a true American hero.
John Vassallo
Palmetto
Remember the sacrifices of veterans on this day
Veterans Day is special day for all of us; our good life today is a mirror of their sacrifice in sweat, iron and blood for the home country. In a line of daily life it’s easy to forget, but please remember them with a small rose on a grave, a kiss on the cheek if they are near, or a simple prayer if they are not with you. Our good life today is their sacrifice yesterday.
Thank you and God Bless!
Capt. Miro Alibasic
Sarasota
Younger veterans should keep legacy of day alive
We must all remember Veterans Day for all who gave their lives to keep America free. I, like most veterans, hope that our younger vets can keep this legacy alive for generations to come. God bless America.
Specialist Mark Daubenberger
Bradenton
Today a special prayer for Fort Hood soldiers
I am so touched by the stories of heroic efforts by soldiers at Fort Hood who tried desperately to help those who were felled by a shooter on Nov. 5.
These were young soldiers who, in the midst of chaos, did what they were trained to do.
They went to the aid of their comrades and used their own uniforms in some cases to staunch bleeding, or whatever they could do to help.
One can only begin to imagine the horror all who were present felt, but those young people acted. I have no doubt that as time goes by we’ll hear more stories of heroism in the face of this horror.
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