Posted on 2005-06-18 14:56:00
For now, I will refer to you as “Deitz”, not Gaither, not Mister, but simply “Deitz”, for reasons that will become obvious, as I continue. Several days ago, I was starting to feel old and nostalgic, so I started bouncing around the internet, and ran across your info. What a surprise!!! I too, was like you. Less than one year out of high school, with no definite plans, and a fear of dying in Viet Nam. So a friend of mine and I enlisted in the Army, on the “buddy plan”. Without going into a lot of detail, we found out that the “buddy plan” merely sent us to basic training together, and then we were off to separate schooling. I was to never see him again, due to his deployment to Viet Nam, and subsequent loss of life. After schooling in Ft. Knox (O5C), I was assigned to the 14th A/C at Bad Hersfeld, in January 1967. Yes, you were already there, along with the others that I have fond memories (and some pictures) of. It was quite enlightening to open my scrapbook, and see some of the same pictures that you have on your website, only taken seconds apart, with the people in slightly different positions. The memories . . . . . . many good, some bad, and some, I’m sure, completely gone. The bad memories of filthy latrines (clogged up more often than not), the food (of course), the lack of hot water, and of course, the unfortunate racial tension that was beginning to emerge at this time. And that damn red wax. It seemed as if every week we were hand waxing every room, and that huge hallway. The fond memories of getting hammered at the E.M. Club, then trying to slide on the ice, all the way down to the bottom. The small knoll outside the bowling alley, with Mullens and his roommate drinking beer, constantly, at this spot. Also, working in the Comm Center, and Talley’s morning ritual of a powdered do-nut every morning at the snack bar - - - - then his anger when they ran out of egg-salad sandwiches in the afternoon. And now my fondest memory of Germany . . . . my time with Ray Englert. I think it goes without saying that almost every GI “buddies up” with one person. Mine, while I was there, was Ray. I shared many beverages with him, way too many. I shared his happiness when he got his new teeth, and can still hear him saying that the Army was almost worth it now. I was with him during his time with the broken arm, and if memory serves me right, he got that sliding down the ice from the EM Club, unsuccessfully (See above.) Years ago, while on vacation in Pennsylvania, I drove to Ray’s hometown, located his phone number, and called him. It was not a good conversation, and I’m still not sure if it was Ray, or possibly his father. What can you tell me about his death; also the wedding picture that is posted with Jim Small. Now, as for me, I am that Ronald A Johnson that appears on the “Mox Nix” page. On the bottom, you have submitted a document labeled “2nd Lt. Flanagan signed orders 1968”. Under your name is mine. That’s me!!! Also, under “HQ Commo GI’s 1966-68” showing pictures 37-48, I am the person behind the “?”, between Mullins and McNeil. Also in the picture next to that one. I was only there for 8-9 months. I “came down on a levy” as the Army called it. I was sent to Viet Nam, but did not spend a full tour there, due to an unfortunate encounter with a poisonous snake. From Viet Nam, I was sent to Korea to finish my time. I was assigned to a restricted base, in the “5K Zone”, on the border. Not fun there either. After 33 months, I had my fill, and officially called it quits. I returned to Florida, went back to Winn-Dixie (where I worked during high school), and stayed with them for a total of 27 years. I tried to retire, but got bored, and went to work for a brokerage firm up until several years ago. I now do nothing but bitch, gripe, reminisce, and look for life’s wrong doings. Like you, and many, many others, I am seriously proud to have served my country. Patriotism runs deep in my blood, and I still get cold chills when I hear the National Anthem. I am not ashamed to say that, and I will still stand my big ass up and fight for our rights as Americans. “Taps” brings tears to my eyes, and the flag flies at my residence on military occasions. I am so interested in hearing anything about Englert. My phone # is (813) 949-3276. A call would be deeply appreciated. As far as Deitz goes: I recall, very, very clearly, that he was, without a doubt, the Champion _______ on the entire floor. I still have visions of a “sloshed” Deitz, lying on his back - - Geez - - what memories!!! --Sections removed before posting, we did not want to post this for all to see-- So, in closing, MISTER Deitz, I thank you for the memories you have returned to me, and I commend all you have, and are doing, toward the placement of the memorial. Ron Johnson Sgt E-5 1966-1969 Contented Civilian 1970 - Present