BROTHERS IN ARMS

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Early 1962 at the end of a home leave after basic as he departs with our Dad for the flight to his post.
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In the Cub Scouts

OH FOR THE GOOD DAYS IN KEY WEST.
GOD SPEED MY FRIEND,

YOUR BUD ROG-I

John was my father and one heck of a human being! So many memories that make my heart ache and my pride swell. Thank you dad for giving me a compass and an ethic to live a meaningful life :)

Major Johnson was my OIC and the detachment CO @ Mactan AB, PI 1967/68. A caring professional man who was an inspiration for our 12 man team. I am surprised that he passed so long ago. Wishing his family and friends the same memories that I have of him.

Still thinking about you my friend, teammate and PT Beast. Hy

Eikman was a great controller, instructor, and overall a good dude. My story with Eikman goes back to my days at OL-H. It was my second attempt after I sustained an injury to my hamstring and was recycled.

I was one of "those kids" who got married right before enlisting and at the time had never heard of combat control or pararescue. My now ex-wife had convinced me that I needed to do something different, so I did the paperwork to drop and gave it to the class leader.

By the time they returned from their morning run I had come to my senses, but the class leader had already given the paper to then MSGT Eikman. After a couple hours of the mud pit and other creative ideas Eikman came up with he said he would let me stay.

That he would hold on to the paper and if I dropped from a run, swim, anything, he would use the paper and boot my butt. On my final eval he was waiting for me on my swim with paper in hand.

When I finished and saw that I made the time he shook my hand and said "never allow anyone to change my mind from something I want to do or achieve!". He then handed me the paper and told me good luck.

In the picture I am the one to Eikman's left. I have another great picture of him and our graduating class on his vintage motorcycle (circa 1991).

I later ran in to 2nd Lt. Eikman when he and his team where in town at the 21 for training. I was crushed when I heard the news of his passing and was unable to get back to the states due to being deployed. RIP Brother!

Paul Mullis

Alan and I went through Combat Control School, at Little Rock AFB. We were both stationed at Clark AB as our first duty assignment, and he was my roommate.
Alan was also the best man at my first marriage, which ended two years later.
On the day Alan drowned, Alan, Dale Jensen and I were doing an overland. Trying to cross the Mabalacat washout during heavy rains. We were washed down and became separated. We found Alan a few hours later when the water receded.
Alan was a great guy and always ready for any mission.
You are missed!

Remember Dave vividly - he was always such a "Daredevil". My memory of Dave was on a 25,000' HALO jump. We had to "Pre-breath" 100% oxygen for 30 mins prior to climbing to altitude for the jump - well, the C-141 decided to do "low-level" flying while we were pre breathing - for those who don't understand the prebreath process - if you "broke" the seal of the mask then the prebreath process starts over or the jump was canx. Well, during the low-level, Dave was getting sick (along with the rest of us) - we wanted to jump and if the seal was broke on the O2 mask to "throw up" all would be for nothing. Well, Dave ended up throwing up in his mask and then swallowing it and we jumped. We were all so PROUD of Dave for saving the mission.

What a great man and patriot. I was so saddened by Tracy’s loss, but am strengthened by his example. You came up in conversation at the reunion last year, and I know you will NEVER be forgotten. May you Rest In Peace my friend.