GilfordGrok

I try very hard to thank all of our veterans whenever I can (and when ever I know).  This one escaped at the time of me spotting it in the paper, for which I apologize.  He certainly is due this acknowledgement - Thank you for your service.

From the Citizen (7/15/08) / Gilford Steamer (7/24/08):

The attached letter will reveal something else about this citizen of Gilford. To those who already know John, this revelation shouldn't come as a surprise, nor that he recently decided to pay for the replacement of an aged town square flagpole, which honors Gilford Veterans, with a new fiberglass flagpole. Thank you John, for what you've done and continue to do.

Vic Jones
Laconia

Ms. Barbara Lippette
Rahway High School Reunion Committee
www.rahwayhigh.com

Dear Barbara,

I have a favor to ask and I hope you will consider it. Provided I had my running shoes on (you'll figure this out once you read this letter), by asking to borrow the microphone I would do this myself, had I been able to attend the reunion. You are welcomed to read this letter or to make this acknowledgment in your own words, regarding a member of Rahway High School who is in attendance at the reunion. While I understand a reunion is meant for fun and getting caught up with classmates, it should also be a time for revelation. Accordingly, this is not a somber request but rather one of celebration.

Amongst all of you at the reunion is an authentic hero. A brave man, whose humility often limits him from revealing something about his past. I have been his best friend since we were four years old growing up in Rahway New Jersey, and if it hadn't been for my father reading me a Rahway Record news article on the telephone back in the early '70s, its possible I never would have ever known about his award. That phone call was the first and last time I ever remember hearing my father cry.

For you see, John T. (Tandy) O'Brien, Rahway High School class of 1964, while serving as a U.S. Army Warrant Officer and helicopter pilot in Vietnam during the early '70s, was awarded The Silver Star, our nation's 3rd highest medal for bravery and courage in combat. Only two other medals are rated higher for combat valor above and beyond the call of duty, the Distinguished Service Cross, and ultimately the Congressional Medal of Honor.

My father, a lifelong Rahway resident, was a bit of a historian, and especially enjoyed Rahway history. He also worked for the Army at Picatinny Arsenal in the last years of his career and was reasonably sure, after years of research that John was at that time, and perhaps still is, the most highly decorated combat veteran to come out of Rahway, New Jersey. More than that and not to diminish his Silver Star, my father also suspected, based upon reading John's Silver Star citation and listening to him describe the events of that day, that he was probably deserving of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Afterwards, through his Army network and with the assistance of his childhood friend US Senator Clifford Case, also from Rahway, he tried to determine if his suspicion was correct but passed away beforehand.

Whether one agreed or disagreed with the war is not important at this moment. Those who served in Vietnam didn't start the war, nor did they make political or military policy. They simply did their duty, some perhaps more than others. It still saddens me to think members of our armed forces were spit upon back then and in my opinion have never been properly recognized by our nation for doing their duty.

Barbara, I have asked this favor because I have admired John all my life, not just because of his Silver Star, but also because of the honorable way he has chosen to live his life. I love him like the brother I never had.

On a lighter note, throughout our lifelong friendship we have been teasing and playing practical jokes on one another. As I mention in a previous email, one of the reasons I moved to New Hampshire's Lakes Region after my retirement, was to be able to annoy John on a more regular basis. Pains me to admit it, but he usually has been the croaker and me the croakee. By making this announcement, you will give me a significant "one up".

By the way, if you're in for a real hoot, ask John why he retired from 3M Company after only 25 years, rather than the 30 to 35 years he intended. Just another example of his integrity and character!

So, in honor of John O'Brien, a Silver Star recipient, and to all of those attending the reunion that have served in the United States Armed Forces, I would ask everyone to please stand, raise a glass and thank them for their service to our country.

Thanks in advance for doing this thing. All the best to you and those attending the reunion.

Vic Jones Rahway High School class of 1964

PS: In case anyone's interested, John's favorite drink is Jim Beam Black on the rocks.

Thank you, sir.