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Col. Theodore S. Westhusing
Col. Theodore S. Westhusing
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Theodore S. Westhusing Obituary
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Janice Keyes
January 20, 2024
One never forgets when they meet a person who makes a lasting impression because of a conversation shared on a flight from Houston to Tulsa for family visits—my family in Sw MO.
I have never forgotten and just happened to mention his name a week ago to the Ft. Bragg soldier husband of a friend at a dinner we were attending. There was something in his spirit that remains with me to this day.
Thomas Palaima
January 20, 2024
Those who know your true story, Ted, understand and love you all the more. Your children are now grown and out making their ways in the world. Your friends think about you especially when faced with moral choices in this flawed world of ours that is daily now degraded by more than flawed leaders and followers.
I think of you in Burbank, north of LA, St. Louis, Austin, and at West Point. Life lived longer just becomes more and more confusing and more and more a morass both at the same time.
Take care and send some prayers our way.
Your teacher and friend and student
Hoyle Hodges
January 19, 2024
COL. Westhusing was the 1/503 INF (AASLT) S-3 while I was the Acting CSM we were together in Korea for almost a year. Being a veteran of the 82nd Airborne we bonded pretty quickly and I soon realized the quality of his character and the depth of his knowledge. We ran many miles together (he smoked me all the time) including the infamous "Schoolhouse " run at least twice a week. While I struggled to keep up with his pace he would be calmly talking about tasks we needed to accomplish or tactics/ strategy. After Korea I kept in touch and he was directly responsible for vouching for me to the 82nd Div CSM Dan England and getting me back into the 82nd Airborne as a newly minted SGM. He was the Brigade XO at the time , and it was just like him to go completely out of his way to help a Paratrooper make his way. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing and I´m sure we will be running and jumping together once I have my final "green light". Ted Westhusing was the most honorable Officer I ever served with and he touched so many people in such a positive manner.
CSM (Ret) Hoyle E Hodges
2 Panther Niner Ancient
Prof. Thomas G Palaima
September 18, 2023
Dear Ted,
I am wrapping things up this year at UT Austin and in going through things in my office, I come upon things we did together again and again. As Dylan sings in "Murder Most Foul" about the body of our murdered president, "But his sould was not there, where it was supposed to be at, for the last sixty years they've been searching for that." Your spirit and soul lives on in all those whom you served and helped and guided and loved. I have you in my heart still and in my mind. And I had a student this last spring in my Bob Dylan: History Imagination class who graduated in 2022 from Jenks HS. Your are here still in our memories.
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Tom Palaima
June 6, 2019
You chose the path of honor and we remember you and what you stood for and still stand for. You were so far away on June 5, 2005. And so alone. But you still reside in many hearts.
Alex Limkin
May 24, 2013
Dear Colonel Westhusing,
This year we're going up June 1, 2013. There will be six of us. Among those joining in will be a classmate of yours from USMA, John Cody. You may or may not remember him. He'll have a friend with him, Pat Nelson. Also present will be Chuck Hosking, an older gentlemen who has lived a life quite different from our own, a life devoted to peace. He had reservations about joining us, worried if he would be welcome in our company. I said of course you'll be welcome. Speaking of classmates, I just read about one of of mine, Ali Palmer. His face is making the rounds because he gave up his seat on an airplane to a woman who had recently lost her husband and was grieving openly. He didn't miss his flight. He just surrendered his first class seat to move to coach. That's neither here not there. No idea why I'm mentioning this other than to just keep talking. Got a message from your father a couple days ago. I guess we have his blessing. There's a lot more to say, but I'm being called in to clean the kitchen. So see you at the top.
Captain Limkin
April 9, 2013
He was a good guy only doing his job. We did have a few laughs whilst walking round Camp Dublin.
Ian Stewart(St Andrews,Scotland)Project Manager with Parsons on Camp Dublin
Janice Keyes
August 20, 2012
Never Forgotten! This is a man who created a lasting impression.
August 18, 2012
Still remembered and honored by many.
Peggy Childers
June 5, 2012
To the family and friends of Col. Theodore S. Westhusing:
Always remembering Theodore. "Some gave all."
Alex Limkin
May 7, 2012
Dear Colonel Westhusing,
We will be marching the length of the Sandia Mountains outside Albuquerque on June 2, 2012 in your honor.
"Operation Skywalk is not a pleasure stroll. It is a death march. If you don't feel like a piece of you has died somewhere among those rugged peaks - among the screaming ravens and frost bent trees - among the shards of stone and shadow - all morphing to silence beneath a flailing sun - keep on."
You are in my thoughts, sir. I will continue to return to the mountains in your memory so long as I still have breath.
Alex Limkin
Tom Palaima
June 7, 2011
I have on my desk right here as I write, the USMA at West Point medallion you gave me, Ted, during the time I spent teaching in October 2003 at West Point. I have in my office the photo of your boots, rifle, and helmet, and the first brief news notice of your death.
I have, still in my email files, all our correspondence--how I wish it were all in your handwriting and on tangible paper. Those electronic words seem just as evanescent as your person. I have the many emails I exchanged with your mom and dad and brothers and sister.
And I have the memories of the projects we worked on together (dinner in Los Angeles and your joking about the term logemont and your explaining to me out in the park land north of LA how troops would attack a machine gun position.
I have memories of your presence, when I did not yet really know you and you stuck out like a Ted Westhusing in the summer intensive Greek classroom.
I have copies of what are said to be your last words written down.
You were loyal to a code of honor and human goodness and concern for other human beings and high moral principles right to your death.
Thank you for being who you are. who you ARE, Ted, still to so many of us.
I think of you literally every day.
Peggy Childers
June 5, 2011
To the family and friends of Col. Theodore S. Westhusing:
Please accept my remembrance of Theodore on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Jack Grubbs
April 8, 2011
Much has been said of Ted as a basketball player. As Head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at West Point, I remember playing in a staff and faculty basketball championship game against the Department of English. Ted was an outstanding shooter for them and the game came down to a last shot for us. We won on a shot that 'may or may not have been launched before the final whistle'. Although the outcome was very controversial we still won the game. A couple of days later I received an email from Ted that said something to the effect: "Sir, While I hated losing the game in that manner, if we had to lose, I'm glad it was to a department such as yours." I didn't know him very well, only to the degree that I knew he had a great reputation. His message has stuck with me for over 15 years - telling me that maybe I as an individual, and my department as a team, espoused those same values that defined his life. Ted, I wish I had known you better - Jack Grubbs
November 17, 2010
My Dear Brother Ted
I can't believe you would have been 50 today.
Happy Birthday Ted. I'm very proud of you. As your little sister I will always look up to you. You are a great man.
I love you!
Beans
Gayla Gibson
October 2, 2010
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Every day, my thoughts and prayers go out to our brave men and women and their families. Ted, you were always a bright light to which we all aspired. A bright eternal light.
PAMELA WISCOMBE
August 21, 2010
Thank you so much for your service to this country. We are sad for your loss and hope you know that we will never forget you. You served in honor and in grace to protect our great country. May you find peace and comfort. Thank-you so much for my freedom.
Janice Keyes
August 6, 2010
Col. Westhusing comes to mind very often. One meeting shared on a flight between Tulsa and Houston, as he left visiting his family and I left visiting mine, left me with an indelible impression of a great man of incredible intelligence and love. The flight was over too soon. He has remained in my memory since that day many, many years ago.
David Nash
July 31, 2010
Ted came to mind today, but this is not unusual -- I think of him often. To all of Ted's family and friends, I hope that you all are well.
I have a picture of Ted sitting at his desk in the barracks, when we were cadets together. This is how I like to remember him best. We talked a lot about what the future might hold in those days.
Ted's memory continues to inspire people who knew him to do their best, to be patriots, to live honorably. I'll never forget him.
Peggy Childers
June 5, 2010
To the family and friends of Col. Theodore S. Westhusing:
Remembering Theodore on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
T SCOTT
August 31, 2009
"Greatness comes in many forms. Sometimes in sacrifice, which can be the loneliness form, but most noble. Principles only mean something when you stick by them at those times when they are most inconvenient. Greatness comes when there is nothing more to give but yourself. God bless you Colonel Westhusing for your embodiament of this spirit that inspires us daily and always will. You will not be forgotten....."
Brother in Truth and Justice of Tulsa, OK.
Tom Renton
June 25, 2009
I was thinking about Ted today, and then saw there was another entry posted to this site. We served together in Italy and Ft. Bragg over 20 years ago, but I always marveled that a man with such an incredible intellect could relate so well to the cooks, parachute riggers, mechanics, and infantrymen of our company. He had the easy charm and charisma of a politician, the intellect of a scholar, and the heart of a social worker. I was never so grateful to anyone as I was to LTC Allen K. McDonald the day he informed me that Ted was to be assigned as my XO. With 1SG Robinson, Ted and me at the helm, we made our company the best in the battalion. There are others who may contest that, but Ted, Rob and I knew.
Kenna Larra
June 23, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,600 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Thomas Palaima
June 7, 2009
I was Ted's Greek professor and later his close friend and collaborator. We wrote an article together on using Homer and Greek history at West Point and we participated in a Discovery channel project together. And Ted had me up to West Point to teach in 2003. I still find it hard to believe he is gone, and his mother Terry now, too.
But here is something that will add to our memories of who he was and how he approached difficulties in life.
On 08/19/01 after finishing 10 weeks of summer intensive Greek at UT Austin, Ted wrote me a long email in which he likened himself to Patroclus, donning the armor of Achilles, to do battle with Hector (the Greek professor as a stand-in for the overwhelming difficulty of ancient Greek itself).
Ted was in class five hours a day, five days a week, and spent countless hours outside of class mastering the language he would need for his dissertation work at Emory. He also took time to straighten out some 'animal-house' behavior in one of the UT dorms. And he did all this as a Lt. Col. reduced really to the status of a private in basic training. His officer rank gave him no privileges when it came to knowing the six principal parts of Greek irregular verbs or the many ways the three different moods are employed in the Greek conditional-sentence system and in purpose and result clauses.
He later wrote that the summer Greek experience was harder than Army Airborne training.
This email on 08/19/01 was 23 days before 9-11. It was a different world.
But the words he wrote on that day still have meaning, as he hoped they would, for all of us when we face challenges that overwhelm us, make us doubt our abilities, and make us despair of reaching our goals. They reflect his intensity and his belief in hard work.
BEGIN QUOTE:
"I averaged fifty-two or so hours a week studying during the last five weeks, which included twelve hours to and from OK City, driving to visit my dear mother [Terry Clark, who is now with Ted] for perhaps the last time, studying the Greek text propped across the steering wheel the entire drive (I would not recommend doing something so stupid ever again). So if anyone in the future reaches a low point where his or her motivation begins to wane, tell him or her to follow these four steps:
(1) stop feeling sorry for yourself.
(2) you alone are responsible for any successes or failures in the course.
(3) attend every class and take no shortcuts.
(4) hard work is always--and will forever be--the great equalizer in any human
endeavor.
END QUOTE
You are gone four years, Ted, but when I read our correspondence and our hard and honest and lengthy give-and-take over our differences about politics and the war in Iraq, you are here and as forthright and honest as ever.
Our lives are all fuller for your having been in our lives.
Rest in peace. There is no daily duty from the Greek grammar for you to master where you are now. But your words will help this year's class of about 28 students stay the course, quite literally.
Thank you, my friend.
Peggy Childers
June 6, 2009
To the family of Col. Theodore S. Westhusing:
Theodore gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Susan B.
July 12, 2008
Colonel Westhusing's voice still resonates. Please listen and take his message forward, for our future, for today, for our children, for humanity…our country………please don't let such a meaningful and purposeful life go in vain. Rise up America and take his torch...for all of us.....
M. Martin
July 7, 2008
"In remembrance this July 4th for a true American Hero, friend and patriot.....Colonel Westhusing...I attended his memorial in Iraq and his voice still resonates in my ears.....
In early June, 2005 Colonel Ted Westhusing passed away. He was a Senior member of the CPATT Team, and the highest ranking officer to die in Iraq to date. His brothers and sisters in arms, gave the Colonel a deserving send off from this battlefield in Iraq.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the roll call at the Colonels Memorial in Baghdad, Iraq.
Roll Call / Daylight Again
Monday, June 13, 2005, 04:35 AM - The World After September 11
"Roll Call," by MAJ Robert Bateman
We move around a lot in the military, as individuals and collectively. This presents a challenge, because with so many moving parts it is difficult to maintain an account. This is why we conduct roll calls. These are run by our Non-commissioned officers. Normally officers stand beyond the ranks, but under some circumstances they will stand in the ranks for accountability purposes. The command in which I serve has elements of all four services.
"Sergeant Stevens"
"Here Master Chief!"
"Staff Sergeant Michaels"
"Present Master Chief!"
"Chief's voice is booming, though he has not raised his voice. Even restrained it carries, as befits his six-foot three-inches and all-Navy frame. Traditionally the responses are returned at a slightly louder volume. I don't know why, that's just how we do it.
"Lieutenant Colonel Hale"
"Here Master Chief!"
"Colonel Westhusing."
No response.
There was a stiff breeze earlier, but it faded about an hour ago. Enough remains to roll the flag but not enough to make it snap. We broke 115 degrees at around 13:00. That was the temperature in the shade. It is now a little after 16:30. I am in the sun.
"Colonel Ted Westhusing!"
Chief's voice is now sharp, the voice of command. When conducting a roll call, one part of the sacred purview of the NCO corps, there is no quibbling. Even officers pipe up if they stand in the ranks for these formations. Sweat pours down my face. I am a little dehydrated, the sweat is salty and stings my eyes. I do not move. I am at the position of attention. The baked air carried by the light breeze brings no relief, though it carries away the scent. Not a few of us have been working longer hours than is usual, even for a combat zone. Sleep has been secondary. Laundry represented a distant place in anyone's mind. The breeze lifts and the flag rustles. I blink repeatedly.
"Colonel Theodore S. Westhusing."
Once insistent, Master Chief Korman's voice is now resigned. There is no response. There will be no response.
At the front of our formation a rifle, bayonet fixed, stands inverted. Dogtags bearing the name Theodore Westhusing, his blood type, Social Security number, and religious preference hang from the pistol grip. A helmet, with the eagle of a full Colonel on the front, balances atop the butt-stock.
I hear steps behind me. I cannot see them, but I know who is there. A seven man detail, with a single NCO giving direction. With commands given in a low voice the detail stops moving forward and begins to "mark time," marching in place. They come to a halt. Seven rifles charge at once, the spring in the stock driving forward the bolt carrier inside the rifle, and placing a single round of ammunition into the chamber of the weapon.
CRACK!
Lost in thought for a second, I am caught off-guard, even though I knew it was coming. Seven rifles discharged at once. The first volley. They charge again.
CRACK!
For an ad-hoc squad they do pretty well. Seven rifles crashing as one. It is not the Old Guard, but then this is not Arlington. We are in a combat zone, rendering honors to one of our own, as best we can.
CRACK!
Seven men. Three volleys. Twenty-one shots. Only the President of the United States of America receives the same number. Descartes had it wrong with, "Je pense, donc je suis." We are not human because we think. We are human because we remember.
I will remember Colonel Westhusing.
God Bless You and Your Family, you are an American Hero and your death will not go in vain.........."
M. Martin of Westchester, New York
Colonel Westhusing and an Iraq Boy his group was protecting
June 18, 2008
Sam McKay
June 17, 2008
Dear Colonel Ted.
God Bless you and your beliefs, may other Americans take up your voice......
O' Great Spirit
Whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life
To all the world, hear me!
I need your strength and wisdom.
To guide me on my journey....
Let me walk in beauty,
And make my eyes ever behold
The red and purple sunset.
Make my hands Respect the things you have made, and help those who can't help themselves..
And my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise,
So that I may understand
The things you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons
You have hidden In every leaf and rock.
I seek strength,
Not to be greater than my brother,
But to fight my greatest enemy- those who choose to hurt others.
Make me always ready
To come to you with clean hands
And straight eyes.
So when life fades,
As the fading sunset,
My spirit may come to you
Without shame.
Let my purpose shine,
Let me continue to do what is right....
As I will always do.......Let them take up my cause to right the wrong...
In Memory of Ted ~ (Debra Estep)
June 5, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Ted, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
May 4, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Col Westhusing!
Tom Palaima
April 30, 2008
I have not forgotten you, my friend, nor what you stand for. Every day I think of you and I speak of you at least once a month to some student or somebody in my large orbit of contacts. Our lives continue to be richer because of who you are in our minds, hearts and memories.
Your friend,
Tom
John Cale
January 30, 2008
"My dear friend Col.Ted, I brought my family for the first time to your most hallowed ground, your burial site. We came from across the country. You don't know me, but you have impacted me, inspired myself and my family in such a rightous and profound way,,, in such tough and difficult times for all of us, our country. You have inspired all of us in so many ways for what you stood for and the sacrifice you made. My family asked to come here with me, especially my eldest boy who wants to serve as you did, to correct the wrongs, the injustices, he said we need more like you. To be honest with you, I wasn't sure how I would feel, coming here with my family, especially how convicted my son has become because of you. Your death and what you stood for so touched us and so many others in our town, so very much. Everyday, my family and I think of your sacrifice and especially what you stood for, which has impacted our lives and others in so many ways. I have myself, tried as you have showed me and others to live my life again in a better way, to do the best I can for my family and for my country, as my son wants to do as well. I hope as I stand here at your side, with my family with the utmost honor and respect, to promise to give our/my best for the rest of my life and for our country as you did. And hopefully in your eyes, earn what you have given for my life and my family. I am a better man and father because of you. God bless you"
Cale family of California
Ken Weismuller
November 16, 2007
Words of Love from Ted, I know he was thinking...for his kids....
A father's love is like a grand oak tree
Standing strong against the forces of time
Standing against the wind blowing free
Waiting for his children to climb.
A father's love is like a bird in the sky
The flight is long and full of fears
Taming the winds that are on high
Watching for anything to come near.
A father's love is everlasting
It persists even if wrong is done
In his eyes nothing is too great
And no time is too long.
A father's love will not die
His love will continue even when he is gone
His love will touch many
Through his Daughter and Sons.
Reyes Gomez
November 15, 2007
Prayer for the living and those that have passed………
Oh Great Usen he walks with you now
Oh Great Spirit be with us always and give us strength
Let our prayers be heard, felt and shared
Heal our pain but do not let us forget
The smiles, the laughter, the good times
Let my Family be our strength and
Let those who have gone before us hear our prayers
That they remain by our side always and
That we remember them always
When we feel the wind and see the sun rise
And on the moonlit night when you hear
The silence or the Night Eagle (Owl) calling
And there among the stars and beyond
Let us one day see them and you Great Spirit
Let our faith in you be our strength
Oh Great Spirit be with us always
Written by: Reyes Gomez (Itsa Tl'ee)
Mark Traxler
September 11, 2007
I went to grade school with Ted. I can remember those days playing kick ball against him. He was always a competetor. I will always remember what he did for our country. God bless his family.
August 22, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 18, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Col Westhusing and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
a native american dakota
June 10, 2007
Tell me and I will listen.......
Show me and I will learn......
A great man, that will teach us all...god bless
John B.
May 30, 2007
Ted's voice......
A shadow of joy flickered; it is me.
I told you I wouldn't leave.
My spirit is with you.
My memories, my thoughts are
imbedded deep in your heart.
As always, I still love you.
Do not for one moment think
that you have been abandoned.
I am in the Light.
In the corner, in the hall, the car, the yard --
these are the places I stay with you.
My spirit rises every time you pray for me,
but my energy comes closer to you each time you think of me.
Love does not diminish, it grows stronger.
I am the feather that finds you in the yard,
the dimmed light that grows brighter in your mind, in the morning when you rise....
I hold a special place for our memories for you, only to see.
We lived in our special way,
a way that now has its focus changed.
I still crave your understanding and
long for the many words of prayer
and good fortune for my soul. for
I am in the Light.
As you struggle to adjust without me,
I watch silently, but holding you close.
Sometimes I summon up all the strength of my new world
to make you notice me.
Impressed by your grief,
I try to impress my love
deeper into your consciousness.
As you should,
call out to the Heavens for help.
You should know that the fountain of happiness does exist.
My soul is now healthy.
Your love sends me new found energy.
I am adjusting to this new world.
I am with you and I am in the Light.
Please don't feel bad that you can't see me.
I am with you wherever you go.
I protect you,
just as you protected and thought of me so many times.
Talk to me and somehow I will find a way
to answer you.
I see you with my new eyes.
I am learning to help wherever you are,
where ever I am needed.
This can be done because I am in the Light.
When you feel despair, reach out to me.
I will come.
My love for you truly does
transcend from Heaven to Earth.
Finish your life with the enthusiasm and zest
that you had when we were together in the physical sense.
You owe this to me, but more importantly,
you owe it to yourself, our family.
Life continues for both of us.
I am with you because I love you
and I am in the Light...
I hope this brings you comfort as it has me from Ted's loss.....for I believe......
Janice Brown
May 30, 2007
Two years have passed since the death of this great and honorable patriot, but the pain and sorrow remain. The debt that we owe these men, like Ted, who serve their Country with so much honor, love and patriotism can never be repaided except in remembrance of them.
May God bless them and keep them and all of their loved ones and may His light shine upon them. Amen
Tom & Janice Brown and Family
Dung Qui
May 29, 2007
At the rising sun and at its going down we remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter we remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring we remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer we remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn we remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends we remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us. As we remember them. When we are weary and in need of strength we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart we remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make we remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share we remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs we remember them.
For as long as we live, they too will live,
For they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
My families came here from Vietnam and were able to have a better life, safe and free because of good men like Colonel Ted who kindly cared for our family. Thanks to you and your honorable family.
JoAnne Martin
May 29, 2007
Death does not have the power to take
The memories so precious left in your wake
The years filled with love and laughter and joy
The time with our precious growing up boy
Nothing can take the impression you made
Not one moment or memory would we trade
The empty spot left when we you had to part
Remains a reminder of all we had, in our hearts
And though you are missing on this special day
You're never forgotten, your memory will stay
We wrote this for our son, who passed in the war recently, I am sure you feel the same, god bless...
Eddie Lenihan
May 28, 2007
Ted: thinking of you today, Memorial Day, with tears in my eyes, as I do many days. I'm sure I speak for many. Rest in peace my cherished friend.
Mike Anonymous
May 6, 2007
Dear Mrs. Westhusing, I was surfing the net on WP/Iraq topics this afternoon and came across your husband's story and tragic ending. I was deeply moved and felt compelled to leave this note. His military and academic accomplishments were very impressive as was his tenacious spirit for taking the honorable road in all that he did, but particularly in Iraq. He was obviously a very good and decent human being. His story is a tragedy among tragedies with regard to this illicit war - and I say this as a devout patriot and former WP cadet myself. I only hope that his story gets the attention it deserves from a larger audience. Please accept my sincere sympathy to you and your family for your tremendous loss.
Scott
April 22, 2007
Ted has his goodness now in tact, forever,..........
God forbid and guard, that no can ever take take that from him or anyone. LIKE HIM who stands up for us, WHO REPRESENTS WHAT WE BELIEVE IN...
i WOULD RATHER LIVE MY LIFE AS IF THERE WAS A GOD, AND DIE TO FIND OUT THERE ISN'T....
than LIVE MY LIFE AS IF THERE ISN'T, AND DIE TO FIND OUT THERE IS.....
God Bless,
A dear friend.
Steve
January 23, 2007
I have known Ted for many years, when we were friends at Jenks High School. He was a dear friend to me, even though he may have not known how important his friendship was to me and to others. We were not always the guys and girls that stood out in our school, or got the attention, like he did, from grades, sports or being popular. But Ted always made us feel like we were someone special, he always made us feel like he was our older brother, looking out for us and that in itself shaped my life as I know it did others. Just the other day, I talked to my children about how important it is to look out for others. When my son was being bullied by a group at school, I talked about Ted and how he cared and looked out for others. It really made an impact on my son. Thanks Ted amd god bless you and your family which I know you were so influenced by. Your deeds and examples still live on and that is your legacy. Here is a poem that touched me and made me think of Ted and his legacy and how we need to continue to live by the values and thoughtfulness he shared and is passed on, and still lives on in others, today and tomorrow.
The soldiers do not speak.
Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses:
who has not heard them?
They have a silence that speaks for them at night
and when the clock counts.
They say: We were young. We were purposeful, yet We have died.
Remember us.
They say: We have done what we could
but until it is finished it is not done.
They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished
no one can know what our lives gave.
They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours,
they will mean what you make them.
They say: Whether our lives and our deaths were for,
peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say,
it is you who must say this.
We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.
We are you and your future, they say. We have died; remember us.
Jason Beatty
January 21, 2007
"Lord, thy sea is so great and my ship is so small. How unfortunate we are to lose such a good man as Colonel Westhusing. These few good men/women are the leaders that we cannot afford to lose; leaders like TED are only what seperates us from the devil and his works. God bless you, Ted and may god hold you and your family, close in his loving hands.......may your leadership and works towards the light of righteousness continue to shine on...and lead us out of these dark times."
A vet from New York
Garnet Jenkins
September 7, 2006
Paying tribute to Col. Theodore S. Westhusing, with a Multitude of Thanks, for this Hero's Many Years of Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. You Sir, will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May the Peace of God continue to be with the Westhusing family.
From the sister of another young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA-1967.
"The soldier, above all others, is required to perform the
highest act of religious teaching--SACRIFICE."
~General Douglas MacArthur~
May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.
ROBYN GARSIDE
August 5, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Tim Westhusing
June 13, 2006
God bless you Ted, I am so very proud of you and all you stood for. Its ironic, I am you older brother, but I always wanted to be like you, live so much like you.....I looked up to you and your values. You will never, ever be forgotten.
June 12, 2006
June 12, 2006
June 12, 2006
Tim Westhusing
June 12, 2006
I am Ted's brother, Tim. I had the honor and privilege of being a guest at a Memorial Day, 2006 service at a base in Enid, OK., attended by the governor's office, state and local representatives, as well as our most honored, our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard personnel, their families and friends, Americans from all walks of life, those families and friends there to honor our fallen, who cared, and for whom I was so privileged to meet and get to know for all their sacrifices. Many Veterans, their families, their children and friends who had sacrificed and given so very much, their own. WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the current Iraq War, among others, so many others who also cared so very much, who also gave all, those who supported them, at all costs. All gave their own, all that was so dear and precious to each and every one of them. God Bless them and their families and friends. At the service, they dedicated a native granite Oklahoma wall with the names of our heroes from Oklahoma, US, past and present. The Kiowa Native Indian Tribal Leadership led a prayer over all our familes and friends, our country, their native land, and particularly,those who had been lost, who sacrificed for all that they had given to us, especially their lives - for our freedom, our future. A very special moment. A moment I will never forget. The look in their eyes, reflected in everyone around us, showed what America's freedom, truely means to those that sacrified so much for us, their own...to live free, together, as one in a truley great land. You can't give much more than a piece of yourself. your family, your friend. It made me, among many others, again, appreciate, that we are, together, Americans, from all walks of life. We are so very fortunate, right or wrong, to have what we have and to cherish what we have, lost, and gave up to keep us free and together as one. Especially, what we stand for as a nation and what the world looks up to. All the sacrifices, today, tomorrow, for our future - is worth a peaceful journey for our children - our legacy, our country. God bless them all. God bless America and all that seek the best for all of us and especially the truth, fairness, now and for our future.
God bless you, who gave it all... you will never be forgotten.
"We Honor You Colonel Ted Westhusing" on Memorial Day, 2006
June 12, 2006
Tom Gugliuzza-Smiths
June 5, 2006
Theodore, a year ago today you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 28, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Westhusing family in the loss of Theodore. I did not know Theodore, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Theodore it is coming up on 9 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
John Davis
February 23, 2006
I was shocked to hear of Ted's passing today at an Nashville Service Academy luncheon. I was Ted's roommate at the US Air Force Academy in the fall of 1981. Ted was a great role model of scholarship and military bearing (which is probably why I was selected to room with him), and a great guy. He led by example, and made a lasting impression on the AF cadets of 13th Squadron. He certainly made me a better officer for having known him. I regret telling him that he needed to polish his chair for our first inspection...he never even got upset about wasting his hours, but he got even in his dry, quiet way. For all that, we were friends, and I regret now not keeping tabs for all these years and knowing that I've missed an opportunity to continue a friendship with one of the finest men I have known.
God bless you, Ted
Rick Coulson
January 19, 2006
I am sorry to hear of the loss of such a fine leader and old friend. I do not think he ever knew the impact he made in my life since serving together in Vicenza.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Sincerely,
Rick Coulson
[email protected]
Cindy Levine
December 23, 2005
I am a close friend of your sister Kathleen. I never met you. Kathleen and I went to training together for Nextel in Orlando, Fl. While there, my mother passed away. Your sister comforted me the entire 2 weeks during her last days. We became very close. Then I rec'd an email at work from her to tell me you had been killed in Iraq. My heart sunk while reading that, and I immediately called her to comfort her. We cried together for a while, me in Florida, she in Okla. I am so sad you left us the way you did, but I know you have a great family. Even though I never knew you I know you were brought up with great family values, and a love for this country. My heart goes out to all of your family and you are in my prayers. You made an impact while on this earth. God Bless, Cindy Levine and son Joshua.
Tom Renton
December 13, 2005
Dear God, I just did a web search to reconnect with Ted. He was my company XO in Italy and Ft. Bragg. In my 22 years, I never met a finer officer or man than Ted Westhusing. I'm so sorry to hear of his death. My deepest sympathies to his wife, children and family. He was one hell of a soldier, and an even better man.
shawnee
December 12, 2005
Thank you for your service to this great country of ours. God bless you and your family.
Rest in Peace.
Betsy Bowes Stutes
December 3, 2005
My husband saw the story in the paper about Ted. He remembered me telling him stories about the family with all the kids starting with T then K. My mom was a dear friend of your family, especially during the time of Todd's illness. I want to express my deep sympathy in the death of your brother. You have an amazing family. Our prayers will be with you.
Chuck Reed
November 27, 2005
Dear Family & Friends:
Col. Ted Westhusing served this nation as it should be served...with all the heart, soul and intellect he was blessed with.
As an infantryman in Vietnam I
understand the damnable decisions that come in war. The fact that Col. Westhusing spent so much of his intellectual capacity on these issues is a testimony to his belief that honor must always be the way of warriors. This is testimony
to his love for his God and country.
And...it just doesn't get any better. I never knew the colonel, but I believe one day we'll meet
and I can't wait to give him something I gave very, very few officers...an unrequired salute with honor.
Former PFC "Indianhead"
4/31, 196LIB, Americal, Central Highlands 70-71
Barbara O'Neill
November 27, 2005
Dear Westhusing Family,
I read about your husband, father,brother, son today in our Sunday newspaper, the LA TImes. It is Thanksgiving weekend, a special time for most Americans to contemplate our abundance, share meals with our families and give thanks for all the goodness we've been given. It is therefore in this state of mind that I learned of the greatness of your wonderful man and the tragedy of losing him from our world. His depth of spirit and humanity in these shameful times is truly inspirational for those of us who sit on the sidelines. PLease know that there are many of us who will consider him a modern day saint who wrestled with the toughest challenges of our times. Even after death he will continue to teach and inspire. May God bless and hold all of you in his arms this season.
Khara Keegan
November 20, 2005
Mrs. Westhusing,
I learned of your husband's death upon reaching home after my graduation from West Point this year--he was my thesis advisor this year, prior to his departure for Iraq. I chose COL Westhusing as a mentor the year before because of his depth of knowledge and love for students and soldiers. I have wanted to write you for some time now to tell you how much your husband touched my life but I never felt I had sufficient words to describe his impact. COL Westhusing taught me so much through his example and the endless hours that he always made for a student in need. Thank you for sharing him with us. I know that you and your children were everything to him. I will miss him dearly, as a mentor, as a leader, and as a friend. Your husband really was the epitome of the modern day philosopher king.
2LT Khara Keegan
Matt Wood
November 6, 2005
I got to know COL (then-MAJ) Westhusing when I first arrived to the 82nd Airborne Division and was working in the G3 office. He struck me as an officer, and individual who would place the needs of others well before his own. I enjoyed the time I got to spend working with him and for him. My sympathies go out to his family on the loss of such a great Soldier and person. He will be missed!
SSG Matt Wood
Mike Burns
October 4, 2005
My deepest sympathies to the family of Ted Westhusing. Ted was my platoon leader in Vicenza, Italy back in 1984-5 while serving in Bco. 2/325th ABCT. He was a fantastic guy, full of enthusiasm and confidence. I feel privileged to have served under his command and will always remember my times in the field or jumping with him fondly. He was a well liked and highly respected by everyone in our platoon. I am certain that those who met him later in his career were as taken by his charismatic personality and good heart. Farewell Ted!
Airborne!
Mike Burns
Edward Westhusing
October 4, 2005
My condolences to the family of Ted Westhusing, I am of some distant relation I have just discovered.. The name Westhusing will always carry on through the years!!
C B
August 18, 2005
I was working for Ted as a contractor at Camp Dublin. I left the Camp in April just 2 months prior to his death. Although I did not know him well, I thought highly of him. He was a very quiet, but seemingly thoughtful and experienced leader.
Thomas Palaima
August 9, 2005
I hope the following words add to the picture of Ted all these other kind and caring words put in the memories of readers.
I taught Ted during the summer of 2002 in intensive classical Greek 5 hours a day 5 days a week for six weeks. He applied to learning Greek the same indomitable determination I later learned he applied to everything. Greek did not come easily to him, and he missed his family and he was in a class with many younger and more natively linguistically gifted students, many of whom were utterly naive about the bad things and bad people our military men and women protect us from.
Ted became a natural and graceful leader in the class, a leader among equals. As I later learned when he invited me up to West Point to teach his cadets about such matters as ancient Greek war ideology and how the Spartans and Athenians went about building group cohesion, Ted had the one quality that every great teacher has: deep sympathy for students. It would have been easy for him in my class, as a man of important action, to only go so far, to see as trivial discussions of the thought and feeling inherent in Greek words and Greek writing.
He did not.
Just last week I did a play reading with 18 high school students in a national Telluride seminar. We read Aristophanes' play The Acharnians, a play from 425 B.C. about farmers complaining about the hardships of war. The xeroxed copies of the play had the parts assigned from the summer of 2002. Ted played the Athenian general Lamachus, a satirical figure, pompous, vain, artificially courageous. And he played it perfectly, with wonderful self humor that at the same time allowed us to see the true officer material in the person who was reading the lines.
I'll always remember how he looked when he read those lines.
He commented about the summer Greek program in UT's alumni magazine (Alcalde January/February 2004, p. 35): "UT's Intensive Greek Program is the Greek language ranger School equivalent. You spend as much time learning about yourself as you do learning about ancient Greek."
He took that Greek and that self-knowldege and finished a remarkably fine dissertation on ancient notions of courage at Emory University.
It is two months tomorrow since I found out he was gone. We collaborated on a televison documentary--you can see him in it (Discovery Channel "The Trojan Horse")--and at a conference in St. Louis and on an article on using Greek at West Point for the London Times Higher Education Supplement. These capture Ted's intellectual spirit, his assured modesty, and his values.
My true sympathy to all who knew him much more deeply and longer than I did. Your sense of loss must be enormous and painfully sorrowful.
LTC Tom Anderson
July 31, 2005
I am so, so sorry to learn of Ted's passing. I served with him in the late '90s on the Division Staff of the 82d Abn. I was new to the 82d, and had a steep learning curve as I worked hard to learn the ways of that great unit. Ted was the Deputy G-3, and he took the time to really help me. He was a patient and kind man, a great patriot, and a superb paratrooper. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Tim Westhusing
July 25, 2005
Ted was one of my many, younger brothers who not only was a influence on so many as seen here, but a dear brother who also so influenced both myself and my three sons, in so many wonderful ways. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on with all the great things he did in his life and the people he touched. His courage, his big heart, his caring and thoughtfulness, his love for country, these were many things he gave and deeply impacted our family, my children and his dear friends and colleagues, whom I want to also thank as well for all your kind words and thoughts. Thank you again for bringing Ted's life alive again with all your wonderful tributes. My heart and prayers go out to Michelle and their three, wonderful kids whom I know, he dearly, dearly loved........
Zack Westhusing
July 24, 2005
Ted was and always be a great influence in my life. He always cared deeply for all of his family and when I would see him we would always have a great time,especially around the holidays. He was a good uncle and friend. Im very sorry Michelle, Sarah, Anthony and Aronie.
Kathleen Westhusing Foster
July 20, 2005
Thanks for all the thoughful words about my brother Ted.
He was and will always be my hero that gave his life for all of us.
His passing is an incredible loss to us. I am grateful that he was a part of my life and I'll cherish my memories of him forever.
My love goes out to his wife Michelle and their 3 children.
Janice Keyes
July 19, 2005
I had the great pleasure of sitting next to Ted Westhusing on a flight several years ago when he was still at Ft. Bragg. He was such a nice and interesting man to enjoy conversation with during the entire flight. He told me about his family, wife, children, brothers and sisters. I have never forgotten him and have often thought of him over the years, including just very recently. I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of his death on the CBS Evening News July 18th. His warm presence will be missed by all who knew him, as I can tell be the many letters in this quest book. My prayers are being offered to all.
Keri Hurd
July 19, 2005
I had the honor of meeting Col. Westhusing at West Point, my daughter and his youngest son were in Pre-K together. I did not know him well but the times I did see him he was always very happy and a really nice guy. The one thing that keeps popping into my head since I learned of his death.... his son and my daughter were chasing each other on the school yard while waiting for class to start,and my daughter fell and skinned her knee. I went over to check on her and help her up and so did he, he was asking if she was ok and if she wanted to go to the nurse. He was so caring and you could always see how much his family meant to him, not only by his actions but by the way his family reacted to him. I want to send my deepest sympathy to his wife and kids, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
William Barton
July 19, 2005
I learned last night of the news about LTC Westhusing. LTC Westhusing was my Company Commander in D Co. 1/325 AIR at Ft Bragg. I remember his no-nonsense approach to warfighting and his being a teacher and mentor. The Army needs more LTC Westhusings.
Jane (Benedick) Knight
July 18, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to Ted's family. His father, Keith, and my father, Glenn Benedick, were cousins. Ted's Aunt Elinor contacted us. I wish I would have known Ted here on earth as he is being described as such a godly man who has truly left a legacy on this earth. I am honored to be related to him as a third cousin. Our prayers are with all of you.
Jane and Bob Knight
2LT Tim Crook
July 15, 2005
COL Westhusing was my thesis advisor my senior year at West Point. I respected him as an officer and as a friend. The last time I saw him was when he presented my award for best senior thesis to me in front of the English department the day before graduation. I told him at that time that I wanted him to be my military mentor for the rest of my career. I never met a man, a soldier, more dedicated or selfless than COL Westhusing. He spent timeless hours with me helping me refine my thesis, and we partook in many philosophical arguments. He is the closest person to me that died in Iraq, and my empathy goes out to family. He was a great man and a greater warrior. I respected him as both. He was both Achilles and Hector. I will miss him dearly, but I'm honored to have met and served with such a great American.
2LT Crook
Dicksie May
June 28, 2005
To the entire family of Ted Westhusing. My heart goes out to all of you . . . I worked with Keith Westhusing here in Laramie and he spoke highly of his son, Ted. Even tho I didn't know him I want all of you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Dicksie R. May
Zachary Horan
June 26, 2005
This message is for Mrs. Westhusing. I was a student of Colonel Westhusing first semester of this year, and we continued to communicate even after he left for Iraq. At the end of May, before leaving for my summer break, I sent him an e-mail telling him that I thought of him as my mentor. Here is the e-mail I sent him, and his response from 28 May 2005. I wanted you to have it. If anyone can help me out by getting this message to Mrs. Westhusing I would be very thankful.
Colonel Westhusing,
My junior year has come to an end. My highest grade was in Advanced Constitutional Law this semester. I made an A-, and most of my grade can be attributed to a Supreme Court decision that I wrote based on an actual case that we went down to the court and heard argued back in April. The study of the law truly appeals to me, and I hope to go to law school eventually. Graduation is tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to heading home to South Carolina. I will be back here at West Point to be a Beast I platoon leader. Ironically, I am the platoon leader for second platoon of Delta Company, which is the same platoon I was in as a new cadet. I guess things are going to come full circle then. After Beast I am heading back to the Carolinas to work in the Charlotte District Attorney's Office, which will be nice because it is in downtown Charlotte where my dad works at the Bank of America and my girlfriend works at her father's business.
I am writing to see how you are doing. I was talking to my roommate about you, and he said, "It sounds like he's your mentor." When I think about it, you truly are the closest person I have to one. After reading about the upcoming Operation Lightning, I decided to write and ask if you had any part in it. Hope things are going well in Iraq. I will pray for you and your family. Thank you for your time sir.
Respectfully,
Zachary Horan
Here is Colonel Westhusing's Response:
Zach--I am honored to have you consider me your mentor.
Consider it such.
You will be a great Beast Platoon Leader . . . I always wanted to have that position because I really admired my first Beast Platoon Leader and can picture him to this day.
Remember that, Zach. The cadets you will lead will remember you 26 years later . . .
We have a bunch of Iraqi units involved in Lightning.
They are beginning to take the fight to the enemy . . . believe they will succeed.
Thanks for your time and prayers, Zach. Both really mean a lot to me, especially from the likes of you.
Your Friend, COL Ted Westhusing
Vicki Smart
June 23, 2005
I went to High School with Ted. I'm truley sorry for your loss, but from everything being said, your son was a very respected man. My thoughts are with you and yours. Vicki Smart (Owen)
Dan Stoll
June 21, 2005
To Ted's Family:
Fortunate to be in Ted's class and Company at West Point, I knew Ted as a friendly, humble, and well-rounded individual. I admired his academic and athletic abilities while being unassuming. He pursued excellence with a calm, quiet sense of confidence and personal code of honor. He was in a whole different league.
I can only imagine your great sorrow and loss and will pray for your healing.
You are in our prayers,
The Dan Stoll Family
Laura Bozeman
June 15, 2005
My sincere condolences on COL Westhusing's passing. He returned to the Department of English when I was entering my third year as a junior faculty member. It seems like yesterday that I bid him farewell and departing on PCS leave for Korea.
I fondly remember his warm, engaging personality. He truly cared that my husband was deployed to Iraq with his Army Reserve unit and took great interest in Mike's service, since my husband was serving with the 325th AIR. When Mike returned home, I made a special point of introducing them.
I'm not surprised to learn that COL Westhusing volunteered to serve, there, for he often commented that he felt he was missing out on a historic opportunity.
COL Westhusing also impressed me with his strong faith. His positive outlook on life shined forth. He lived life to the fullest, and he freely gave of himself for the benefit of others.
I took the picture of COL Westhusing that he ultimately posted to his faculty web page. I will always remember him that way: happy and enthusiastic.
God bless the Westhusings during this difficult time. The world has lost a hero, but God has gained an angel.
Sincerely yours,
MAJ Laura Bozeman
LTC William Wunderle
June 15, 2005
To the Westhusing Family...
I am sorry for your loss. I served with Ted at Fort Bragg with the 82d Airborne Division. He was an outstanding soldier, an excellent leader, and a good friend. He will be missed. "All The Way"
Alexander Raggio
June 14, 2005
I knew COL Westhusing about as well as any cadet could know him. He was my instructor the past three semesters he taught at the academy, and he came to be my military mentor. COL Westhusing had a profound impact on me not only as a student of philosophy but as a future officer. His example was one of thoughtfulness, dedication and a genuine commitment to the ideals of West Point and the Army. I have not yet met a man whose love for knowledge and the profession of arms was as complete at COL Westhusing's. In his own way, he pushed every one of his students to strive for perfection of the soul, a balanced life in the pursuit of excellence and harmony. I have not fully absorbed the impact he had on me, but I know it was profound. Perhaps some day I will do it justice.
My condolences to his family; his presence will be sorely missed.
Sandy Jones (Young)
June 14, 2005
I am so sorry for your loss. I graduated high school with Ted and remember him as a very bright & nice, kind person. You are in my prayers.
Charles Perez
June 14, 2005
Ted was a classmate of mine at the Academy and a good friend. We spent many hours together in Russian Language classes. He had a wonderfully dry and quiet sense of humor.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Bob Phifer
June 14, 2005
Colonel Westhusing was my Company Commander in the 82d Airborne in the late 80s. He was a terrific leader and superb role model. I'll never forget our great time in Honduras and seeing the Chain of Command riding donkeys. When I invited him to my wedding he said he couldn't come and I was devastated...but he was being married the same day. When I was in Desert Shield/Storm he sent me a handwritten note just to say hello. The last time I saw him was when he was XO of 2d Bde. God bless the Westhusing family.
Holly Hodges
June 13, 2005
My husband, Ben and I first met Ted and Michelle at Fort Benning when he was a student at the Infantry School. He was a wonderful man, soldier, husband and I am sure father. We are deeply saddened at this loss of such a great infantryman. He will be remembered always. God Bless
LTC Kevin Felix
June 13, 2005
To Ted's Family,
Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of a wonderful husband and father, a truly great American soldier, and one of the kindest and most genuine humans I have known. I will always cherish our time together in the 82D ABN. My family's prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jared Patton
June 13, 2005
I worked directly for COL Westhusing when he was the Deputy G3 at Ft. Bragg....There was not an officer that I respected more. He will be greatly missed.
kara westhusing
June 12, 2005
thanks to all for the thoughtful words and support for our family. ted was a great man, brother, father and patriot. he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Dominic Caraccilo
June 12, 2005
A great friend to so many. You will surely be missed. May God Bless your wonderful family.
2LT Michael Almeyda
June 11, 2005
I am sorry for your loss. Col. Westhusing was by far one of the best instructors I had while I was at the academy. He helped me become a better writer when I took his English course last year. I would frequently visit his office when there was a big paper due and he always helped me out, even if I dropped in unexpectedly. We would discuss my paper for a little bit and then we would talk about his war stories for even longer. He was a fine officer and friend. He will greatly be missed.
Steve Deffenbaugh
June 10, 2005
I am so sorry for your loss. I vaguely remember Ted from my short time at West Point in 1979. I left shortly thereafter and, thank God for our country's sake, Ted remained to serve and do great things. So very many people in this country and the world have been in some way touched by Ted. I know you are proud of him beyond words and I just wish I would have served with him, because that would have been a privilege.
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