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Matthew M
October 29, 2018
Gen. Jack Galvin was a great man I enjoy my time with him and teaching his daughter in Germany. I was bless to stay at his house at Ft.Monroe T- command VA it was a honor to sit with him several times. May God bless his dear family. Pastor/ Chaplin Matthew U.S.ARMY Ret.
Troy Barlet
September 3, 2016
He was a wonderful SACEUR. I got to meet him while working in the ER at 196th Station Hospital. I met him as a PVT and he introduced himself as Jack, later to find out he was a humble 4 star general. RIP
Harold Lyon
December 5, 2015
I just finished writing an Amazon review of Jack Galvin's excellent memoir, Fighting the Cold War: A Soldier's Memoir and was just composing a long letter to him when, today, I learned Jack died of Parkinsons Disease September 25, which my father also had. I'm deeply in my sadness and am spontaneously sharing some thoughts here -- even unconventually -- for myself, Ginny and their daughters.
I'm proud to have served with Jack as a fellow company commander in the 501st Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division -- my first unit after graduating from West Point four years after Jack. He was always a challenging inspiration for me -- encouraging me to write, practicing his person-centered style of leadership, and testing new ideas.
There were many wonderful human aspects Jack shared which I was just writing to him in a catch-up letter -- ranging from discussions about our young love-lives when he first met Ginny and when I was newly engaged -- to new ideas about counter-guerrilla tactics. As bachelor lieutenants we'd spend inspiring evenings listening to the Kingston Trio, singing the Sloop John B song, and drinking rum and coke.
Jack's self-effacing authenticity and humor was part of his rich humanity. He told me that when his mother died, he and his brother didn't know how to wash their socks so when they were dirty they'd just throw them into their closet and just kept asking their father to buy them new ones until he complained about all the new socks they needed. He was a busy plasterer/stone mason, overwhelmed without his wife to watch over the children. As Jack described the sock story to me, finally, after a couple years, their father opened their closet door and saw hundreds of dirty socks cascading out!
He was proud to show me his historic old mill home-site near Concord, MA. And we discussed the possibility of jointly owning my Lake Winnipesaukee NH cottage when I bought it in 1979.
Jack encouraged me to write and we co-authored an article in Infantry Magazine, "The Old One-Two." He urged me to keep writing. We tried out many ideas together and he always wrote about them on his trusty 3X5 cards. He proof-read and gave an honest critique to most of my military articles. One article came from an idea Jack and I hatched of skydiver patrols secretly dropping from 10,000 feet above the clouds with their equipment like heavy radios and machine guns, behind enemy lines. We were told it was too dangerous to do with heavy equipment. But we tried it anyway and it worked! Once before I submitted a book ms to the publisher Jack wrote me candidly saying, "You take the reader's hands and make them go, 'Clap! Clap'!" which caused me to revise it all over again.
When I visited him in Belgium he sent his Belgium Aide to accompany me on a visit to the Chavielier de Theiux, the noble man whose castle my father liberated just before the Battle of the Bulge where, after driving the Nazis out, my father returned their castle back to the family whom the Nazis had moved out to the barn. Jack invited me to his change of command ceremony in 1992. I'll never forget in his farewell address to the city, hosted by Herr Rommel, the Burgermeister of Stuttgart, Jack teased the audience telling about how he and Ginny enjoyed staying in the Hotel Garnes" all over Germany and one time he met the owner of the hotels and said, Herr Garne, you have so many nice hotels in Germany and we enjoy staying in them! I had a brief visit with him at his quarters at my 40th reunion at West Point in 1998 and that was our last face-to-face meeting.
I've lost many classmates and family members, but I didn't realize how much Jack meant to me until today.
He once gave me Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet which inspired me to begin writing a novel.
Thank you for allowing me to share unconventually my deep feelings here as a substitute for the letter I was writing to Jack earlier today when I learned of his passing. His recent magnificent memoir is "must-reading" for all cadets, military and foreign service officers as well as students of geopolitical history. It's unique in that he writes humbly, as a soldier, husband, father, and friend, yet with the unique insight of a four-star general and statesman. He's vulnerable enough to share openly his great successes, as well as his failures, minor ones that they were and how he persisted to learn from each during his brilliant career.
Jack's leadership helped shape the events and history of the military and the world from pre-Vietnam War days, through the Cold War and the complex down-sizing of the US and Russian military and nuclear stand-off in Europe.
Jack's authenticity and humor about his personal life shine forth in this rare memoir: learning the art of plastering from his father; as house guest of an Ambassador, wrapping a loud-clicking clock in a carpet and stashing it under a bed so he and Ginny could sleep and the ambassador's maid suspecting he had stolen it; chasing an escaped pet duck down a German Strasse with his daughters, to making sketches and note cards every where he went -- making Jack's last writing a pleasure to read and a fulfilling last visit for me with him. I could hardly put it down. I'm confident that Jack's curiosity and openness to new ideas and thinking -- particularly between the US and the Russians -- helped facilitate an orderly end to the Cold War. He will be sorely missed by all. Jack, I salute you!
-- Dr. Harold C. Lyon, Jr. --USMA '58
Ernest Wood
October 26, 2015
I had the Honor to serve as a Platoon Leader for General (then) LTC Galvin in Vietnam. He was a brave inspiration to all who served under him and his leadership and training helped me and many others return safely.
Respectfully
Ernest E. Wood
COL (RET)
Len Cayer
October 12, 2015
I had the distinct opportunity and honor to serve as Gen John Galvin's NCOIC for the Communications Team while stationed at SHAPE, Belgium. In this capacity, I had the privilege to travel extensively for 3 years with him while ensuring he had the capability to communicate to anyone, anytime, anywhere. On my trips, the person, the leader, the General that we all strived to be like, displayed the utmost courage, respect and professional demeanor to all, with no regard to rank. What an incredible role model he was for me as I retired from the Army and now support the Electronic Health Record systems as a DOD Civilian. When I saw his obituary I was deeply moved over his passing and also that it was a result of Parkinson's Disease -- I was also diagnosed 3 years ago with PD. My heart goes out to the family and my prayers are with you.
Respectfully,
Len Cayer
Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
October 12, 2015
The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) have lost an inspirational leader. In the footsteps of General Dwight Eisenhower, General Galvin was the 9th Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) in very challenging times from 1987 to 1992. He ended a lifelong military and statesmanship experience, forging his NATO-staff into a strong team that played an instrumental role in ending the cold war and shaping a new reality. Admired by many, General Galvin's insights will be missed here at SHAPE. On behalf of the SHAPE-staff and the larger SHAPE-community, please allow me to convey our deepest condolences.
WERNER FREERS
General, DEU A
Chief of Staff SHAPE
Mons, Belgium
Robin Wood
October 7, 2015
John Galvin amazed me. As a friend of Beth's, I had the privilege to be welcomed at many family gatherings. General Galvin's uniform and his rank left me in awe. However, the man I came to know was this funny, foot massaging, exemplary father of four daughters. It was a privilege to know him.
My prayer are with Ginny, Erin, Cathline, Beth and MaryJo and their families.
George Lamperti USAF(Ret)
October 5, 2015
It was my privileged to serve with (then) Lt. Col. John Galvin in Vietnam in 1970, from troops-in-conflict to Thanksgiving on a firebase, he treated every soldier with respect and dignity. Many of us carry his spirit, his example, and his leadership with us in everything we do.
To many of us, he was the epitome of Mathew 25:21, "Well done my good and faithful servant"
[email protected]
LTG Thomas Montgomery. USA, RET.
October 3, 2015
A great soldier, statesman and man. He earned our respect and admiration in so many ways. May his example be emulated by future leaders.
Dick Rankin, Col (Ret) USAF
October 3, 2015
The nation and the Army has lost a brilliant mind, a strategic thinker, and a great leader, who led and served in very critical positions in Europe and Latin America. I was privileged to serve under his tutelage and leadership in Panama where he successfully overcame many "mine fields" to foster US strategic goals in the region.
My condolences to Ginny and the family. Just from the short time I was with him I know how much family meant to him and I know how much you will miss him. God Bless.
angela foster
October 3, 2015
May you find comfort knowing that god did not cause you this pain but he can bring your love one back with a youthful figure Isa 35:6
October 3, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in drawing closer to God in this difficult time. (James 4 :8)
October 3, 2015
Our tour at Ft. Stewart with the 24th Infantry Division, commanded by General Galvin, was most rewarding and very memorable. We share your loss and extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers at this difficult time.
The Koreski Family
October 3, 2015
My heart grieves with you and your loved ones John 2:28 our hope will soon be a reallity
Christiane and Jean-Luc Hermant
October 2, 2015
Dear Ginny and family,
It is with a lot of sadness that we heard about the passing of General Galvin. General Galvin was highly respected and admired at SHAPE HQ. He was a good leader and a very kind person; we kept fond memories of his time here.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
October 1, 2015
God rest your soul. Thank you for your tireless service in our nations military. For all of the family members, God bless you as well as just as life passes by memories will stay very close.
Peter Connell
October 1, 2015
In June of 1968, Lt. Col. Galvin, a stranger whom I had never met, bucked the civilian military establishment and took the initiative as Special Assistant to Army Secretary Resor, to help a returning soldier bring to the U.S a Vietnamese orphan who had been cleared for our adoption but for whom no other transportation was then available. She was 10 months old. Several years later, he attended her naturalization ceremony, and 12 years ago came back to D.C. from Ga. to attend her wedding, where he met the soldier who carried her to our home thirty some years earlier. Jack Galvin is justly remembered as a great leader, a warrior and a first rate intellect, but in our home, he is most remembered for his kindness.
Stephen Ball
October 1, 2015
It was my honor and privilege to serve on the personal staff of General Galvin and transition him and his awesome family into the SACEUR's Quarters at SHAPE Belgium. What a great family man! The Ball family offers their heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Galvin and the General's entire family. Rest In Peace Sir.
CSM (retired) Ball
September 29, 2015
I had the honor to serve with Gen Galvin when he was the VII Corps Commander. A real professional and scholar who always respected the opinion of all those in his presence. Rest in Peace General,you represented your nation in an outstanding manner.
Howard E. O'Brien, Col US Army (Ret)
Rick Wilkerson
September 28, 2015
It is with a heavy heart that I offer my sincere condolences to Mrs Galvin and Family.General Galvin was a true patriot,fine author and great man.He will be missed by many.
Gary Jerauld
September 28, 2015
Marijane and I were saddened to hear about the passing of GEN Galvin. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Gary Jerauld
David Cellucci
September 27, 2015
I am a teacher at Galvin Middle School in the General's hometown of Wakefield, Massachusetts. Our school and town mourn this loss.
TA
September 27, 2015
May the God of all comfort strengthen the entire family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15) My sincerest condolence.
September 27, 2015
I had the honor to serve with General Galvin as his aide in Panama when he commanded the United States Southern Command. He was a great boss and a consummate soldier. I traveled with him throughout Latin America and saw the warmth, cultural understanding, and personal joy that he brought to his meetings with our foreign allies and to his encounters with our deployed service men and women alike. I learned a lot from him. My heart goes out to his wife Ginny and their daughters.
V/R H. Dreher Kinney, LTC, US Army Retired
Angele Propst
September 27, 2015
His family have lost a wonderful husband, father and grandfather; and our country has lost one of it's best servants. May his legacy live on, and bring strength and comfort to all.
Marcia Cronin
September 27, 2015
A wonderful person. Much love to my Galvin cousins
Paul Mahlstedt
September 26, 2015
I had the great honor to serve as General Galvin's Executive Assistant when he commanded the US Southern Command in Panama. He exemplified leadership and was a brilliant thinker. My heart goes out to Ginny and the girls. Paul Mahlstedt, Cdr US Navy (ret)
September 26, 2015
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Kevin Scott
September 26, 2015
Jack Galvin made the world a safer place. He personally took the initiative to contact all major heads of state in Europe to eliminate an entire class of nuclear weapons. (I personally interviewed him on this topic) This was a huge impetus for further arms reductions and a far more safer world in relation to NATO countries and Russia. He was one of the greatest Americans of the post cold war era. Nobody has done more in the past 50 years to make the world a safer place than General Jack Galvin. Rest in peace General, you certainly did a lot in your life to bring us a more peaceful world.
Catherine Burnett
September 26, 2015
I am sad that I never met General Galvin, but I can tell he had a great love for his family, his Country and for others. His giving spirit lives on in the compassionate ways of his wife and his children. Blessings to all during this sad time. Godspeed, sir.
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