Richard Blue

to a great cousin. thanks for taking care of Aunt Lena as well as your own family.

I am saddened to learn of Richard's passing. It brought back a flood of memories.

I met Richard on March 27, 1958 - the day we were both drafted into the United States Army.

We went through Basic Combat Infantry Training together at Fort Ord in Monterey, CA. It was a nine-week experience never to be forgotten. (This was 3 days after Elvis Presley was drafted, and the media were focusing on how Elvis was going to react when he got his GI haircut).

Upon completion of Basic Training in early June, 1958, we were released at midnight and given a 2-week leave before the next phase of training.

Richard had his trusty 1953 Nash Ambassador, and he & I and several other guys from San Diego drove all night on the 12-hour trip down Highway 101. I drove most of the way.

After our leaves were over, we all met at the home of one of the other guys in Little Italy and made the long trip back to Fort Ord. We reported in for Advanced Training ...and went our separate ways.

I never saw Richard again. I, like Elvis, went to Germany for 18 months. I often wondered where Richard was sent. I, too, found my U S Army service to be a truly life-changing experience which I recount with pride.

Although our lives touched only briefly 54 years ago, I'll never forget him.

God Bless you all.

Sincerely,

Rest in peace boss....... Best boss I ever had.