Bruce LePage

We were all brothers- and sisters-in-arms, those of us in the 435th Security Police Squadron that I first went to war with. It pains me to just now learn that my brother-in-arms, Senior Airman Bruce LePage, passed away seven months ago. We were stationed together at Rhein-Main Air Base, Frankfurt, (West) Germany, during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He joins our other departed brothers and sisters, whose boisterous, hearty welcome shook the heavens as he arrived at the Pearly Gates. It was my utmost honor to walk the line with you. Godspeed to you all, my brothers and sisters, your final guardmount has come. Not only were we all a tight-knit, cohesive unit, we were most-importantly, a family. Help everyone in relieving St. Peter and secure the Heavenly Gates for the time being, he is clear for Code 9 now and can finally go to the bathroom! "Main Gate, Control, what is your status? All Secure, Lima"

One of my greatest memories from Germany was during a trip Bruce and I took together. We went night skiing. I had never been skiing before. For my first run, he took me on the black diamond. At night. As we rode the ski lift above the fog, he told me the only thing I had to know about skiing was to keep my skis straight. He told me I could break my legs if I let them angle in. I fell about 20 times. Each time having to climb back up what felt like the length of a football field to my skis just to lose control from the speed I gained keeping my skis straight. A German approached me near the bottom of the mountain and told me to try angling my skis. Bruce was waiting for me at the bottom of the mountain laughing harder than I had ever seen him laugh.
As we left the ski area, we slide off the road. Four guys came over to help us bounce the car back on to the road. This was the first time I learned a car could be bounced.
The next morning we stopped at an Army base to get gas coupons. I ran in to get them while he was turning the car around. Another friend, Robo, and I had bought the car for $600. I came out of the store to find Bruce blocking the road with the car. I waved to him and he yelled out for me to come to him. I yelled back that he had the car and should drive to me. He insisted. I got in the car and he asked, "Has this ever happened before?" as he handed me the gear shift. An Army MP showed us that we could drive the car but the stick shift could easily pull out while we were driving. This gave us a great idea. When we returned from the trip we picked up a few friends and went out on the autobahn. Once we got to 100 mph, we pulled the gearshift out and screamed. This never got old. Sorry time and distance got between us. Miss you buddy.