Alan was my half-brother. I was 9 years old when he was killed in Vietnam. Just wanted to say I still miss him and have the flag that was placed over his casket. I also have all his medals too. For many years after his death I didn't cry. But as time went on my tears fell like rain.

He was the main reason I joined the Army. If it was good enough for him, it  was good enough for me. As he did, I too made the rank of E-5. I hope that he  would have been proud of me. As proud as I am of him. I feel that growing up he was watching over me all the time. Words can not express what my heart is feeling right now. I will end by saying "Alan, thank you for all you done for
me, and your country. I still love you and miss you too. Someday I will see you again, when God says it's time to pass on."

Until then, Alan, keep looking over me and guide me in the right direction. Just want to say that the other members of our family miss you too: Robin, Jeryl, Kathy, Kevin. I love you always, brother, and will never forget you.

Your brother, Robert M. Racicot II
 

I received a courtesy copy of Sua Sponte, thank you, I will be
joining up soon.

I remember going to the funeral staged at  the Division Chapel for Sgt Angell. I didn't know Angell well, but he spoke  to us when he was in the rear.  We were the Recondo Class of 67-68. 

I remember  the spit shine boots at a 45 degree angle the black beret and M-16 with  bayonet muzzle end down. Steve Franklin and I went to the chapel to pay our  respect to a fine Ranger.

I remember June or July 1968 standing on the beach and  watching the rucksacks being kicked off the slick in front of the orderly
room as the chopper hovered at twenty feet kicking up sand and dust. It  woke me up as to the job I was getting myself into.  But that was thirty some  years ago.

When I got the Sua Sponte Newsletter and I saw Angell's face it  got me brothers. This isn't a good old boys club but something more.  We who  survived the war hold in memory our fallen brothers and in a sense live with us daily by what we think, say, and do. Sergeant Angell lives on in me and  for that matter in you as LRRP/ Rangers.
 

Gunner Team Winston E51