Tom - not sure what to write because there just aren't words to share how empty we feel not having you with us anymore. You are one of the great charismatic leaders the 173d Airborne Brigade has had the privilege to see lead troops. Ironically another great leader of your ilk passed away just one week before you -- GEN(R)Wayne A. Downing. He commanded Bcompany, 1-503d in Vietnam. I would go so far as to say you were two of the finest company commanders in this great unit's history.
Thank you for your friendship, thank you for the love you showed your troops every day you led them, thank you for teaching me that discipline in a unit can be accompanied by a light-hearted side. Thank you for making me a better leader through just your example. I will probably keep writing you on this blog just to try to fill the gap that is left in your passing. We're here in Afghanistan and the fight continues, but please know it doesn't continue without you. We carry your inspiration into every patrol, every fight and every CUB -- i can hear you making a crack that sends everyone laughing hysterically already. "It's good."
1 Comments:
At August 2, 2007 at 6:51 AM ,
fenzel said...
Tom - not sure what to write because there just aren't words to share how empty we feel not having you with us anymore. You are one of the great charismatic leaders the 173d Airborne Brigade has had the privilege to see lead troops. Ironically another great leader of your ilk passed away just one week before you -- GEN(R)Wayne A. Downing. He commanded Bcompany, 1-503d in Vietnam. I would go so far as to say you were two of the finest company commanders in this great unit's history.
Thank you for your friendship, thank you for the love you showed your troops every day you led them, thank you for teaching me that discipline in a unit can be accompanied by a light-hearted side. Thank you for making me a better leader through just your example. I will probably keep writing you on this blog just to try to fill the gap that is left in your passing. We're here in Afghanistan and the fight continues, but please know it doesn't continue without you. We carry your inspiration into every patrol, every fight and every CUB -- i can hear you making a crack that sends everyone laughing hysterically already. "It's good."
Your brother,
Mike Fenzel
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