GARRISON ROBERT L

CW2 Robert "Bob" L. Garrison was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 06/18/2011 at the age of 62.7
Blairsville, GA
Flight Class 69-17
Date of Birth 09/30/1948
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 1 INF in 69-70, 117 AHC in 1970
Call signs in Vietnam BULLDOG, VULTURE 38
This information was provided by SSN search Aug 2011

More detail on this person: A good man pulled pitch on this great "tarmac" of life June of 2011 and now soars above, joining many comrades who have passed before. Many of us did not know this as it was not reported in the Taps section of the VHPA magazine. I would be remiss if I did not give this man his due, pay my respects and let everyone know that he will be remembered. This I will try in as humble a way as possible.

One of the good fortunes in life for me was attending basic training and flight school with Robert L. "Bob" Garrison. Bob was one of those rare individuals with whom you took an instant liking and seems more like a brother you have known forever. We shared many difficult as well as good times but my memories will be documented with only the good. One of my favorite stories, in fact, includes Bob Garrison and I will pass it on through my journal notations so that someone may read and know a bit about him and laugh along with us.

Bob served a tour in Viet Nam with the 1st Infantry Division where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and 37 Air Medals among others. After he left the Army he joined the Florida National Guard for 2 years and then went on to become a pilot with the US Navy, earning many awards before retiring in October 1991 as LCDR.

My last meeting with Bob and his lovely wife, Sheila, was at Ft Rucker in 1971 shortly before he left the Army. Several times I passed Live Oak, Florida, his hometown, on my way down Interstate 75 and always wondered what old Bob was doing, calling him once to say, HI. We never met again, something which saddens me beyond words and only June this year did I hear of his losing a long battle with cancer. One year later I learn of his death! Oh! How I wish I had called him more often. We sometimes don't realize how important it is to call our friends and acquaintances if for no other reason than to say, "hello, was thinking about you, how are you?" One could suppose that we don't think about how short time is for us or they won't remember me or any other of a thousand reasons. Bobs' passing brought the reality back to me and although too late to tell him that I am thinking of him, I intend to make an effort to call or visit as many of you remaining good guys as I can. Thanks Bob for the memories and your friendship, we will all miss you.

From: William J "Bill" Ferguson

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024


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