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. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
10/23/2024
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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