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James Hamilton, M. D.

David Mitchell

Jack,

Thank you for bringing up a topic that is so painfully awkward that we all prefer to bury it - but really should acknowled. I had heard this about Phil, and it's one of those things that leaves such a bitterness in my heart. (Not unlike Damon Frison's tragedy - but that was not military). And he's not the only one I am aware of. In fact we had a couple of guys like that in Basic at Fort Polk Lousiana ("Fote Poke Loozianna"). At first we laughed at them for being weaklings and slowpokes, but then it got to a point where we all (most of us anyway) realized what we (little boys) were doing, and it gradually turned into us into defending them against this one particular demented drill seargent. Sort of an unspoken protection society. I grew to hate this one fat, white, pig of a D.I. so bad I actually wished he would come to harm. I used to wonder why on earth can't they just admit that some of these guys are different than the rest of us - "special cases" - and just let them go home (in one case - to his little backwoods "holler" somewhere in 'Kintucky" - where he had never been away from his mamma and his pappa in his entire life). One of them made it through, and one got "recycled". I don't think either life ended in a suicide but the damage done was so obvious is was kind of sickening. I also ask the question - why --- often.

Sadly, this still goes on.

And we could go off about the number of suicides from Vietnam (more than all the names on the "Wall"), and the alarming increase in the rate with current Iraq and Afgan vets - stagering!  But one of the things I find so repugnent in our political climate is that we can vote for more billions to be spent on Carriers that are a billion over budget and has 400 pages of defects, a new fighter jet (F-35) that is more than just a mechanical nightmare - a flying deathtrap! (and costs 5 times what the Russians, Chinese, Germans, French, and Swedes can build a more efficient fighter for) and new battle ship that is hundreds of millions over budget - and broke down on it first few weeks at sea (that never happens!) - but our wounded combat vets cannot get an appointment to see a doctor for 6 months - or more. (Sorry to get political, but this really burns me ! ) 

And Jack, I heard the exact same question ("How many babies did you kill?") from another classmate and good buddy, as I entered a holiday party at Julie Carpenter's house (I think?) between Christmas and new years of 1969. I had just gotten home from my first tour a few days before, and had that 30 days stateside leave before heading back. I walked in to the party, and had barely said hello or even gotten into the room when it happened. I felt blindsided. My anger swelled over me, and I wanted to go over the dining table and take my friend out through the Carpenter's dining room bay window. I held my self, stood there with a carrot in the dip bowl, and froze. After a few seconds of trembling with anger, I walked out. Never got to say hello to anybody, not even "Sorry, I have to leave" to Julie. 

David Mitchell

Donna,

The legendary Greek historian, Herodotus once said;

"In life, sons bury their fathers.  In war, fathers bury their sons."

     (and nowadays ,,, their daughters)

Timothy Lavelle

Jack, If we had a search for one writing that actually said something of import, we could flush every other post but yours. Please, don't anyone take that personal. What we learn here from each is what happened in real lives. Didn't know Phil. Saw him as another shadow person. You brought him back to life for a few minutes. Sorry for your long burden. Glad you lightened your load. Thanks.

Joseph Gentilini

I had also heard that Phil S committed suicide.  I think he had a twin brother (didn't he?) and they sat alone at lunch. As one of you said, he was not on the same plane as the rest of us.  I cannot imagine that he would have been accepted in the military - what a cruel fate. No wonder he took his life. Hell, I would not have been material for the military either, but since I had asthma and a trigger finger with only one joint (most people have two), I hate to think of what I would be like if I had gone.  Often in my morning prayers, I pray  for those who will commit suicide that day.  Whether it helps anyone, I don't know, but I feel as if I'm doing my part in this crazy world.  Thanks for the discussion.

Joe

Michael McLeod

I never knew that story, Jack. I knew he'd killed himself but did not know it was service related.

Basic training was a crappy experience for anybody, but lord help you if you became THAT GUY that the drill sergeants singled out. I remember a guy in my class that slashed his wrists but not enough to bleed out. And the medic made a point of telling him he'd done it the wrong way, demonstrating where to cut next time. 

Joseph Gentilini

I hope most of you remember Sister Vincent Ferrer (Martha Starrett) who taught many of us Principles of Democracy (POD).  Her obituary was in the Dispatch this morning.  She died on March 29th of last week.  Her wake is at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse this coming Wednesday at 4:45 pm and her funeral on Thursday at 9 a.m.  May she rest in peace.  Joe G

Mary Clare Hummer (Bauer)

What a special group of friends with an equally special group of stories. Thank you all for however you served so many years ago and how you shared your memories with us so recently on this forum. I wish we could get together for a big, group hug!!  

Clare

David Mitchell

Yo. Yo.  Girl!  Ahm down wit dat!

(but tell Nina to leave her spell checker at home - please)

John Maxwell

Frank Ganley

John Maxwell

Michael Boulware

Jocko Maxwell always was perceptive and full of empathy. He knew when someone felt down or had something bothering them. His quick smile and pat on the back always made people feel better. I am so glad that he talked with Phil before Phil died.

Thanks for sharing your thought and feelings Jocko. You are a great person.

John Jackson

I’m still working and my work requires that I travel quite a bit so I apologize I’ve only read/ skimmed these posts when I’ve had the chance – I guess I’ve been a bit of a “lurker”.  But I did take a look this morning, and I haven’t been able to get Jack’s piece about Phil Stanich out of my mind.  I had heard that Phil took his own life but I didn’t know the details - what a sad, sad story.   

I got to know Phil a little (did anyone really know him?) as his family lived in OLP and our houses were in the same general direction from Watterson and maybe once a month or so we’d happen to be heading toward home at the same time through the Indian Springs school grounds and we’d walk together for a few blocks.  Phil was painfully shy and socially awkward but he didn’t have a mean bone in his body and he most definitely did not deserve what life dealt him.  I’m trying to think of something else to say, but Jack’s story is far more eloquent than anything I might add.     

Joseph Gentilini

Speaking of Phil S brought to mind a few other classmates.  I had heard that Michael Brown also died by their own hand.  Don't know why?  Anyone else hear or read anything about this?  Joe

Mark Schweickart

Jack,

I loved those get-well messages you put up on FaceBook. My favorite comment was from Susan someone, (the name was cut off in the photo) that said she missed "your holler and wiggle". One has to wonder what  that meant exactly? I also loved the one that included a diagrammed sentence of "John is in bed" the way we were once taught in English class those many years ago.  There were an exceptionally high number of references to a current baseball score, where the girls were winning 19 to 11,  as if a teacher stopped the game, and said, "Seventh inning stretch, children,  time to write a get-well card to John Jacob Isaac Maxwell. We will resume play as soon as everyone is finished." There were also an unusual number of references to the TV show, Have Gun Will Travel. What do you suppose that was all about? Oh and how many commented on your lovely singing voice, and that you would be missed by everyone in the "quire." Too precious!

Michael McLeod

I cannot clear up the Have Gun Will Travel mystery but I can damn sure sing the theme song.  Same for "Maverick," "Sugarfoot," "Cheyanne," "Roy Rogers," "Wyatt Earp," "Tombstone Territory," and -- this is orchestral but I will whistle it for you - The William Tell Overture."

Pop quiz: Which western hero was that the theme music for?

Joseph Donahue

Lone Ranger?

David Mitchell

Mike, you left out "The Rifleman". 

And if any of you are mssing "John Jacob Isaac's" Facebook posts, you're missing a treat. (Make sure you get all the important details in, Clare)

Could the Susie have been Susie Russeau? She was my first neighbor and first friend and playmate from about age 3 - until Jack and Betty kept having more girls (and finally one boy) and moved down to that big house 2 doors from I.C.

-----

nope sorry, different Susan, I should have read that one first

Beth Broadhurst (Murray)

This has been such an illuminating blog.  While providing a chance to remininsce on our past childhood/teen years and areas where we habited, it continues to  allow us to interact so respectfully on a variety of topics. I am glad  posts regarding  the Viet Nam war came up. It was so touching to read the stories such as Phil's and the remembrances of our classmates who served in the military. Many thanks to all of you for sharing.   At the time I could not possibly have  comprehended all that you went through from training to deployment to return--- and some of you more than one tour.  Though woefully inadequate, this gives me a chance to  extend to each and every one of you my most heartfelt thanks for serving and to express the sadness I have always felt for the way many were treated on your return from that war. 

Daniel Cody

Have gun will travel wire Palladin. Dodge city??

David Mitchell

OMG!   I almost missed the post from John J.

Welcome to the table my old friend.

Now if I can just get Keith Groff to join us.

Michael McLeod

Joe: You're Right.

Dave: The Rifleman didn't have a good theme song. I mean what is the point of being a cowboy if you do not have a good theme song? 

Dan: I don't know what the hell to say to the likes of you, but then I never did. 

Daniel Cody

To follow up on the Phil Stanich stories.  After WHS phil went to the seminary at St. Charles.   I would suggest Phils introverted nature and awakward behaviors indicated to me he had a form of autism.  A rarely used diagnosis in the mid 60's.  Phil left st charles in his second year. I heard that he was drafted and met his younger brother Mike who would give me updates while we were st osu.  His father was a school book representative and i would get updates on phil at teacher conventions n work shops.  I had one last meeting at a convention n had lunch with his dad.  He gave me thd sad details of his passing but we were able to share some storis from watterson and our days at st charles.  Sad time 

Daniel Cody

mcleod'I dont know why i have waited this long to make any responses but i have enjoyed following this blog. Its been about 7 months but i did what to thank Janie for all of her work on the reunion it was good to see so many even Mcleod.   One thing i became aware of following these posts was how many of our parents were required to be married at a parish rectory like my parents were at St Patricks. The "mixed marriage" always seemed so demeaning.  Dave Fredrick's remembrance of his father's comment that his mother like mine were converts to catholicsm and were far better catholics than the cradle versions.  I did want to say how much dave's father Coach Casey had on my life there was a man who I admired as much as my own father. I do recall the st mikes boy scout troop and riding with coach fredericks after 6 am mass st st Matthais before going to caddy at osu. There was one unforgettable creater at osu that being"uncle Miltie". Guys would go out of their way to avoid him. He was a physician but rarely tipped and i saw him once filling out the caddy evaluation card telling the guy who got stuck carrying his bag "you're a good caddy so i am giving you a GOOD". Inthose days anything less than "excellent" was a wasted day for the bonuses at the end of the seasons.   In order to return Mcleod's  snarky comment I do want all to know his darkest secret??????  Summer school at Linden Mckinley for algebra.