Memorial Day

At this time of the year, I always pause to remember our classmate, Charles Mateer, who was killed serving our country in 1961.
He was the first American to lose his life in Laos, when his helicopter was shot down over the enemy stronghold called the "Plain of Jars." It happened on Memorial Day weekend.....in 1961.

The day after his parents, my uncle Harry and aunt Kathryn, were informed of his death they received Charles' last letter. Their awful sadness was tempered somewhat by Charles' obvious feeling of happiness and fulfillment from his chosen mission. He wrote that he was trememdously impressed by the mountain people of Laos (Hmong) and their dedication to freedom and willingness to fight for it....amisdt abject poverty. His job was to get food, medicine and supplies to these isolated people, whom the communists were doing their best to starve into submission.

The sound of an American helicopter became music to the villager's ears since that was all that was keeping them alive. Charles described how they would come running out of their huts to greet the Americans.

Saving lives every day was something that Charles found great pleasure in.

What he failed to mention in the letter to his mom and dad was the fact almost everytime he landed his helicopter....he had do so while being shot at by enemy artillery.
















Charles Mateer 1936-1961

My cousin Jo Ann (Sizer) sent me this American Greetings card. It's a nice way to start the summer of 2005.
Amazing Grace

Memorial Day

At this time of the year, I always pause to remember our classmate, Charles Mateer, who was killed serving our country in 1961.
He was the first American to lose his life in Laos, when his helicopter was shot down over the enemy stronghold called the "Plain of Jars." It happened on Memorial Day weekend.....in 1961.

The day after his parents, my uncle Harry and aunt Kathryn, were informed of his death they received Charles' last letter. Their awful sadness was tempered somewhat by Charles' obvious feeling of happiness and fulfillment from his chosen mission. He wrote that he was trememdously impressed by the mountain people of Laos (Hmong) and their dedication to freedom and willingness to fight for it....amisdt abject poverty. His job was to get food, medicine and supplies to these isolated people, whom the communists were doing their best to starve into submission.

The sound of an American helicopter became music to the villager's ears since that was all that was keeping them alive. Charles described how they would come running out of their huts to greet the Americans.

Saving lives every day was something that Charles found great pleasure in.

What he failed to mention in the letter to his mom and dad was the fact almost everytime he landed his helicopter....he had do so while being shot at by enemy artillery.
















Charles Mateer 1936-1961

My cousin Jo Ann (Sizer) sent me this American Greetings card. It's a nice way to start the summer of 2005.
Amazing Grace

Bill Huntley Dies

Bill Huntley

Jerry Gaudet reports that another of our very special classmates has died. Bill Huntley's wife Bonnie sent Jerry the following email:

Dear Jerry, Bill had a heart attack just over a week ago and died Wednesday May 4. I am so glad we came to the reunion last summer. Please keep us in your prayers. Fondly, Bonnie

I'm sure Jerry spoke for us all with his reply to Bonnie:

I, too, am so glad you guys were able to be at the reunion. It was good to see Bill after so long a time and a pleasure to meet you. You have our every sympathy.

-Jerry


Bonnie and Bill with Nancy Gibson at 50th reunion

William Marion Huntley

Mr. Huntley, 69, of Manassas, VA, died Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at the Prince William Hospital following a short illness. Born January 25, 1936 in Charlotte, NC, he was the son of Jesse and Grace Pitts Huntley. On July 23, 1960 in Fayetteville, N.C., he married the former Bonnie Huske, who survives.

Mr. Huntley was a long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he served in multiple capacities, including senior warden, treasurer of the church, and on the search committee. He was a 1959 graduate of Davidson College, earning a degree in Economics. Bill was also a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, having served 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam.

Surviving besides his loving wife of 44 years, Bonnie, are one son, William M. Huntley, Jr. and his wife, Kelly, of Charlottesville; one daughter, Ann H. Russo and her husband, Michael, of Ellicott City, MD; and three grandchildren, Christian and Elise Russo, and Matthew Huntley. He is also survived by three sisters, one brother and many nieces and nephews.
He will be mourned by many friends and church members.

A memorial service will be held on Monday May 9, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 9325 West Street, Manassas. Rev. Stuart Schadt will officiate.
Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church Building Fund, 9325 West Street, Manassas, VA 20110.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Baker Funeral Home, Manassas, VA.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 5/7/2005.

Bill Huntley Dies

Bill Huntley

Jerry Gaudet reports that another of our very special classmates has died. Bill Huntley's wife Bonnie sent Jerry the following email:

Dear Jerry, Bill had a heart attack just over a week ago and died Wednesday May 4. I am so glad we came to the reunion last summer. Please keep us in your prayers. Fondly, Bonnie

I'm sure Jerry spoke for us all with his reply to Bonnie:

I, too, am so glad you guys were able to be at the reunion. It was good to see Bill after so long a time and a pleasure to meet you. You have our every sympathy.

-Jerry


Bonnie and Bill with Nancy Gibson at 50th reunion

William Marion Huntley

Mr. Huntley, 69, of Manassas, VA, died Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at the Prince William Hospital following a short illness. Born January 25, 1936 in Charlotte, NC, he was the son of Jesse and Grace Pitts Huntley. On July 23, 1960 in Fayetteville, N.C., he married the former Bonnie Huske, who survives.

Mr. Huntley was a long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he served in multiple capacities, including senior warden, treasurer of the church, and on the search committee. He was a 1959 graduate of Davidson College, earning a degree in Economics. Bill was also a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, having served 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam.

Surviving besides his loving wife of 44 years, Bonnie, are one son, William M. Huntley, Jr. and his wife, Kelly, of Charlottesville; one daughter, Ann H. Russo and her husband, Michael, of Ellicott City, MD; and three grandchildren, Christian and Elise Russo, and Matthew Huntley. He is also survived by three sisters, one brother and many nieces and nephews.
He will be mourned by many friends and church members.

A memorial service will be held on Monday May 9, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 9325 West Street, Manassas. Rev. Stuart Schadt will officiate.
Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church Building Fund, 9325 West Street, Manassas, VA 20110.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Baker Funeral Home, Manassas, VA.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 5/7/2005.