[Vhfcn-l] Mel's wishes...

[Larry Russell]

Flight, 

Susan told me that Mel did not want a service and instead he will be
cremated. His ashes will be interned in a National Cemetary, (TBD). Mel
said he loved the guys and was proud to have served with them.  

Mel was the SIP that spent some time showing me the ropes of flying in
Vietnam. We met during Tet 68. We both flew with Bravo, 227th, 1st Cav.
Some of you might not know but Mel was Chalk2 to Fred Ferguson who won
the Medal of Honor for rescuing a downed crew during the battle of Hue.
Mel went in to get the remaining crew and I'm pretty sure he got a DFC
for it. Cost of being number 2. 

Mel and I met online back when modems ran at 300 baud. I helped with the
first web page and he nick-named me as "Webby", a long time ago. Was the
official photographer at Susan and Mel's Wedding and visited him a few
times through the years. 

Heaven has gained a wonderful man. I will miss him. 

_Larry Russell_
President Emeritus
American Heritage Foundation.Org
803-553-0113