Tribute to Ronald Owens
Written by Glyn Haynie
Written by Glyn Haynie
Ronald was serving in the National Guard as a sergeant and had worked for the US Postal Service before being called to active duty. He was from Wichita, Kansas, and had arrived at the First Platoon early June 1969. He wasn’t too tall, but chubby, with dark hair. I was unsure of his age, but he was older than most of us. He stayed with the command group most of the time and occasionally served as a team leader in the squad.
Ronald liked to talk and did so on many topics. We found most of his conversations entertaining.
I recounted an incident that involved Ronald in August 1969:
It was on August 15, 1969, that Ronald saved my life. After the bombs exploded, Ronald found me unconscious. Without hesitation, he began administering CPR. Within minutes, he revived me. When I opened my eyes, I saw his face first. I will never forget the look in his eyes. He saved my life that day. I don’t remember if I ever thanked him.
Forty-five years later, I located Ron and called him. His voice was the same, and he talked and talked like he did in Vietnam. To my surprise, he didn’t remember the event or saving my life. At least I got to thank him.
Ron died one year later.
Ron THANK YOU!
Ronald liked to talk and did so on many topics. We found most of his conversations entertaining.
I recounted an incident that involved Ronald in August 1969:
It was on August 15, 1969, that Ronald saved my life. After the bombs exploded, Ronald found me unconscious. Without hesitation, he began administering CPR. Within minutes, he revived me. When I opened my eyes, I saw his face first. I will never forget the look in his eyes. He saved my life that day. I don’t remember if I ever thanked him.
Forty-five years later, I located Ron and called him. His voice was the same, and he talked and talked like he did in Vietnam. To my surprise, he didn’t remember the event or saving my life. At least I got to thank him.
Ron died one year later.
Ron THANK YOU!