View Full Version : Colonel Jack Moroney
I remember visiting my parents while on leave and driving with my family to a trail head to do some day hiking, by chance, just outside of Randolph, VT I saw a mailbox with the name of "Moroney" out of the corner of my eye... I slowed down, turned around and drove by again just to make sure. Was going to stop by and make a formal introduction the next time that we were in the AO, but sadly never got the chance.
I and my boys are worse for that. Such wisdom in his words here on this site that I would have loved to meet him in person.
RIP, Sir.
Red Flag 1
10-29-2010, 07:39
You are greatly missed here Sir!! Rest In God's Peace Colonel.
greenberetTFS
10-29-2010, 15:57
Great story, alright4u! Thanks for sharing. I fear they don't make 'em like the Colonel in sufficient quantities anymore.
Rest In Peace, Sir.
I totally concur..............:lifter
Big Teddy :munchin
Masochist
10-31-2010, 20:29
The Internet is a strange thing; I never met the Colonel. But, reading his words gave me a total sense of the warrior and gentleman he was. I miss reading his words.
RIP, sir.
I've been thinking the same thing the past few days. Even though I never met him in person, I feel honored to read his words here.
SpikedBuck
05-09-2011, 15:48
Team,
I wanted to thank you all for your kind words in honor of my Father. It has been two and half years since his passing, and we continue to find more and more kind words from all of you and that means a great deal to us.
I was wishing my Mom a Happy Mother's Day tonight (belated, of course, as I am in Iraq) and she commented to me that a Family friend in Vermont had recently googled Dad and found all your thoughts and memorials and he shared them with her. She asked me about it tonight on the phone (Mom's not too keen on using the computer).
It is still very impressive to go through all the posts and re-read Bulldog stories. Interestingly, tonight, I re-read a article he wrote for the Rutland Hearld in 2007 on Veteran's Day that was true Dad....right on the money. Seems to have a different meaning to me now...anyway, just wanted to say thank you.
Dan Moroney
Bill Harsey
05-09-2011, 16:03
Team,
I wanted to thank you all for your kind words in honor of my Father. It has been two and half years since his passing, and we continue to find more and more kind words from all of you and that means a great deal to us.
I was wishing my Mom a Happy Mother's Day tonight (belated, of course, as I am in Iraq) and she commented to me that a Family friend in Vermont had recently googled Dad and found all your thoughts and memorials and he shared them with her. She asked me about it tonight on the phone (Mom's not too keen on using the computer).
It is still very impressive to go through all the posts and re-read Bulldog stories. Interestingly, tonight, I re-read a article he wrote for the Rutland Hearld in 2007 on Veteran's Day that was true Dad....right on the money. Seems to have a different meaning to me now...anyway, just wanted to say thank you.
Dan Moroney
Dan,
Thank you for writing this.
I think about your Dad often and greatly miss him.
Stay safe out there!
Roguish Lawyer
05-09-2011, 16:07
Dan,
I had the honor of having dinner with your parents at their home several years ago. Your Dad was awfully proud of you. Thanks for dropping in and don't be a stranger!
Dan, never met your father but thoroughly enjoyed reading his words of wit, wisdom, and interacting with him here. He is sorely missed.
Be well, be safe and let us know how you're doing or if you need anything at all.
Best regards to you and your mom and family.
The Reaper
05-09-2011, 18:46
Dan:
If you are half the soldier your father was, your unit is very lucky to have you.
I served with the Colonel before and would have been proud to do it again anytime, anywhere.
He left us too soon, but he is remembered well. You honor him.
TR
I know it's a bit early, but especially during this time of the year I think of the Colonel and his family.
You are missed, Sir...
greenberetTFS
10-24-2011, 06:09
Dan,
I've never had the honor of personally meeting your father,however he and I had something very much in common,it was the game of Hockey........:D We exchanged many PM's remembering the old days when we were young and how it has changed over the years..:D Good luck inside the wire and stay safe.............:D
Big Teddy ;)
Red Flag 1
10-24-2011, 12:45
I know it's a bit early, but especially during this time of the year I think of the Colonel and his family.
You are missed, Sir...
Yes, this is the time I think of Col Moroney. Fall in the North East is a time of excitement and preparing for the snows of winter. I grew up in snow country, and the pics around the Col. house always remind me of home. We were blessed here at ps.com with the wisdom of our Col.. I find myself looking over posts, I don't think I am alone in that.
RF 1
2018commo
10-24-2011, 15:30
It seems when I search for something on this site, more often than not the Good Colonel had chimed in with an answer previously or sometimes had asked a better question.
I don't know why, but for some reason I was thinking of the Col tonight.
RIP Sir.
Yes, this time of the year triggers strong memories of the Colonel. You are missed, Sir. Hope you are enjoying some fine Whiskey whilst looking down on us all.
Ret10Echo
10-16-2012, 17:49
Yes, this time of the year triggers strong memories of the Colonel. You are missed, Sir. Hope you are enjoying some fine Whiskey whilst looking down on us all.
Concur
The Colonel provided some great shots of fall leaves up north
Concur
The Colonel provided some great shots of fall leaves up north
I miss those too. And the winter pictures with the deer...
bandycpa
01-26-2013, 11:11
I was reading through my PM's from COL Jack and came across this story he shared with me. I had asked him about his leadership style and methods. He was always kind enough to answer questions like that...even from a civilian like me.
I miss him.
The Story goes as follows:
"I was always approachable and I was always tested by each unit to which I was assigned. For instance, in the second SF company I took command of I had a senior NCO come up to me, take out his knife while saying, "Hey Sir, I see you are a mountain climber cause you got that big old rope hanging from the patch on your sleeve" As it was, there was a thread that I had failed to notice that was loose from freshly sewn on patches which is normally something that folks get "gigged" for in inspections as a lack of attention to detail. This sergeant was going to show me that his standards were higher than mine, and that I wasn't going to be able to get away with such an "infraction" of his standards. So I told him, "Damn, you are right! Why don't you remove that rope and while you obviously share that same level of interest in mountaineering by being able to identify that object as a climbing rope, after you remove it, take it over there to that hand rail and properly store it for me by securing it with a bowline knot and don't forget to throw on the safety half-hitch" Well you obviously cannot tie anything that is 2" long around a 4x4 railing. After the change of command was over, he sheepishly came into my office, apologized for being a jerk, and invited me to come over to the team room to relax with the team and share some of my goals for the unit. The bottom line is that you can never take yourself too seriously, you have to maintain your sense of humor, and never let anyone think you are not in charge. But you also have to clearly lay out to all the mission and vision you see for the organization, what your expectations are of them, what they can expect from you, and who exactly you are and how you are going to operate."
Great story, Bandy. I miss his insights, and wonder what interesting things he would have had to say about all the events unfolding these days.
Team Sergeant
01-26-2013, 18:50
Great story, Bandy. I miss his insights, and wonder what interesting things he would have had to say about all the events unfolding these days.
You and me both.
lovemycountry
03-13-2013, 18:59
I was reading through my PM's from COL Jack and came across this story he shared with me. I had asked him about his leadership style and methods. He was always kind enough to answer questions like that...even from a civilian like me.
I miss him.
The Story goes as follows:
"I was always approachable and I was always tested by each unit to which I was assigned. For instance, in the second SF company I took command of I had a senior NCO come up to me, take out his knife while saying, "Hey Sir, I see you are a mountain climber cause you got that big old rope hanging from the patch on your sleeve" As it was, there was a thread that I had failed to notice that was loose from freshly sewn on patches which is normally something that folks get "gigged" for in inspections as a lack of attention to detail. This sergeant was going to show me that his standards were higher than mine, and that I wasn't going to be able to get away with such an "infraction" of his standards. So I told him, "Damn, you are right! Why don't you remove that rope and while you obviously share that same level of interest in mountaineering by being able to identify that object as a climbing rope, after you remove it, take it over there to that hand rail and properly store it for me by securing it with a bowline knot and don't forget to throw on the safety half-hitch" Well you obviously cannot tie anything that is 2" long around a 4x4 railing. After the change of command was over, he sheepishly came into my office, apologized for being a jerk, and invited me to come over to the team room to relax with the team and share some of my goals for the unit. The bottom line is that you can never take yourself too seriously, you have to maintain your sense of humor, and never let anyone think you are not in charge. But you also have to clearly lay out to all the mission and vision you see for the organization, what your expectations are of them, what they can expect from you, and who exactly you are and how you are going to operate."
WOW, I just came upon this thread. What a Man. Reading this sends chills. I missed this all but what a great site to catch up and remember or even introduce a great person to new people. This site is as great as this Man.
LMC
It's that time again...Colonel, hope you are enjoying a cold one or three with your buddies. You are missed...
Yes I too miss his comments and his wisdom.....
Reat in Peace Col........ You are not forgotten.
Ambush Master
10-25-2013, 19:35
It's that time again...Colonel, hope you are enjoying a cold one or three with your buddies. You are missed...
I so miss his "Winter Pics" of the Wildlife in the snow and his "Interactions" in here!!
Later,
Martin
I was thinking of him just this morning as a random flash thought. It is hard to believe it's been 5 years. I remember when I read TS's post a few days after his passing. I was in the field and had just sat down in my office. Upon reading the post I closed the door and wept.
COL. Jack provided advice and mentorship because he cared about people. I have a COL Jack saying hanging in my office space, a saying I've had in each office space since sometime in mid 2007. It says:
"You have to understand that I did not fit the mold of the typical officer as I considered myself to be a soldier who just happened to be an officer. Officers have several significant roles, but none more significant than using the power of their position to enable their subordinates (and I mean that in rank only) to succeed. That means that your job is to accomplish the mission (which you do not do on your own but by the effort of all the soldiers you focus on the tasks required) and take care of your troops (which means that you provide them with the leadership, training, resources,,etc. required to successfully perform those tasks and well as stand for them, with them, and always in front of them)."
It's advice I took to heart and advice I've tried to exemplify.
I miss him.
The Reaper
10-25-2013, 21:48
You are not forgotten, Sir.
Thanks for your friendship and leadership.
Rest in Peace.
TR
I was using one of the Colonel's many nuggets of wisdom just the other day.
Rest in Peace, Sir, we were all blessed to cross paths with you.
Am working on my memoirs and googled Jack to get the spelling of his name right. I served as a bn cdr under him when we first stood up the Training Group in 89. He was a great guy to work for.
Scimitar
01-25-2014, 14:21
I can't find the PM,
But I remember the Colonel's wife was having some difficulties, is she safe, well, and cared for today?
S
Remington Raidr
05-29-2014, 22:10
I can't find the PM,
But I remember the Colonel's wife was having some difficulties, is she safe, well, and cared for today?
S
When this was posted, I advised his son by PM. Today he got back to me:
Just so you know, someone is asking after your mom's welfare in your dad's thread.
V/R
RR
Thanks for the heads up. I haven't been on the site in a while, but just read your email. My Mom is doing great. Trying to get her to sell the house and move down here to Free Pineland and move in with us; but she is reluctant to leave her friends and life. Winters are tough up there in VT, but we are up there quite a bit to help out and the neighbors are great with helping out.
Scimitar
05-29-2014, 22:34
Thank you RR,
Good to know.
S
Colonel, you are still very much missed. I hope you are enjoying a cold one and enjoying the fall colors... RIP.
Team Sergeant
10-20-2014, 09:29
Colonel, you are still very much missed. I hope you are enjoying a cold one and enjoying the fall colors... RIP.
That would be a cold ice tea, the COL didn't drink. ;)
Good Evening Quiet Professionals,
Ten years ago today, COL Jack Moroney, my father and hero, suddenly and unexpectantly passed away.
With my family's permission, I am posting the eulogy I was honored to deliver at Arlington National Cemetary on 04 November 2008:
Thank you all very much for coming. You honor my father and our family. We
are grateful and deeply humbled by your presence here today.
A few weeks ago, my 12 year old son Brian was working on a series of Veteran's
Day projects for school. During his research, he came upon the following quote
by Winston Churchill,
'We sleep soundly in our beds because Rough Men stand ready in the
night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."
Well kids, let me tell you something about your Grandfather. Your Grandfather
was one of those Rough Men. He was a rough man who loved his family, loved
his country, and loved his soldiers.
Your Grandfather Loved His Family.
Your Grandfather loved your Grandma very very much. After he retired from the
Army, I asked him what he planned to do next? He replied that now he had to
make up for all the lost time he missed with your Grandma.
He loved your Aunt Carron. She was his favorite....daughter. Favorite daughter.
He loved your Uncle Dan, especially after he chose to attend the same
university, nearly the same major, lived in the same dorm room, and chose the
same branch of military service. He even named one of his dogs, "Jack"!
He loved your Aunt Romi, he had to, she had more parachute jumps than he did!
He loved your Mom. After meeting your Mom for the first time, he took me aside
and said, "She would make a terrific wife!...DON'T **** IT UP!" As always, he was right.
He loved his sister, as you two guys should love your sister.
He loved all his in-laws, nieces, and nephews, although he thought some of his
nephews needed haircuts.
And he loved you three guys, very much.
Your Grandfather Loved His Country.
He was conservative...VERY conservative.
One of your Grandma's friends found him "slightly to the right of Attila the Hun."
He believed in Democracy, and loved its champions.
He was a huge fan of Rush Limbaugh, William F. Buckley, Mark Steyn, Dennis
Miller, Charles Krauthammer, Charlton Heston, ....and Wagner.
If you don't know who these guys are, don't worry, your Mom will make sure you
know before you move out of the house.
He was prepared to sacrifice his life for the just cause, whether it was to defend
the Constitution of the United States or to Liberate the Oppressed, without
hesitation.
Lastly, your Grandfather Loved His Soldiers.
He was the best example of the "servant leader" I have ever seen.
He believed in and lived the maxim,
"If you take care of your people, they will take care of you."
He loved his Soldiers, and his Soldiers loved him.
Of the many many condolences we have received from his Soldiers over the past
week, the one which best sums them all is,
"I loved him like a brother."
So kids, be proud that your Grandfather was one of the Rough Men.
He loved us all, and we loved him.
He was our Hero, and is now a Legend.
...and Legends live forever...