View Full Version : Most impessive person you've met?
Just a thought for you good folks on this site. Who have you known that really impressed you? I'll start:
I met an old ODA team-mate's father at a wedding. Sat at the same table as him at the reception. Quiet, reserved man. Chatted him up, and after a while he opened up. (It helped that I was military, and had relatives who were German WW2 vets). Turned out he entered the Luftwaffe in '38 as a glider pilot. As the war progressed, he flew ME 109s, FW 190s. Ended up in KG 400, flew the ME 163 Komet, (1 kill) trained in the piloted buzz-bomb (Feisler), shot down a bomber flying a Spitfire (Captured, yeah they did that), and ended the war in a Luft ground unit, almost whacked by a Russian sniper. He was such an unassuming man, told his stories in a reserved manner, self depreciating. Researched his back-round and found that not only was it true, he had held back on his history. Was an ace, with a handful of kills. And a really nice man.
Number 2 was a Special Forces legend Maj Larry Dring. (look it up). He lived near me in SC. Hearing his Viet Nam stories, I knew I had to go SF. He didn't smoke, drink, or swear. Could tell the funniest stories w/out alcohol or cussing. Died the day I left for basic. Really great man.
Divemaster
04-08-2017, 21:22
There are many. However, a couple of years ago I had the honor of attending Dick Cole's 100th birthday celebration in Dallas. He was Jimmy Doolittle's copilot, and the last surviving Doolittle Raider. He's still with us.
http://www.doolittleraider.com/raiders/cole.htm
The Reaper
04-08-2017, 21:33
Toss up between Bob Howard and Nick Rowe.
TR
Barry Goldwater would come to our station quite often when I worked in television in the '70s, and he was certainly an impressive guy, but I'd have to say Bob Hoover, WW2 fighter pilot and AF test pilot (wingman to Yeager when he broke the sound barrier). I was introduced to him at an air show in Mesa, AZ by Art Scholl (another impressive guy) and ran into him later at Zamperini Field, Torrance, AZ, years later. He was an amiable and, seemingly, humble guy. Died last year at 94! An Old and Bold pilot. ;)
Pat
I've met a bunch of CMOH and VC recipients at different times over beers, all a bunch of very interesting guys in their own ways.
I've met a bunch of A list politicians and celebrities by simply being at the right/wrong place at the time.
But the person who stands out the most is one I haven't thought of in probably 20 years, certainly not since I joined up.
Ensign George Gay.
The sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 at the Battle of Midway.
I was only about 7-8 years old at the time at an annual air show with both Blue Angels and Thunderbirds. I think that was the only Year both teams flew at the same show. Incredibly exciting as a kid who was always going full retard on aviation.
I had not only just watched the movie Midway, but I had read everything I possibly could about the battle and I knew about Ensign Gay having a front row seat to the destruction of the Japanese carrier fleet.
Ensign Gay was sitting mostly by himself without many folks around, everyone else was preoccupied with the aircraft flying and ground displays.
I recall the open tent, table, chairs, and paraphernalia on the table with Ensign Gay sitting there and how he was dressed.
My family and I didn't hang around long, but Ensign Gay was very quiet spoken, he didn't really speak much at all. I just recall thinking he seemed very sad without showing it.
I haven't thought about that day for decades, but I think after having some experiences, I might now better understand what may have been going on that day.
UWOA (RIP)
04-09-2017, 08:13
He was my Team Sergeant; I was his XO. As a green 1LT I had a lot to learn and he served as a great example. He never spoke about his exploits and was (is) a very quiet man. Yet he had a commanding presence, all the other NCOs and our commander, (then) 1LT Miguel Rivera, and I knew what was important because he only spoke about the important things -- he was not afraid to delegate responsibility and he was inclusive of every member of the team; it truly was a team.
I think it was because of him that our team was selected for a very important assignment that had great impact on South American history.
I am happy to salute him whenever we meet!
A close second would be Major (ret) Leroy Mitchell who was my ODB (Company) commander. He was an officer on the team under Pappy Shelton who went to Bolivia and assisted in the capture of Che Guevara ....
.
Oldrotorhead
04-09-2017, 09:33
Toss up between Bob Howard and Nick Rowe.
TR
Nick Rowe was a lecturer for some E&E classes at Rucker when I was in flight school.
He is high on my list. Paul Howe is also high on my list. I knew a CWO named Tuttle that I think later went to work for the 160th SOAR some of the stories about him were epic.
The upper echelons of restaurant industry the client base is often well heeled and known, we have had the opportunity to meet and cook for then Present and future POTUS, Crown Princes, SOS, AMBS, etc, etc., but the most memorable circumstance occurred in a carnivorous NYC club Lot 61, located in the “Meat Market” district, established and owned by Amy Sacco at the time. (Amy was part of the group TS assembled to cook Thanksgiving Dinner 2011 C-JSOTF-A). We had a restaurant a few blocks from her place which we sometimes visited.
On one occasion while viewing Babylonesque scene, I noticed a gentleman in suit and tie sitting alone, observing the parade of high fashion glamour and glitter prancing by, it was Buzz Aldrin.
Apologizing on introducing myself for interrupting him, he offered me to join him, which I readily accepted, we talked about everything, when his party arrived 45 minutes later, he was kind enough to give me his card, taking the time to inscribe his personal POC info on the reverse, stating to call him should I find myself in LA, and that we could get reservation in any restaurant in town.
SouthernDZ
04-09-2017, 10:01
My first SGM when I signed into B-1-7th SFGA, SGM Les Chapman (his DSC was downgraded from an MOH). The C-1-7 SGM, Carlos Parker was mighty impressive too.
Not sure they make em that way anymore.
^^^^^Have to agree. Though he was my 1SG in 1/75 pre SF branch. He left to go back to SF when they branched. Awesome guy.
twistedsquid
04-09-2017, 13:35
The Admiral and I had a nice visit. The first American in space.
(1VB)compforce
04-09-2017, 16:01
I've had the honor of meeting quite a few impressive people... TS, SurgicalCric, COL Ola Mize (MOH), etc. The one that stuck with me was a long discussion I had with SGT Lee Brown. He was one of the Rangers that scaled Pont Du Hoc during D-Day. Hearing his story from him personally was pretty incredible. A photographer captured a picture of him right after getting off the plane(below) that went world-wide.
eta: Not sure why it won't take the picture, I tried a few times to upload.
Basenshukai
04-09-2017, 18:02
Billy Waugh
Old Dog New Trick
04-09-2017, 21:24
Col. Bank (twice) met him the first time at a graduation ceremony for a class before I started my journey in SF. His demeanor and character even at his elderly years and a simple inscription in his book (OSS to Green Berets) to me as a young aspiring Green Beret were (are) inspiring: "Never Give Up"
Met him again before his death, such an honor to have met the person responsible for who and what has followed his legacy.
mark46th
04-09-2017, 23:05
Served with quite a few of the old MACV SOG guys, Son Tay Raiders and others. All good soldiers, tough beyond words. All of 'em, We stand on the shoulders of giants.
bushmaster11
04-09-2017, 23:44
The man that impressed me the most was BILLY WAUGH. I saw him as the 1sgt of the recon company at 3d MSF. He was awesome. I was with him on my second He made SGM and I picked him up at the Da Nang ramp. We drove to CCN, where he assumed SGM of recon company. He is focused he seems to have second sight. He is highly intelligent.
J R sends
DOL
My wife and I went to the 2005 Inauguration of George W. Bush.
The hotel at which we stayed was the hotel at which all of the attending members of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society were also staying. (Yes, I know the Medal is not the "Congressional" Medal of Honor. The society however, is titled, "The Congressional Medal of Honor Society.")
I had the opportunity to spend three days and evenings spending every free moment I had in the bar with those gentlemen, getting to know them. Never have I met a group of men more humble, down to earth, and self-effacing.
As long as I was with those gents at the bar, the drinks were on me.
My hotel also was putting up several hundred police officers brought from across the country to help provide security for the event, so the hotel bar was essentially a cop bar with Medal of Honor recipients. The recipients never paid for a single drink during their stay at the hotel if I were in the bar, and the drinks that all the cops had purchased for them were consistently about 5-6 deep sitting on the bar. Most of them were pretty well hammered at the end of each evening. LOL They were getting the rock star treatment by everyone there.
It was getting really late, and the recipients were all supposed to be up and going early the next day for the actual Inauguration.
One of the Vietnam-era recipients had taken a shining to me for some reason. We ended up being drinking buddies throughout the night whenever there wasn't someone wanting to shake his hand and meet him.
I won't provide his name here to protect the guilty, but my drinking buddy ended up so liquored up that he didn't want to leave the bar. The members of the FBI security detail, looking out for his best interests, were trying to cajole him into going up to his room to get some sleep and not feel like death warmed over the next morning with no luck. I suggested that he turn in, but he was just too drunk at that point to talk any sense to.
The only thing that finally got him to leave the bar to go to bed was my wife, who is a head-turner, cajoling him with her feminine wiles, telling him it was time for them to go up to his room. He suddenly thought the idea of going upstairs was not so bad. LOL
One of the FBI Agents and I more or less carried him up to his room and stuck him in bed for the night.
After hanging out with Robert O'Malley at the bar for a few hours trading old stories one of the other evenings, O'Malley gave me his personal challenge coin. I kept that coin in a safe place, but a few years later it was stolen from me. If I ever track down the oxygen thief who took it, I'll beat him like a red-headed stepchild.
Trapper John
04-10-2017, 10:15
CPT Bill Donovan (USAF R) and his "partner in crime", Tony Poshepny (RIP). Two wild and crazy guys. Rufus Phillips (assistant to COL Landsdale), COL Charlie Beckwith (RIP), and on my bucket list - SGM Billy Waugh. These men, to me, epitomize the "SF way" and represent a standard to be met every day, in every way while in the pursuit of any endeavor.
mark46th
04-10-2017, 15:00
Tony Po. Now there is a legend.
tom kelly
04-10-2017, 15:30
All the Special Forces Soldiers I have met were impressive in one way or another. The first Green Beret I met when I stepped off the bus at FT.Bragg in Dec.1962 was Sgt.Bryan E. Grogan who later went to OCS and was KIA 7/05/1965. My Team Sgt. M/Sgt Dick Pegram ODA-333 (Kept me Alive in Vietnam) He was later KIA 08/23/1968. Major Elmer E. Monger the CO of C Company 1st SFG(Abn) Made C Company the First in the 1st SFG(Abn)on Okinawa. Col.Aaron Bank at the 50th Anniversary of Special Forces in Fayetteville NC.Spoke with Col.Bank & his family during the picnic at Paradise Acres.Col.Bank Passed away 2 years later in 2004, He was 101 yrs.old.Also I have to mention Ike Camacho, Billy Waugh, Jake Jacobson, Billy Akers, Lowell Stevens, Earl Bleacher (1 of the Son Tay raiders) Ron Wingo, Gene Bell, Brooke Bell George A. Hoagland iii and all the American Legion regulars.
miclo18d
04-10-2017, 19:19
In no particular order...
The ones where I was like OMG :eek:
Roger Donlon - MOH (played soccer with his son when I was a kid)
Charley Beckwith - 1st Delta Cdr (filming Men of Valor)
Robin Moore - obvious (SFA 2003)
Richard Carmona - Surgeon General (SFA 2003)
Gary Beikirch - MOH (SFA 2003)
Tyrone Adderly - Son Tay Raider (SFA 2003)
Notables
A WWII Ranger from 3rd Ranger Bn at the funeral of a FSSF officer.
Malcolm Gladwell - Writer (Restaurant in St Pete)
Darryl Worley - country star (in Afg and later at Ft Bragg)
Of course so many legendary SF troopers around the Regt both active and retired!!! :lifter
For me it would be Ronald Reagan, Billy Waugh, Frank Miller, Ben Dennis, Tak and Ngo, and my father.:lifter
Some of the most memorable.
COL Bank and wife (I drove them around in Panama in my Jeep)
SGM Joe Murray (Son Tay, and my 1st SGM)
SGM Carlos Parker
(MAJ-) COL Bob Howard (“mentored” me through Phase I and we crossed paths several times through my career)
MSG Roy Benavides
SGM Kenny McMullin
SGM Billy Waugh
SECDEF Donald Rumsfeld (he sat at my desk when I briefed him, he had some very good questions that most did not key upon – post 911)
I've met a bunch of CMOH and VC recipients at different times over beers, all a bunch of very interesting guys in their own ways.
I've met a bunch of A list politicians and celebrities by simply being at the right/wrong place at the time.
But the person who stands out the most is one I haven't thought of in probably 20 years, certainly not since I joined up.
Ensign George Gay.
The sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 at the Battle of Midway.
I was only about 7-8 years old at the time at an annual air show with both Blue Angels and Thunderbirds. I think that was the only Year both teams flew at the same show. Incredibly exciting as a kid who was always going full retard on aviation.
I had not only just watched the movie Midway, but I had read everything I possibly could about the battle and I knew about Ensign Gay having a front row seat to the destruction of the Japanese carrier fleet.
Ensign Gay was sitting mostly by himself without many folks around, everyone else was preoccupied with the aircraft flying and ground displays.
I recall the open tent, table, chairs, and paraphernalia on the table with Ensign Gay sitting there and how he was dressed.
My family and I didn't hang around long, but Ensign Gay was very quiet spoken, he didn't really speak much at all. I just recall thinking he seemed very sad without showing it.
I haven't thought about that day for decades, but I think after having some experiences, I might now better understand what may have been going on that day.
I also met Ensign George Gay. Amazing to talk with a man who went through what he did, and that he played it off like it was no big deal...
Some of the most memorable.
COL Bank and wife (I drove them around in Panama in my Jeep)
SGM Joe Murray (Son Tay, and my 1st SGM)
SGM Carlos Parker
(MAJ-) COL Bob Howard (“mentored” me through Phase I and we crossed paths several times through my career)
MSG Roy Benavides
SGM Kenny McMullin
SGM Billy Waugh
SECDEF Donald Rumsfeld (he sat at my desk when I briefed him, he had some very good questions that most did not key upon – post 911)
Hey Joker, Have to agree. Kenny Mac was my Company SGM, and he was beyond great. A legend, but never led on about it. Remember bumming cigs off each other in the GB club at Ft. Davis...
Golf1echo
04-10-2017, 20:33
Gene Warren....Pilot that taught touch and goes in AZ during WWII...taught me confidence, climbing and what elevations above 12.000' were about. Kept me in Soap Box Derby sponsorships for several years.
Navy Dave ..............
Air Force Dave ...helped us place equipment in every branch of SOFs as well as supported our race for SOWF
The Zumwalt family....spent New Years in S.P./P.H. area.
Some USASOC Guy ( Like many here you always learn something from him...to say the least);) I believe TR knows...
mojaveman
04-11-2017, 02:18
Toss up between Bob Howard and Nick Rowe.
Met both.
Also; Col. Hubert Zemke and I Corps CSM Alexander Frietas.
Son Tay Raiders and beer drinkers SGM Jakovenko and SGM Strahan. :D
SSG Larry Ramsey and SFC Dennis Watters one a fellow Sqd Ldr and the other my PSG. both SF. Larry having been in the 10th and Dennis in the 8th. To me these men were the ultimate NCO's and Combat Engrs. The level that they performed at was second to none. They knew their business and their level of confidence set an example for all to emulate.
CSM Donald Purdy. (Ranger Hall of Fame Inductee)- He made a lasting impression on young soldiers.
WarriorDiplomat
04-12-2017, 12:49
The older I get my dad has gotten more and more impressive the more people I see as a reference.
Bob Howard was older and had poor night vision when I escorted him around area 4 to see the 36th commandos and the new GB's doing there thing his take on his stories and experiences awed me.
DJ Urbanovsky
04-12-2017, 14:44
Oh, man. I don't know how I'd pick just one. I have been extremely fortunate to be able to know and to call a lot of that kind of people friends.
Old Dog New Trick
04-12-2017, 15:38
Reading through this thread I can see that there are many people I wish I could have met. During my career I've met many who had a direct or indirect influence on me from the earliest of my days as a private to the end of my career as a Master Sergeant. There were Majors and Lt. Colonels to Colonels and Generals from one to four stars. There were numerous enlisted - superiors and peers that I learned from. Then there were those who'd served long before who came at different times and shared their pearls of wisdom if only once and briefly.
For all the mentors and those Trail Blazers before me there were just as many if not more dead beats and drunkards left with a Vietnam hangover to know what day it was let alone lead.
I guess what I'm getting to is that both made an impression on me - what to be and do and what not to be and do.
I'm most thankful for those officers and senior enlisted who told their stories and led from the front. I'm also thankful for the had beens and their unsuccessful attempts to bring me down to their level of laziness and poor leadership.
The list of people to thank is long and distinguished, some known to others here and others known to no one but me and those who served with them in units from the Infantry to Field Artillary and then Special Forces and Rangers.
If you come into contact with only one or two legends while they are still alive, asked them only how they managed that. It wasn't heroics although most will admit to some incredibly stupid choices, it was...in their time and a place to learn the greatest lesson of what Courage, Honor, and Sacrifice really mean.
From the mouth of MSG Roy Benavidas (MOH) to an 18D (300-F1) graduating class (mine but before me) were these words: "when you find yourself pinned down by enemy fire and you are behind cover keep returning fire until you win the fight. If your teammates are down in the open and bleeding you will have done no one any good by going out there getting yourself shot up too. Who saves the medic when it's the medic who saves all his teammates - after the bullets stop flying."
That message stuck in a hard place and was only spoken once. Thanks Roy.
Col Elliott Sydnor 1st SFG. Personal integrity was the center of his character. I watched as he continuously made "the right choice", however that choice might impact him personally. That type of courage, IMHO, surpasses facing flying projectiles and things that "go boom".
COL. Bank, at my SFQC graduation.
The man was already 39 when he first signed up.
x SF med
04-17-2017, 12:13
Too many to count, in the top, in no particular order-
Col Howard (then Maj)
John Plaster
Nick Rowe
Drew Dix
Jon Caviaini
Gary Gordon
Crip
Roy Benavides
All of the OSS and FSSF Ladies and Gentlemen
TS (yeah really, no smoke)
TR
Bill Amelung
and the list could continue... no way to pick just one, and those are just the military people.