Hello All:
 
 I feel like I really knew Tony even though we served at different times. I guess that comes from communicating with a classmate of his for several months, one that had grown up with him. His name is Jim Paul and he along with other classmates have honored our brother and their friend on their class website. 
 
 After hearing about Tony, reading the comments of his classmates, and having read one of the letters Tony sent home, I feel a kinship. I could not help but feel thankful for the diversity of this great nation. Tony came here from Cuba as young boy and as you will read from his own words, he thought our country with all of its liberties was worth fighting and dying for.
 
 Tony felt the call to serve his country while still a high school student. He soon made the decision to leave his education on hold and enlist in the United States Army in September 1968. It was not long before he found himself in Korea, which many of you will agree is not the honey assignment one desires, but he volunteered for it. On June 7,1970 Tony volunteered for Vietnam and became a member of Company K, 75th Ranger Regiment, 4th infantry Division.
 
 Shortly after arrival he was wounded while on mission on August 16, 1970 and was hospitalized until August 28, 1970. He returned to his unit on the August 29, 1970 and was sent on a mission, his final mission, as he would again be wounded in action, but this would be his final stand for liberty. August 30, 1970 is recorded as the day he left us. His willingness to return to his unit after being wounded and immediately accepting a new mission, is a bold statement about his genuine patriotism, and his sincere love for a country that had given him and his family, "FREEDOM". A freedom, they did not have in Cuba. One can only grope for the appropriate words, to honor the deeds of a brother with such deep commitment. Truly one who not only talked the talk, but walked the walk!! 
 
 However, we can make it our business to remember and remind all freedom loving people about soldiers such as Tony. Let us all take a moment today to remember our brother, giving thanks to God for him. Tony was a "Warrior" in the true sense of the word. One who willing took the extra risk, punctuating his belief in freedom, by the giving of his life. 
 
 Tony stated; "For those who have fought for it, life has a flavor, the protected will never know". I do not know who made this quote, but it stands true for all that have walked where Tony walked.
 
 Anyone in touch with the family please contact his loved ones and let them know we are with them in their lost. 
 
 Heavenly Father, it is our privilege to offer up to you our humble praise for our brother Tony. We are thankful to have shared such company in our walk in this life. Our hope is Tony and the many like him died not in vain, but rather would cause us all to see that, "War", has not, nor will it, bring more than a false peace. Lord, your word says; the heart of man is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? Help us to see the truth of these words, realizing until man's seeks to return to love the Lord with all his heart and to love his neighbor as himself, there will be no real peace. We ask it in Jesus Name, Amen... 
 
 Bob Smyers,
 Chaplain, 2Bde, LRRP/Rangers, 4 I.D.