Depoe Bay Oregon
Depoe Bay, Oregon
by Kimberly Boyd, NFK Board and Volunteer
Depoe Bay, Oregon
In Memory of Ronald Allen Slane SP5 US Army, Vietnam 1967-68, VFW Post Auxiliary 5653, Depoe Bay, Oregon
http://www.voanews.com/content/a-13-2005-11-10-voa14-66907182/262815.html Quote from this website and article…
L.D. James recounts what happened to one group of soldiers in a new book called Unfortunate Sons: A True Story of Young Men and War (Cambridge Dent Publishers).
“The author tracked down survivors of the ambush with the help of the Internet and Manchu reunions. He also talked with the families of men who died, like that of Ron Slane. Unlike most of the Manchus, who were drafted into the military, Ron Slane volunteered to go to war as an army medic. He was a conscientious objector, but believed he had a duty to serve in some way. The book includes a letter he wrote to his younger brother:”
“This war has all of a sudden jumped right into my lap. It’s not a game any more. Tomorrow night if everything goes the way they say, we’re scheduled for ambush patrol. It’s the real thing and I’m scared. Not of dying though. What frightens me is will I be able to care properly for those men that I am responsible for.”
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A life cut short by war… Ron Slane’s smile shows a young man full of life and hope. Ron is from Lincoln City, Oregon and is remembered on more than one memorial in his home town and on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC.
Judy and I were on a walk awhile ago with grand dog Skai to the Depoe Bay Park next to the harbor. In the park is the Ron Slane VFW Post Auxiliary 5653 shown in the photos here. I paused and took a picture while being completely distracted from the voice of Judy telling me to come along and catch up.
I have lived a full life at age 75. I feel blessed with all the challenges and rewards of a life lived well. We are enjoying retirement on the Oregon coast with close friends, community involvement, the love of our family, and a new grandchild arriving very soon…
It has been healing for me to be reminded of those who served America in past wars, including my own father in WWII and the Korean War. Wars have taken the lives of millions on the battle field, at sea, and in the air like Ron Slane at the beginning of a promising adult life.
Countless others over the years who returned home suffered a life time from the trauma and horror of war with visible and invisible wounds. So, after several minutes of reflection at the VFW memorial it was time to “catch up” with Judy and Skai.
I decided to go home and find out about Ronald Slane of Lincoln City who was killed in action in 1968 trying to save the life of another soldier, his buddy. Ron was a medic who volunteered to serve America but did not believe in fighting and killing. Ron Slane is honored and remembered today as a post on this blog…
Children and Families in Life After Trauma
http://www.cityofdepoebay.org/pdf/minutes/council/2002-2010/cc_2005-12-20.pdf
V. SPECIAL ORDERS (from the regular meeting of the Depoe Bay City Council on December 20, 2005)
A. Presentation: Larry Newman – Ron Slane VFW Post/Auxiliary 5653
Commander Larry Newman and Adjutant Al Burke, on behalf of Ron Slane VFW Post 5653 in Lincoln City, presented certificates for meritorious and distinguished service in furthering the aims and ideals of Veterans of Foriegn Wars. to Tanya York, the Kids Zone (www.neighborsforkids.org), Dr. and Mrs Jack Brown, Pery Murray, and Mayor White for the City of Depoe Bay.
Inspirational and uplifting read. Get Kindle app free to download my ebook to your smartphone…
