Not too long ago I lost a man who was my best friend and compatriot. a man who knew as much about me as I knew about myself. While it isn't that I don't have other 'best' friends, Tony was one dearest to this old swabbee's heart. Many, many hours I have spent with a man who could identify with me about the things that matter the most to a man.

He as a United States Marine understood a great deal about me and my service to the United States Navy. Understanding not only the fierce patriotism we both had in our service to the United States but the stark loneliness as well that comes to all who serve in our military.

There are many discussions Tony and I had that will not be repeated for I am jealous of the memory of my friend and what he has meant to me over many decades now. Suffice it to say that we both leaned heavily on each other at times and we both in turn propped each other up when we needed it.

Like old warriors are prone to do, we would spend time telling war stories that others simply do not understand. But Tony did.

These past few years have found the old war horses feeling the pains of life, many times we would commensurate together about our various health issues.

Tony was a great amateur radio operator having lived in several different states, Tony's last QTH was in Murfreesboro, Tennessee but he always loved his home state of Vermont. On many special occasions I was able to work Tony on 20, 40 or 80 meters and nothing brought me greater joy than to hear my friend's voice over the airwaves.

Tony is survived by his sweetheart wife, Tanya and two sons. Tony Jr. (N0VKB) and Travis (KI4HMZ).

Semper Fi, Tony

Ray, K4RRF

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