USS Oregon member Bob Topping proposed the establishment of a Detachment Casualty Assistance Officer “to represent the Detachment at all funerals, tributes and remembrances of Marines, FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains …” at the Detachment’s September meeting.
His nomination follows:
“I have spent the past three years writing my book, ‘The Shadows of the Ghost Platoon.’ At times, it seemed impossible … but now, it’s almost done.
“My book was always intended to secure the legacy of my fallen brothers. Its creation evolved from my commitment to never leave my brothers behind. I want their children and grandchildren to remember them long after I’ve been laid to rest. Some might say, ‘It’s amazing.’ Others might say, ‘So what?’ and some might say, ‘Get over it and get on with your life.
“After reading my book, maybe your attitudes and beliefs about the Vietnam War will change. Perhaps, it will cause you to change how you live your life. Maybe you will experience and enjoy the real things in life that smatter, like the walks you take hand-in-hand with the ones you love, the hugs you give to others, the kisses from your children and your loved ones, the romps you take with grandchildren, and the stories you didn’t have time to listen to. Those are the beautiful moments of life. I say this because those are the precious moments our fallen brothers could never experience.
“One hundred years from my time in Vietnam, I will have passed and been buried next to my wife. After I die, I may be remembered for a few more years. Then, my image, story and endeavors will fade into obscurity. Only the documents of my existence will remain. My grandchildren will be the last to enjoy the possessions I left from my past and the wealth my wife and I struggled to accumulate. The treasures we spent a fortune acquiring will probably be scrap or maybe in the hands of some unknown collector or for sale in an antique store down at the beach. My great-grandchildren will hardly know who I am nor be told what I stood for or what I accomplished. I might be lucky to have my portrait on a wall, and my great-grandchildren might ask, ‘Who is this man?’
“Each of us should take a breath and reflect on the harsh reality that our time on Earth will soon end. That said, many will choose to waste what time they have left building their legacy and living their passion.
“Those of us who have experienced the realities of combat do not have the luxury of building a legacy. Mine was etched in stone long ago by my actions on the Razorback, Big Foot Brown and Mutter’s Ridge, resulting in the worst day of my life. Since then, I’ve been on borrowed time. I live each day with the responsibility of honoring the sacrifices my fallen brothers made for me: Having the courage to tell their stories and fulfilling my commitment to them to never leave them behind. I do not take this lightly. I live to honor their sacrifice and secure their legacy in time.
“My question to the members of this organization is: What will you do with the time you have left to honor those who sacrificed for you? How will you demonstrate your appreciation for their courage? What is your commitment to their legacy?
“I believe I have found a representative to each of those question. We have someone among us who is ALWAYS faithful in serving with honor, courage and commitment with the same fervor out of our sight as he does within our sight. Since 2011, I have watched him honor the sacrifices of our brothers by attending their funerals when no one else was present. I have watched him have the courage to speak and say what others won’t about their legacy. Above all, I’ve watched him fulfill his commitment that every Marine and FMF Corpsman and Chaplain deserves: a Marine present at their funeral. He does this without seeking any acknowledgement or reward. Though he has not spent time in the bush, he honors those who have with his humility, sincerity and grace. I make the following motion to thank him for his fidelity in serving with Hobor, Courage and Commitment:
“To represent the Detachment at all funerals, tributes and remembrances of Marines, FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains. Furthermore, at the discretion of the Detachment Commandant, provide a complete set of USMC Dress Blues to be worn by this Officer. In addition, afford limited resources to support the responsibilities associated with this position. Finally, appoint Gary C. Brannan to fulfill the duties assigned to this position and report on the activities and actions related to this position to the Commandant when directed.”
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.