Posted by Mike Torres on June 5, 2009:

I second Rich Furguson's comments. He was B Company's Tactical Offcer during my first year at Pennsylvania Military College. I have the distinction of having been his first problem regarding discipline of the 1964 academic year. I became the first member of my class to draw a Special Punishment Order and walked tours from September to December 1964. I remember when he called me into his office and asked me if I had done what I was suspected of having done. He looked straight into my eyes; I said: Yes Sir, I did it, without hesitation. He aske me: Are you sure about that?" I replied, yes Sir. He looked at me with a lazer beam stare and said: DUM!!! It took a week to learn my fate. Since then I consider that short and intense experience as one of those "Significant Emotional Experiences" that open the way for growing up rather quickly. I was only 17 years old. I later joined the Ranger unit, where he was our advisor and learned what being a soldier was all about. I did not make the military my career. I served during Vietnam and returned to civilian life. But I can honestly say that I have been a better person, husband, father, grandfather, and professional because he cared when I needed it most. I will always pray for Captain Detlie and his family.

admin