Posted by Harold Lyon on May 20, 2007:

I'm stunned at Alex leaving us so suddenly and so full of life and love for all he knew. As Al's company mate, I knew Al would always be up for some help, fun, work, or shananagins like exploring the tunnels and towers of West Point which we did together as members of an informal group of track team members, called "The Tarantulas" who didn't have to go to Saturday Box Reviews, as we were supposed to be getting ready for track meets. Al had a great can-do spirit, and was full of life, always wanting to help others in need. I too remember the visit described by Frank Harlem to Als' Mama's and I'll never forget how she heaped our plates with huge piles of spagetti and delicious as it was, my huge pile seemed not to get smaller the more I ate. But Will Roosma who was there with us was worried that Al's Mama might think we did not like her pasta. Will wiped out his huge plate and excused himself to the rest room, returning shortly to ask for more spagetti which Mrs. Pensario was delighted to feed him. Alex & I I could not believe how Will finished it again! (We later learned that in the rest room he had put his fingers down his throat to regurge and be ready for more spagetti so as not to hurt Al's Momma.) Al was down-home-spun and wanting to share his loving family with his friends, which he did. When a friend like Alex leaves us so suddenly with no warnings, it confronts me with thoughts of how my own days may be numbered and so precious, and the need to live them to the fullest, as Al did. Al, your friends and especially your C2 classmates stand tall today, around the world in a moment of silence and thoughtful memory to honor you and salute you for a job so well done! We and your wonderful family will miss you and you have helped me to better prepare for my departure by showing that a man -- a friend -- so full of life and vitality can be suddenly gone, but thank God, we have our memories of you! I salute you, Al....

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