Posted by Ann Savay Struthers on April 16, 2012:

Bob Wetzel was stationed at Laredo Air force Base in the 1950's. Bob Wetzel was my first love. He was 22 and I was 19. I am pretty sure he was in love with me. I am now 74 years old, and I have never forgotten Bob. I recently came across a picture of Bob Wetzel and me prior to his graduation dance from pilot training in Laredo (my home town). We were all dressed up. I think it was the first, and only time, I paid full price for a beautiful dress. He looked so handsome, al 6'4" of him. He was always a gentleman. We kissed and he told me he loved me and that I was special. He never, ever tried to go beyond being a gentleman. I was pretty inexperienced and didn't drink or smoke. Pretty naive. When I met his parents, his mother took me aside and told me that I couldn't marry her son because I would hinder his career. I can remember those words to this day. His mother told me that I was not social enough to help his career--I did not drink or smoke (I guess she thought this would help a career military man's career). Bob left Laredo and I never heard from him again. Shortly, after he left Laredo, I heard from his Instructor that Bob had b een hospitalized for alcoholism. It wasn't long after that that I read in the Air Force Times (I was working in the hospital at Lardo Air Force Base that Bob had been killed in a plane crash at McDill Air Force Base. Oh, boy. It has been eons ago and I have never forgotten Bob. I went on with my life, moved to Denver Colorado and married a wonderful man and physician, Dr. Jack Struthers. I so remember what Bob told me as to why he went to West Point. He said his father and other relatives went there, and "one day, I just ended up there". Bob Wetzel was a dear person. If not, why would I remember him after more than 50 years. So sad that this young man died at age 23. I am old now, but young in my times with Bob. He was an officer and a gentleman. Always respectiful. I finally found you, Bob. Again, you were an officer and a gentlemen and I still hve the picture of us at your granduation dance. Ann Savay Struthers

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