Posted by Palmer McGrew on November 15, 2002:

Among the many unique individuals in I-2/58, Red Warner was perhaps the most. He was so incredibly muscled that just the act of walking downstairs would put deep creases in a fresh pair of trousers. Almost every formation found a couple of upperclassmen in his face about the wrinkles in his trou. One of our rare vacations ended in a huge snow storm. It was almost impossible to get to West Point from anyplace, but somehow nearly everyone got back. Red was making his way through NYC, but the bus he was going to take was cancelled. He caught a cab, paid the driver $50 to get him there, and was 5 minutes late. For this inexcusable offense he was given a slug of 15, 22 and a month. Just think about the decision-making process he went through. $50 was half of a month's pay and much more than we were allowed to withdraw from our accounts. Firstie year he became a temporary company commander in one of those chain of cammand shuffles. Until then he had evidenced little interest in drill, which came naturally to him, he being such a natural athlete. However, the first time he marched the company he did fine until he got us back to our barracks and for some reason couldn't come up with the command to halt. The company marched in place for a few steps while his classmates reminded him of the command, Company Halt. To add to his embarrassment, we had a company award at the time for firsties who screwed up. He was awarded the company lunchbox which he was supposed to carry for one week. Unfortunately, he took it to class with him and set it up on his desk. The P confiscated it and that was the end of the lunchbox award. He wasn't really big enough to play on the line for Army, although he did, and Red Blaik converted him to a starting end his last year. Everyone liked Red because he was always smiling and friendly. I never saw him get even mildly annoyed with anyone, although I did hear some rumors that he was actually human in that respect. Following a short stint in the Air Force, Red went back home to Berwick, PA where he worked in sales as long as he could. A few years ago he had a devastating stroke that left him in bad shape. Since that time he has had a hard time expressing himself clearly and eventually had to be placed in an institution where he could receive badly-needed care. Some I-2, Class of 58 and football teammate heroes emerged during this. Joe Shea (I-2 58/59) discovered Red's need for help and got it for him, first from the VA, which took some doing. Companymates Mike Daley and Joe Schwar, along with ex-58 Ed Linkiewicz, made regular visits to assess his situation and pull strings to make it better. Companymate Stan Bacon set up a fund for Red to buy him things he wanted and needed. Bill Graf, football great of 58, led a successful effort to have the Army lettermen honor Red and present him with a game ball. All reports indicate that Red was thrilled with the visits and the help. So long, Redhead.

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