Posted by Ramon M. Ong on November 29, 2019:

In 1959, after Beast Barracks, I found myself assigned to Company E-2, with Cadet Melbourne Reid Russell as my Squad Leader. This was my first time to meet him, as he was not with us in Beast Barracks. Everyone call him "Reid" except his roommate, who occasionally called him "Melrose." Reid was a stern taskmaster, who demanded only the best from the men (Plebes and Yearlings) under his supervision. He made sure that the 3 Plebes in his squad attained his standards of performance. He showed us how to shine boots and brass to perfection, how to arrange our bedding, clothing and lockers and how to keep our room dust- and lint-free. And I spent many hours with my M-1 Rifle, cleaning it and doing the "Manual of Arms" with it until Reid was satisfied with my mastery of the weapon. Sometime during Plebe Year, the Squad Leaders underwent a rotation, and all Plebes found ourselves with new Squad Leaders. Thanks to Reid's uh, TLC, I had few problems in coming up to my new boss' expectations. Plebe Year ended with the Recognition Ceremony -- Reid was among the first ones to congratulate me on a job well done, and to call me by my nickname! My Yearling Year was Reid's Senior Year. I found him to have a different personality than before. He was quiet, serious, studious -- and, most of all, deeply religious in his Mormon faith. We parted ways upon his graduation and our paths never crossed again. Over the years, I have often wondered about Reid and what happened to him. After my retirement, I tried to contact him, but was always unsuccessful. I just wanted to thank him for teaching me how to be a good soldier -- and to tell him that this particular Plebe made out OK. Be thou at peace, Reid! And now, a final salute to my former boss... Ray (USMA 1963) Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines Manila

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