Posted by BG RM Ong (Ret) on June 1, 2021:

Greetings from Manila, Philippines! Memorial Day 2021 here is bright and sunny -- and a good time to remember my West Point classmate, Woody Hotman. Woody and I belonged to different Regiments, but I got to know him well because we were in the same Company during Beast Barracks -- 2 months of intense summer training immediately after entering West Point! I do recall him as a friendly, gregarious fellow, who showed a sharp mind, an intellectual, so to speak. And that he was a runt -- aka vertically challenged -- like myself. Woody and I parted ways on Graduation Day, and our paths never crossed again. He joined the US Army Engineers while I served with the Philippine Army Engineers. We also had parallel careers as Instructors in our respective country's Military Academies. Woody taught Physics while I taught Mechanics. After returning to civilian life, Woody showed everyone that he really deserved the nickname "Woody" -- by becoming an artist in wood, not just wood-carving, but in the ancient art of intarsia (wood inlay). The high quality of his workmanship is displayed in many places -- to be admired by many people, for many years. Well done, Woody. Be thou at peace! And now my final salute to my friend and classmate! Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines

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