David Leonard Ugland

West Point, 1964

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Toni Lincecum Casteel on January 16, 2009:

In searching for information on my uncle, Charles Schreiner Miller, West Point Class of '64, I happened upon Dave's eulogy page. What memories it brought back! Dave and Charlie were friends -- perhaps roommates -- at West Point and I was an 18-year-old college freshman from Texas: Charlie's step-niece (his brother married my mother). I was invited to June Week and was Dave's date to several events, including the graduation dance. I still have the picture of the handsome, white-uniformed young graduate (not yet a lieutenant--that came the next day) and the white-gowned teenager from Texas. Dave visited Charlie in Texas that summer with Joe (?), another friend from the Point, and I arranged dates for Joe and Charlie with my good friends. Then Charlie, Dave and Joe set off for a cross-country good-time trip to California! I will never forget sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner in 1965 at my grandmother's. As we were eating, we received a phone call from Charlie which my stepfather took. He came back to the table and told us that Dave had been killed. That was the day the war in Viet Nam became real to me. For any of his family who may read this, my memory of Dave is that of a respectful young man, a good friend, and apparently a hell of a soldier who instilled respect and passion in his men. I will always be in awe of these young Americans who fight for their country and give their lives so that we can be free to live our lives without fear. Because of Dave and our military, I have been able to raise a family and have grandchildren in a relatively safe country. Dave, his peers, and the young men in Iraq and Afghanistan have ensured my family's immediate future. I pray our country will continue to raise up soldiers, sailors, and marines of their stature. God bless them all. Toni Lincecum Casteel Austin, Texas

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