David Arthur Gabel

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Step Tyner on October 16, 2013:

On 14 October 2013, the world suddenly became a smaller, meaner place for many of us, for it was on that day that David Gabel was taken with that final summons that awaits us all. His legacy is vast, inhering in his family, his work, his contributions to our nation's security ... but most of all, in our hearts. Dave possessed that rare combination of gravitas and humility that characterizes only the most worthy of men. He could turn almost any miserable ordeal into something bearable with just a few well-chosen words, and with his subtle humor, produce smiles in the bargain. Dave's was also one of the major intellects in our class, yet he never pontificated and certainly took pains to ensure that his less well-educated interlocutors got the point without being made to feel inadequate or inferior. The vicissitudes of military service and the struggle for a fulfilling civilian life have scattered our Class and interrupted our associations many times, but anyone who knew David Gabel welcomed subsequent encounters with him and prized experiences shared, whether pleasant or not. Time spent with Dave was more than pleasant -- it was edifying. See you on the drop zone, Dave. Airborne!

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