Jerome Michael Ledzinski

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Bob Frank, L-1 & B-1 on May 13, 2016:

With you in the 2d regiment and me in the 1st, our paths hardly crossed except for summertime duties. Despite that, you were well-known by me and so many of our Classmates. And when you became the chair of the Auto Committee, everyone in '65 became aware of you. I was lucky enough to be sent to UCLA by the Army, and luckier to learn that Martina and you lived up the coast in Pacific Grove. I so wanted to experience the West Coast life that I was thrilled when you invited me up for the Monterey Jazz Festival. What a grand time we had sitting in the sun, savoring Cannonball Adderley and Joe Zawinul, and Miles Davis. And what a great way to be introduced to the Monterey Peninsula. Years later, when you visited Ft. Leavenworth to see clients, Mary and I got the chance to have you over to the house. Your infectious enthusiasm about planning for retirement got us started on a serious plan for the future. With you as our advisor, we made the short-term sacrifices for the long-term gain. Being your client also provided an additional incentive to visit you in Carmel and enjoy your hospitality. Who could have guessed that your negotiations with Marine Midland and other institutions for our cadet auto loans would lead to a career in financial services? Over the years, we have engaged one another in different capacities, but you always were an inspiration and a fount of enthusiasm and energy. And, you also bore a faith that was your rock in adversity. The last years of your life were not easy, but seeing how strong you were at the 50th gave me a great sense of calm for I knew you were still that highly motivated and optimistic guy who entered West Point in 1961. You will always be present to me. Well done!

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