Posted by John Vann on December 20, 2020:

John and I were both in L-1 our first two years and, though we never roomed together, I have a lasting memory of John as a very considerate, caring, soft-spoken servant-leader who always put others first. He had a consistent smile for everyone, worked hard at everything, was especially neat, and beloved by his classmates. Unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to serve together after graduation, but I am quite certain his men loved him. An example of his caring for others that affected me was at a '65 reunion about 15 years ago, John and I had a chance to reconnect, and he sent me a treasured photo of our first day at West Point in July 1961 marching to the swearing in ceremony at Trophy Point. I had no pictures of that time until John sent that photo. My children loved it. John was right behind me, with Johnny Mogan behind, Bill Byrne to our right, and Bob Axley and Dick Collins marching just ahead -- all of us teenagers with rather serious expressions and our first (for some of us) short haircuts as we transformed in one day from civilians to the careers that would mark our entire lives. John, thank you for your friendship, love for others, and encouragement to everyone. May you Rest in Peace, brother. See you on the other side.

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