Posted by Christopher S. "Sam" Houston on October 29, 2009:

Twenty five years ago I reported to Cadet Company D-4 after completing the "best summer of my life" at Camp Buckner. My new roommate assignment was Steve Walsh. We seemed like such a mismatch. He was a smooth talkin' kid from Brooklyn. I was a Marine brat country boy from the mountains of North Carolina. Steve and I became best friends for life. As a matter of fact, we managed to work it out to be roommates for four out of the six semesters we spent together in D-4. When it came time to compose Howitzer entries our Firstie year, we wrote each other's. Here's what I wrote about Steve back in 1987: "The word that sums up Sugar Boy is Brooklyn. Perhaps it is this quality that enabled Steve to accomplish the most amazing pullouts in classes West Point has ever seen. And Shug can dance with a twist that puts John Travolta to shame. This smooth-talking paratrooper will go far in life because he can stay motivated. Steve is and always will be an unselfish friend to us all." As I knelt down in the funeral home to say goodbye to Steve I knew he had been much more to me. Steve you have always been my best friend and my brother for life. I will miss you greatly, but, I know that we will grip hands again with the Long Gray Line. When I am called I know that the first person I will see will be Steve. He will be smiling and will welcome me to Heaven with a firm "At Ease Soldier!" Until then I have infinity and a butt memories of so many good times and laughs we shared. Steve be thou at peace. Your light beams eternal with this Marine brat country boy from the mountains of North Carolina. Make certain to tell everyone in Heaven, "We can't all be Dukes! Sorry!" Your Friend and Brother Always, "Fort" Sam Houston D-4 '87 Go Dukes!

admin