Peter T. Heuchling

West Point, 2006

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jude Onwuanumkpe on August 24, 2003:

I knew very little about Tod before CFT. But I got to know him so well during those seven weeks, so well that I cannot seem to settle with the fact that he's gone. He is gone...gone, and so is everything that he could've given this school, this country, this world. Yes, Tod had a lot to give to this world--friendship, happiness, leadership--and I'm glad to say that, in the limited time I spent with him, he gave me something. Physical fitness is one of the things I have going for me here at West Point, and until I met Tod, I thought I was in the best shape ever. During CFT, I ran with him, but could never keep up; we lifted weights together, and I'd always burn out while he's still on his first set. Indeed, Tod redefined the word "fit" for me. He had no idea how much I admired him, and I wish I told him. I sat next to him in a briefing by the Sup a day before he left us. I asked him of the try-outs and he told of the 8-mile being the last event, and that competition for the marathon team was tough. Knowing what he was capable of, I encouraged him with the words, "you shouldn't worry about that; it shouldn't be a problem for you," and he responded, "Oh, I'm not worried." Who would've thought, Tod, that that would be your last run here on earth! I believed in him; I knew he would be able to cross that finish line...I know, Tod, that you would've won that race. But, as you can see, God has a different plan for you. My solace lies in the fact that God has used Tod for a better purpose. I believe that everything happens for a reason...ones better left unknown to us. You're running a better race now, Tod...the race to Heaven. As physically fit as I think I am, I could never keep up with you. So, I'll see you at the finish line, buddy, someday.

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