Posted by Ponce Espinoza on July 24, 2008:

It was a Sunday night in Georgia during our time at OBC. My wife and I were sitting watching television around 9:00 p.m. when a gentle knock came at our apartment door. When we looked through the peep hole there was John with a smile grinning ear to ear. A big hearty smile and a quick "I was just in the neighborhood and I wanted to say hi." We sat for hours that night laughing and joking and having a grand old time. I remember when we watched you ride away on your motorcycle and my wife and I feeling happier for having you in our life. John always had a way of being that ray of sunshine through our four years at West Point and right after we graduated and even still today when I think about him. I can't help but smile and feel happy in my heart. I will always remember our cadet days when he would crack a smile when the upperclassmen weren't looking or when he would just stop by my room to say "hi." I remember the sadness my wife and I felt the day we received the news. We had just had lunch together at the O'club the same day. I remember standing on Signal Field at Fort Gordon with all the other officers for the Tap vigil/Midnight Memorial in the very same dress blues I had gotten married in just months before. I had not felt such sadness in a very long time. John, Kim and I miss your laughter and cherish the friendship we shared from the years at West Point to the visits in our home. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers stay with you and your family. I can't wait to get to heaven, to have you great me at the Pearly Gates to say "Hey, Ponce, I just wanted to be here to say 'hi'." I miss you brother...See you on the other side. I know God has you doing great and awesome tasks. Kim and I cherish your love. Love your brother in arms MAJ Ponce Espinoza Fellow Defender of the Free Class of 1993

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