Posted by Dale Hruby on March 18, 2009:

Remarks at Memorial for Bob Tredway, March 14, 2009 I was quite touched when Valerie told me Anne had requested that I say "a few words," about Bob on behalf of our West Point Class of 1958. I am proud to do that. However, the request for "a few words," suggests that Anne has heard me speak before. Words are important. At a time like this words need to be carefully chosen and thoughtfully considered. It is very instructive to be limited to "a few well chosen words." So, let me offer "a few words" about Bob Tredway. Tall, Dark and Handsome. Bob was certainly all of what those words have to say. Those of you who saw his Cadet photos upstairs at the reception would certainly agree. Although in recent years he was in fact Tall, Silver and Handsome. Among the Company M-2 Plebes entering West Point in the summer of 1954, there was no doubt in any of our minds who was going to be the most successful in the dating scene - hooking up with what we then called "drags." But, these words about physical appearance don't begin to describe the friend we all came to know and love. Three other words familiar to most in this room come closer to describing Bob. General MacArthur described them as -- "those three magical words, Duty - Honor - Country." During his distinguished military career, Bob's dedication to Duty, his courage, valor and patriotism certainly brought Honor to our Nation, to the Army, to West Point, to our Class of 1958 and to himself. Dedication to those "three magical words," continued to characterize Bob's life after retirement from the Army as he continued to serve the Nation and his fellow man in a variety of important ways. But, there is one word that I feel best captures the true Bob Tredway - that word is "Others." As much as Bob enjoyed talking about his own love of flying, driving fast cars and his numerous hobbies, his true focus was on "others." He took a keen interest in what "others" found entertaining, challenging and interesting. He took pride in "others," achievements and successes. He showered Anne, his family, his friends and his coworkers with a special dedication and attention that can only be described as love. Bob's joy in service to the needs of "others," was evident to all who worked with him whether on our Class of 1958 Executive Committee, the local Homeowners' Association, the Wounded Warrior Mentor Program or his countless other undertakings. One of our classmates noted that few who attended the recent funeral of a classmate in Detroit would forget the image of Bob showing up with our Class Flag in one hand and his oxygen bottle in the other. He had stepped forward to honor the widow's request when no one else was available. The chairman of our Class Executive Committee observed: "Whenever I asked Bob to work on a project, he responded, 'Anything you need done, just ask me.'" Let me close with Bob's own "well chosen words." In our Class 50th Reunion Book, Bob wrote: "It took me some time to learn that happiness - is all about people." "My most rewarding experiences have come from doing things for others - in or out of the military." Our West Point Alma Mater closes with the following "few words:" And when our work is done Our course on earth is run May it be said, Well Done Be thou at peace. Well done, Bob, Well done. Dale Hruby, USMA 1958, Company M-2

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