View a eulogy for Frank Paul Vellella, USMA '77, who passed away on June 25, 2021.
Other important links:
Frank Paul Vellella
West Point, 1977
Be Thou At Peace
Posted by Terrell Carr on May 12, 2025:
|
I knew and well liked Frank from Buckner. My most distinct memory of Frank today was from Airborne School, Aug 1975. On our third jump, Frank was out the door just before me. He had a Mae West malfunction, deployed his reserve which promptly became entangled around his legs. He fought it all the way down as I watched in horror. The instructors were yelling instructions over bullhorn to him, finally yelling "forget your damned reserve, prepare to LAND!!". When he hit the ground , a big circle of dust erupted around him. I was certain he was badly injured (or worse). Upon landing, I ran towards him, but found him up, dusting himself off and calmly gathering his chutes. Absolutely didn�t faze him. That was Frank Vellella. Well done. Be thou at peace, Frank. |
 admin |
West-Point.Org (WP-ORG), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides an online communications infrastructure that enable graduates, parents, and friends of the military academy to maintain and strengthen the associations that bind us together. We will provide this community any requested support, consistent with this purpose, as quickly and efficiently as possible. WP-ORG is funded by the generosity of member contributions. Our communication services are provided in cooperation with the AOG (independent of USMA) and are operated by volunteers serving the Long Gray Line. For questions or comments, please email us at feedback@west-point.org.