William Fredrick Hecker

West Point, 1991

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Sean Cleveland on February 7, 2006:

Rarely in life -- perhaps most particularly in the Army -- do you meet a person truly unafraid to be himself. Bill lived a life about which others could only dream. He loved his children with his whole heart -- and made time for them. He loved his cadets with his whole heart -- and made time for them. He cared deeply about his peers and their professional development -- and made time for them, as well. Not only did Bill inspire his cadets to perform to a higher standard, he did the same for his peers. His personal knowledge of literature -- from Poe to Twain, far beyond, and back -- paled only in comparison to his overwhelming dedication to preparing his cadets for a lifetime of service to their nation. A passionate advocate for the King of Battle, his beloved Red Birds, and the right (and responsibility) of everyone to live life to the fullest, Bill represented the very best of America's Officer Corps. I, too, hope to return to our beloved Alma Mater to teach -- and I looked forward to years of Beaujolais Nouveau parties. Here's to hoping that Bill is sitting in God's grace next to old Jack Buck -- reliving the Cards' glory years for eternity. Good bye, Bill. You were a good friend, a great read (you know what I mean), and one heck of a sponsor. I'll never forget our pizza at Leavenworth, brother. Godspeed.

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