I had the distinct honor of being asked by the family of CDR Duane G. Wolfe to escort his coffin on it's return home from Iraq. I had served with CDR Wolfe from June of 85 untill I retired in May of 2007. We always seemed to be together in our career... as Seabees.... first as an APG 2nd class Steel Worker he tasked me to take his Detachment of NMCB-17 as AOIC at Vandenberg AFB here where I live. He was then a BUC having enlisted in 1972 and serving in Vietnam. He had 36 years continuous service. He was called up 1A and postponed his deployment to the Desert (IRAQ) untill his daughter could be married some time just before Christmas. He had worked his way up from BUC as WO1 & WO2 then being commissioned as a CEC officer. His duties in Iraq were Chief of Reconstruction Iraq. His profession in civilian life paralled his success in his military service and after 20+ years was the Civilian Vice-Commander at VAFB. Amazing!
Part 2 Memorial My last tour of duty was typical as he tasked me with taking the Project Officers duties at NMCB -17 in Fort Carlson CO (they had moved from Port Hueneme). At the time I was SEA at NEFLC (the old CBC and 30th combined). I was granted a cross assignment and able to fill in. Although it was in duty only the previous project officer had been called to active duty for the Gulf War... and the previous S2C had family matters that left a large vaccuum.... I was tasked to do a building project in South Carolina and then sent to Germany (Bavaria - Oberammergau) to work on a Nato Schools project. CDR Wolfe was killed Memorial Day this year by a roadside bomb on his way back from commissioning the first waste water project in Fallujah... a task he was very proud of... He left a lovely wife and three outstanding children.
Part 3 of 3 It was a great honor to be called up and wear the uniform again... and I told her just exactally the same as I did the last day before CDR Wolfe deployed.... if there is anything I can do. The family has allowed me to build his shadow box.... I have some great Claro Walnut I have been saving... SWCS(SCW) Rick Branch (ret) He always looked out for the troops....
Rick, I am truly sorry for the your loss and my most heartfelt condolences go out to you and his family. I'm very grateful that his family knew they had someone with whom to entrust his return stateside to. Having done that myself several times, it truly is an honor (though one I would prefer to not have to do). You knew him...you knew him well. Make the shadow box reflect HIM. He started out enlisted and made his way through the enlisted ranks, warrant ranks, and finally the officer corps. I'm at a loss right now to provide you exact guidance, but your a Bee and I have faith that you will be able to do his memory the honor it deserves. Please don't hesitate to call upon the mess...we are here, standing by to assist. While this is a Navy specific situation, you may want to think about posting this as a thread. The Creek has a lot of people who love the military dearly and offer a lot of sage advice as how to best approach this memorial. Be well, Doc
At a loss for words here .. Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate ..
I almost feel as though it is a private matter... quietly done in honor of him and his family... but he was a Real Chief and deserved a moment in the Locker... thanks
Rick, any updates shipmate? Be well, Doc
