Dedciated to Bill Oelkers, a Korean War veteran and retired Fire Chief |
LAST MUSTER Dedicated to William Oelkers for a life well lived He stood tall among the men who had fought in the Korean War; one of those who had survived and a credit to the two-score who wrote the words of a book so that the world would not forget a Christmas in July, with the pain each one remembered - even yet. Bill was trained in heavy weapons; a member of H Company, 180th Infantry in the 45th Division, a Thunderbird who took pride serving his country. The war raged, with bitter fighting, taking a toll on each young man - something that anyone not there could never really understand. When the war for him was over and the troops made their way home, he found another chance to serve and then to take care of his own. A different kind of war he fought, where flames were the worst enemy; he became a firefighter in 1954, still serving his beloved country. He joined the ranks of brave men who put their neighbors lives higher then their own, as he became Chief to lead others in fighting fire. Later in life he dispatched crews "an easy job with benefits" he said; Somehow he always found a way to serve - ah, what a great life this man led! The Band of Brothers has lost him to the ravages of age and time; Bill has attended his last muster - but I'm sure he's doing just fine. Somewhere up in Heaven, there may be more work for him to do; he may become our guardian angel watching over me and you - "May peace be with you, Bill" a friend wrote and as I read, I could picture a banquet table waiting somewhere way up ahead. "Save us a good place at the table" for someday we will again unite; and for each and every comrade, there will be peace and light. Countrymom 11/18/05 |