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Posted by: Rich Merritt(rich@richmerritt.com)
Wednesday, September 7, 2005at 19:35:04
Subject: A SAINT, a Brother, a Friend
Meeting Gary Fullerton in July 1987 was the best thing that ever happened to me. He came along at a time in my life when I was devastated by things that had happened and he helped me rebuild my life. For the next 17 years, we were never far apart, even though a continent or an ocean might have been between us. Gary encouraged me to be the best I could be, and patiently and kindly corrected me when I was wrong, never in a condescending way, but in a way that let me know that no matter what stupid things I did, he was my friend. I will miss you Gary, at least until we meet again!
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7 comments:
Posted by: Leland
() Saturday, September 10, 2005
at 11:00:59
Subject: Acts of Courage
I only know of Maj. Fullerton from Rich Merritt's book. But from what I can see of him there, he was a superb Marine, a good and honest man, and an excellent friend. God bless you all on your loss, and may he live on in your hearts and in your actions.
Posted by: Duke Smith
(duke-of-sf@att.net) Saturday, September 10, 2005
at 14:27:04
Subject: The Best Of The Best
It is said that a man continues to live as long as he is remembered. I only read about Maj. Gary Fullerton after he died.It is through your book, Greg, that I learned about your fellow Marine with an exuberance for life and loyalty to friends that exemplifies the spirit of the United States Marines.May God bless Gary's family and all of his friends who were granted the privilege of knowing him.
Posted by: Jim
(jameswarrenp@aol.com)
Subject: Gary's legacy
Rich, I had to go back to your book and re-read the last three or four chapters that detail Gary's death and how you were so devastated by it. I was particularly moved by the way you wrote of your epiphany-like realization that Gary had given you "a priceless gift from the grave -- total freedom from the internal tyranny of fundamentalist dogma." My handsome, 25-year-old nephew never experienced the total freedom you write about. Wracked with guilt about being gay, having been raised in a fundamentalist household, he took a shotgun one Saturday night and blew his head off. This happened in Jackson, MS, 15 years ago. And I am STILL haunted by his suicide and what drove him to it. Oh, how I wish he'd had a book like yours to read.
Posted by: Paul Buckley
(oldpelican@gmail.com)
Subject: Semper Fi, brother.
I never knew Gary personally. I met him through Rich Merritts book. All I really need to know about him to mourn his loss and honor his memory is that he was a brother Marine. Among Marines, that's enough said.
Posted by: Ryan
Subject: Semper Fi, brother
"All I really need to know about him to mourn his loss and honor his memory is that he was a brother Marine. Among Marines, that's enough said."Says it all Buck..Semper Fi,Ryan
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