From Gary's roommate at Quantico...

I was just talking to an old Marine Corps buddy and I got to wondering how other friends from my days in the Corps were doing. I did search on Gary and was shocked and saddened to read about his death.

Gary was my roommate at the Basic School. He was a great friend and motivator. I was introduced to his family during our training in Quantico when he and I took a trip to Spartanburg. His father and brother (I don’t remember which brother) made sure we felt at home when we were awoken with a live rendition of Revelry. I regret loosing touch with Gary over the many years and feel for his family.

I last saw Gary at Camp Pendleton when he came to visit his friend Rich Merritt, then serving at 3d LAAD Battalion. He was now an official aviator in the United States Marine Corp. I’m glad he was able to fulfill his dream. You couldn’t help but feel good for him and I knew the Marine Corps got a good man to fly fighters for them.

God bless and Semper Fidelis Gary. Thank you for being a friend.

Patrick GallagherCaptain, USMC
August 27, 2008 2:37 PM