A letter arrives from John Sievers’ father
11-21-82
Dear Roch:
I am really not much of a letter writer, but I want you to know the story you wrote about your friends in Vietnam was the finest and most honorable story that our family has ever read. So, from my wife Marian and three daughters and myself, we want to thank you. I have had many fine comments around our town of Gunnison.
Yes, John was quite a boy. He was our oldest. We fished and hunted together. He loved the out-of-doors. We have a movie of him when he was 6 skiing at Cranor Hill. He was a very good skier, but due to his wrestling in the winter he could not ski as much as he would of liked to. He was District wrestling champion 3 years in a row, State champion once and 2nd in State twice. Also he was a fine 2nd baseman and played football. He turned out to be a good kicker in football, too.
I was proud when John joined the Marine Corps, even though I spent 4 years in the Navy in World War 2. When I was told that John was killed, my life ended for 9 months. I drank a quart of whiskey a day, but on Easter Sunday morning of ’71 I threw two quarts down the sink and haven’t had a drink of whiskey since. I have a wonderful wife of 35 years and all of my daughters have been to college and are married and doing great. But like I said it could of ruined the rest of my life, but with a good wife and three fine daughters I survived.
Again, thanks. After all these years it is very gratifying to know someone else remembers John, and those other three fine young men.
We would love to have you visit us here in Gunnison. I am a car salesman — 32 years — not bragging, one of the best fishermen in town — killed my cow elk and buck this year. So, if the opportunity arises, come see us.
Yes, we are planning to visit the Wall.
Thanks
Robert L. Sievers
Gunnison, Colo. 81230
Posted on Feb. 23, 1999