Sonny Silva
Friend - we were drafted, together
Milford, NJ., 08848, USA
Hey John, Can't believe, it took me 41, yrs., to do this. Your death, hit me pretty hard, still does. After AIT., at Dix, you headed straight, to Nam and Vendola & I went, to Benning, for Ranger school. Got kicked out, of school, for getting there, 2, days late. (Remember my '57, Chevy? it broke down, on the way, there.) By the time, we got new orders, we got to Nam, on Oct., 12th and got assigned, to the 1st, Cav., me, to 2/8 and Doug, to 2/5. I guess Mom, saw your obit., in the paper, but didn't write to me, about it, until after X-mas - first time I cried, in Nam. Rumor was, you got hit, by friendly fire, I hope not. I got hit, in March the same week, I lost 2, good friends, in my squad, but was back out, in the bush, in 6 weeks. Finished my tour and extended, another couple weeks, so I could DEROS out, of Nam and not have, to do Stateside, duty. Just wanted, to get out and forget about it. PTSD., hit me pretty hard, 5, yrs., ago, but the VA., is taking good care, of me. I meet guys, from my platoon, in D.C., every Veteran's Day and we spend, alot of time, at The Wall. I sit and stare, at your name and talk to you, about old times - but you probably, already know that. Take care, John. I love you, brother. SonnyFeb 14, 2010

Missing you pal
Posted for: JOHN ALBERT HANCOCK:
	John, You were the last of my highschool friends that I found out had paid the Ultimate Sacrifice in RVN. You and I met for the first time as freshman at Hunterdon Central HS in Flemington, NJ. As part of the track team, we had many successes but many losses in the coming years. Greg Buczinski was the first, then Mike Baldwin, Dyke Manners, Fred Zyck. and you. You were always a tough little guy with a big heart. I enlisted right after college and got my shot at payback for you all. Thanks ever so much. Frank
Posted by: Frank Foran Email: fmforan@comcast.net Relationship: Monday, December 26, 2005

Hancock, John Albert, CPL