SERE training We were both Engine 3rd class and went to Vallego
POSTED ON 12/1/13 - BY DEAN CONAWAY
We were both Engine 3rd class and went to Vallejo California for SERE training. SERE (Survival, Rescue, Evasion and Escape) Was pretty tough. especially the time spent as POW"s. After we got to Viet Nam he was put on an ASPB because his ATC wasn't ready and they needed an Engineman on the ASPB. That was the last time I saw him. I have Pictures of the ASPB on a Pontoon/ Barge in Dong Tam Harbor.As a team Dick and I could tear down and put back together a 20 mm machine gun blindfolded faster than the rest without blindfolds. His boat wasn't ready is the reason he was on the ASPB. Posted by: Dean Conaway Relationship: We served together Saturday, January 5, 2002 I will never forget you! Rick: You are still in my mind after all of these years. Forever young with that innocent 'school kid' face of yours. You kept telling me that you were not going to make it and I told you that you would. Somehow you knew your fate. You were prepared for heaven and I know you are there! Today I visit the wall to remember you again as I have many times. I am the closest to you when I am at the wall. Until we meet again, my friend. Sent this Veteran's Day of 2008. Nov 10, 2008 Harry Hahn Harryhahn@AOL.com Brother / Boatmate 40521 Bald Eagle Road Antioch IL 60002 USA Rick, time has caused many visions of the war to fade but you will never fade in my heart and mind. NIOTC's training and our trips to town not to forget the trips home. One or two tall ones at the club. Celebrating your 21st birthday on the flight over and laughing that it only lasted about 30 minutes before crossing the date line. P coats in Saigon, only the Navy. A night in Saigon and then on to Dong Tam. They blew up the Navy side of the base that night. With no place to stay it was off to boats with room for us, I went to a Tango you to an ASPB. We did that first mission with these temporary homes while we waited for the Monitor our assigned boat. When the Monitor was ready for us we moved in, except you. they still needed you on the ASPB. A mine blows and you're gone. As long as I live you and the name Richard Leon Keller will also live. Wednesday, July 09, 2003 David Cress david.cress@latimes.com Brother