L-Cpl-Edward-Sanchez--VMO-6-KIA-28-Feb-1969

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

email 31 Mar 2014

sir, my name is Fernando Sanchez, Edward Sanchez is my brother and I believe, according to the info I have received, you were with Edward the day he was shot down. It's been a long time and I still have trouble when Edward comes to mind, which is why I've taken so long to contact you. I received the packet you sent, thank you. Hoping to start a dialogue with you. God bless.

a few seconds ago

Fernando---I wasn't with Edward that fateful day, but I knew him. Please know that he was always remembered by his fellow Marines and was highly respected. God bless you and thank you for your service to our country. Tom Constantine, Marine Observation Squadron Six, Quang Tri Combat Base, Republic of South Vietnam, 1968-1969

I received this communication from Fernando Sanchez this morning via Facebook. Fernando Sanchez is the brother of Edward Sanchez who we served with, who was KIA with Jacobsgaard, Keeble, and Brencich in Laos. I was able to finally locate Fernando’s brother’s widow in Junction, Texas just prior to our memorial dedication by of all things, a picture of Edward that was donated to the County seat in Texas about four years previous, and there was a small notice that appeared in the local paper. Irene Sanchez, the widow, was married to Edward’s brother and she remains in Junction, Texas where Edward and his family had their homestead. Edward was married when he was killed, and that day, per Bob Hughes ( VMO-6 awards NCO and door gunner) was with Edward that day when mail call arrived and Edward received notice from family that his wife had given birth to a baby girl. Unfortunately, news of Edward’s death devastated the family and I’m told that the wife never recovered and the surviving daughter has led a troubled life as well. Vietnam destroyed many lives and families. I continue to search for Brencich’s and Jacobsgaard’s families. I located the Keeble family a number of years ago and they were aware of and contributed to the memorial. They were unable to attend as the memory still haunts them.

A bitter sweet communication, but I thought all would like to know that we are still reaching out to those who lost their sons/brothers/husbands that they are remembered by their fellow marines who fought by their sides.

** Fernando Sanchez himself was serving in Vietnam w/ US Army when his brother was Killed in Action. All Sanchez family members received the dedication ceremony photos and program.

Best and Semper Fi

Tom Constantine

MGySgt US Marine Corps ret

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

email 1 Apr 2014

I was in the Ready Room that terrible day, listening to all the radio traffic as it went down. The loss of pilots Keeble and Jacobsgaard and crew members Brencich and Sanchez was devastating and so terribly frustrating that we couldn’t all go get them. Ed Keeble and I had a long personal conversation about his career and his wife and R&R within a few days. I tried to reach out to find his family, glad someone did. If you’re comfortable sharing his family contact, please email privately. That day remains embedded in my heart and soul for the rest of my life.

Oorah to those great guys we lost. And continuing prayers for their loved ones.

Semper Fi

PS So great to see some of my favorite pilots in this email chain. Miss you guys. Some great memories of our flying time together.

L/Cpl Edward Sanchez, VMO-6 KIA 28 Feb 1969