I am so very sorry for your loss... I worked with Leroy at the salt plant and any time I was in his area, he always stopped by on his fork truck and offered an encouraging word, offer of assistance, and a kind word... He was a mainstay of the plant, and the face that our customers' drivers would see, an Ambassador of our plant. When I was on my day off and out behind the plant fishing, when he took his break he'd always come out and see how I was doing, and offer his vast fishing experience to me and where the best spots were.. and many times when working by a window or door I would always see Lee out there at the break wall fishing on his break and lunch time.. and he always seemed to catch fish. the man was a fish magnet. I really enjoyed talking to Lee as he was very friendly with an outstanding work ethic and personality... But, Lee did more than just "make a difference" at the salt plant, he also made a difference as a Marine, in Marine Corps history and US history.. On March 8, 1965 Leroy was a young PFC and part of the 3500 Marine contingent from the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade who landed at Red Beach a few miles north of Danang to help protect the airport from enemy rocket and mortar attacks, as well as land attacks.. Soon afterward though, the mission changed and Leroy and his brother Marines were now out patrolling around the outskirts of Danang to keep the enemy away, expanding their patrols farther and farther. .. Leroy and his 3500 brother Marines coming from the landing craft and helicopters onto the beach that day in March, were actually the first US infantry troops deployed to Vietnam.. Those Marines that landed in 1965 set the bar for those of us who followed... I too served in the Marine Corps and a Vietnam Veteran from 1971 and a brother Marine to Leroy... Leroy and his fellow Marines in '65 left big shoes to fill... Leroy was not only a special salt worker, but also a special Marine.. The best part of Leroy though was that he was also a special friend to everyone at the salt plant. Today, God has a special Marine reporting for duty, for guarding the streets of Heaven... My most heartfelt condolences on your, and our, loss of Leroy.. Rest In Peace Marine, you did the Marine Corps proud... Semper Fidelis [Always Faithful]-- a motto Leroy lived and breathed to everyone who knew him.
