THE WALL OF FACES

Ed and I served together at Moody AFB. He was a jet engine mechanic. Our families got to be friends. I was sent to Korat via Wichita in November’68. I don’t remember how I heard that Ed had become a disc jockey, but somehow we talked on the phone and I was able to get to Udorn for a day. He did one broadcast while I was there. He was a natural and was enjoying his work. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. Heck, it is still hard to believe it. I truly enjoyed knowing Ed and appreciated his friendship

You died 20 years before I was born, and I'm sad I never got to meet you. Dad talks about you often, and misses you every day.

When you died I was 9, and absolutely devastated. Daddy got time off from OTS to go to your funeral with Aunt Lynn. I wanted to go so badly and didn't understand why I couldn't. I worshiped the ground you walked on, and you were so kind to your adoring niece. Rest in peace, sweet son of Iowa. We'll meet again in the place where no sorrows dwell.

Ed was stationed at Atsugi Naval Air Station in the early 60's. He was one of my best friends. He always spoke about never being a "lifer," wanting to return to Marshalltown, and going to college. I learned several years ago that he was killed in this crash. I'm not one to weep, but I cried for a long time. God bless you Ed. I'll Never forget our favorite laugh moment ... "Tight ass and tight jaws."

Established 8 Jan 1972, AFTN Memorial VFW Post 10249 in Udon thailand, is named in memory of the nine airmen killed on duty when a battle damaged RF-4C Phantom aircraft crashed into the Armed Forces Thailand Network (AFTN) Udorn Radio-TV Station on 10 Apr 1970. www.udonvfw10249.org - See more at: http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/54678/THOMAS-L-WATERMAN#sthash.HqIvO4Ux.dpuf