We Remember…

 

Eli Ford

 

Deceased December 20, 2007

 

Delta – 3rd Platoon

 

69

 

 

 

Mr. Eli Ford, 59, of 146 Southridge Drive, Griffin, died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, at Spalding Regional Medical Center.

 

 

I called Eli and I got the sad news of his passing on Thursday December 20, 2007.

I want all of you BROTHERS to say and remember Eli in your PRAYERS tomorow December 26, 2007,

 when he will be put to his FINAL REST IN HEAVEN.

Your Brother, Fred Sanchez

 

 

 

On 12/20/07 we lost Eli Ford of Delta Company, 3rd platoon, 1969. Eli was badly injured by the same double chi-com claymore command det that took the lives of my RTO Jim McPike and one of our

 Tiger Scouts. Barbara the coke girl (and now my wife) was also badly injured by the same explosion. As one might expect, due to this experience, Eli struggled with PTSD associated

problems for the remainder of his life. We had hoped to see Eli at least one more time at one of our reunions; however, he was unable to attend due to other family scheduled activities.

Eli is the third man from the left in the attached photo. He was injured the day after this picture was taken.

 

Eli was preceded in death by two of his brothers in this picture. Jim Boles (standing far right) and Barry Wible (kneeling far right).

Rest in Peace My Brothers

Jerry White

 

Update from Charlie Tapp

 

I delivered the check to the church and the picture along with the framed letter to Eli's family today. I was a long 3 hour ride and got stopped in on of these little towns called Heath Springs but when I told the black officer what I was doing I think he felt sorry for me and gave me a warning. I added some money to the pot and we had a total of $800.00 to give in Eli's honor. It was greatly appreciated by his family and church. It was an honor to do this and of course I probably got a little long winded telling a few stories about the brotherhood that was formed in Vietnam and how we should all support our troops. Thanks for allowing me to get the blessing of this. I will let you forward this to the rest of the guys who gave. Charlie

 

 

Update from Eli’s sister, Shirley

 

Hi Jerry,
I'm early in the morning for work and we just got back from Cheraw. In other words it's been an extremely long day. Nevertheless I wanted to take just a moment to let you know how beautiful the services were. Charlie did an excellent job. My entire family really did feel the love that you guys shared amongst each other. Thank you all for all that you've done.
Sincerely,
Shirley