We Remember…

Gary Spears

June 21, 2006

Delta Co., 1st Platoon

Nov. '68 - Jan. '69

Received notice from Ron Raymond

I'm sorry to report that I've been notified this morning by members of Gary Spears family that Gary passed away sometime early this morning! This has been a blow to me as much as you, but Gary has been going through some rough times this past month with his deteriorating health.

Please remember Gary Spears in your prayers brothers and sisters and the support of his family which will be needed at this time of sorrow.

Any cards or letters which you might want to send to the Spears Family can still be sent at P.O. Box 24699, Indianapolis, Ind. 46224.

Please remember Gary in your hearts and prayers my brothers and sisters! Gary was much looking forward to attending the 2006 Reunion and he will be missed, but not forgotten!

Obituary from IndyStar,com

Gary W. Spears 56, of Indianapolis, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2006. He was a material service trucker and group leader for General Motors. He was an E4 specialist, and the recipient of an Army Vietnam Purple Heart. He is survived by his daughters Julie Plummer and Jennifer McNeive; son, Michael Jeremy McNeive; parents Cecil and Ann Spears; brothers Steve and Vicki Spears; sister Deborah Lowry; and 5 grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 at Conkle Speedway Funeral Home, with calling there from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Society.

Messages from the Brothers

I met Gary at the 2003 31st Reunion in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Since my days in Vietnam were long after the January '69 Battle, I was amazed to learn,

first hand, from this quiet unassuming man, the heroic roll he was involved in during and after that battle. I remember going to the Top of Pikes Peak on a

bus with Gary and my other brothers, talking all the way up and down the mountain about the experiences we all went through.

I am sadden to know the world will have one less hero, but I am glad to know I had at least the opportunity to meet and talk with an truly selfless American Patriot.

May God Bless Gary Spears and his family.

Chuck McCammon

Alpha Company, 6th Battalion 31st Infantry Vietnam 10-69/70

Gary W, Spears

October 4, 1946 - June 21, 2006

RTO, 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 6th Bn 31st Inf.

9th Inf. Div, Vietnam (Nov. '68 - Jan. '69)

Viewing was Friday evening and Saturday morning prior to the services by an Army chaplin with an Honor Guard provided by the US Army. The local VFW provided the salute. Gary was creameted.

Ron Raymond, his wife, and I attended and met his family. It felt like we already belonged as they knew of Garys involvement in the 31st Assoc. and the reunions, as well as a number of the men he served with and met over the years. They were well versed in the firefight when Gary was wounded.

His family consisted of a father and Mother, one son (in the military) and two daughters (with five grand ch8ildren), and one brother and one sister.

Flower arrangements were sent by Ron and myself on behalf of the 31st, as well as one by Chuck, Mary and Herman Spoto.

Ron and I would like to discuss at the reunion a suitable memorial for Gary.

Jim MacMaster

Sgt - Delta Co 1st Platoon 68/69

I wanted to let you know that Gary Spears funeral was well attended, as well as being represented for the 31st Regiment by Jim MacMasters and myself! The ceremony at the end was a well deserved tribute to a fellow brother and Vietnam Veteran.

The P.O. Box will also be kept open for any further late mailings of cards or letters to the Spears family.

Secondly, Mac and I were discussing the possibility of putting a DVD together at this years reunion from all of us that have known Gary over the years and record some comments which will be given later to the Spears family.

There are many more memorial options out there so if you have any ideas that we could put together please submit them or maybe they could be tossed around for a discussion in Syracuse!

Was thinking the money could be better directed to something more useful than the short time at the funeral and thrown away later!

Any ideas or comments? Give me or Jim MacMasters some feedback.

Ron Raymond

Sgt - Delta Co 1st Platoon 68/69