Wednesday, October 31, 2007
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tom Meskill. Late 1967, I was completing my fourth year of active duty as a hospital corpsman with the US Marines. I had completed a tour in Viet Nam and was scheduled for discharge May of 68. At that time I was a New Britain native and Tom was serving in Congress. I had written to his office seeking his assistance in being granted an early discharge to begin college (CCSU), and have never forgotten how aggressively he worked to obtain my release. Consequently, in December of 67,I was called before my Commanding Officer (Cherry Point Marine Air Wing) and was informed that while the Navy Department would not approve my release (I requested 12 days more than the Navy allows), "my congressman had made so many waves on my behalf", that I'm sure as an effort to quiet things down,I was being transferred to San Juan (Puerto Rico) Naval base to serve the remainder of my enlistment. This was considered choice duty. I will never forget Tom’s effort on my behalf. Certainly, during the late 60’s, he had many larger issues to deal with. In my mind, it truly gives evidence to the kind of man he was.
