[Original Message]
> From: John Van Nortwick
> To:
> Date: 3/5/2004 7:27:23 PM
> Subject: Fw: Major Donald Joseph Reilly
>
> JD, I got this message today from Chris Brigman in Albuquerque. Could
> you post it on Notams. I still am unable to do so. Thanks, John
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "chris brigman"
> To: "John Van Nortwick"
> Sent: Friday, March 05, 2004 5:07 PM
> Subject: Major Donald Joseph Reilly
>
>
> Greetings John,
>
> Many thanks for speaking with me today.
>
> I am in possession of an ID bracelet that belonged to Major Donald
> Joseph Reilly, KIA Vietnam 65/12/09. I would like to return this
> bracelet to
Major
> Reilly¹s family, if they can be located.
>
> Information about Donald Reilly is currently posted at the USMC
> /Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association Web site:
>
> https://www.popasmoke.com/kia/incidents.php?incident_id=39
>
> Here is some background:
>
> Major Reilly gave me the bracelet as a gift when I was a young child.
> His family and mine were neighbors in California in the early O60s. My
> father, an Army Major, and Don were friends. My dad left for Vietnam
> several
months
> before Don did, and in his absence, Don became kind of father figure
> to
many
> of the kids who lived in the neighborhood. I remember him helping me
> fly a toy wooden airplane.
>
> Prior to leaving for Vietnam, Don gave me his silver ID bracelet, the
> kind with chain links and a clasp for a name inscription. ³Don Reilly,
> Lt.
USMC²
> is written on the inside, and brass aviator¹s wings are attached to
> the outside. I don¹t think it had much monetary value, but Don knew
> how impressive the wings were, especially in the eyes of a kid like
> me, who in all senses looked up to him.
>
> My father returned from combat, while Don did not. By this time our
> respective families had fallen out of touch.
>
> My parents have since passed away, and I have adult children of my
> own. Recently, I¹ve thought about Don¹s children and even grand
> children.
Having
> his bracelet might represent some small connection to him and their
> own heritage. If so, I¹d like to return it to them in some appropriate
> way.
The
> last thing I want to do is intrude on the lives of people who have
> already lost so much.
>
> If the helicopter association could help establish contact with Major
> Reilly¹s family, possibly through a third party, I would be grateful.
>
> Sincere thanks,
>
> Chris Brigman
> 9404 Camino Del Sol NE
> Albuquerque, NM 87111
> (h) 505-857-9191 cdbrig@comcast.net
> (w) 505-667-0862 cbrigman@lanl.gov
>
>