In
Memoriam
We'd
like to take the time here to remember Military Atheists
and Secular Humanist - Ft. Liberty members who have died,
to make sure they and their service is not forgotten!
Gary
Alan Guillen
Mar 19, 1951 - Apr 10, 2014
 Gary
A. Guillen unexpectedly passed away at the Cape Fear Valley
Medical Center on April 10, 2014 at the age of 63. Born
in Wyoming on March 19, 1951, Gary grew up to serve in the
United States Army in the Vietnam War as an Airborne paratrooper.
Gary's dates of service are listed as 1969-1971 and from
1973-1978 (thank you FFRF.)
 While
serving with the 3rd Battalion 37th Field Artillery unit
in Germany in November of 1976 at Darmstadt Hesse, Gary
was inducted into the Sergeant Morales Club. The Sergeant
Morales Club (SMC) was established in 1973 by Lt.
Gen. George S. Blanchard to promote the highest ideals
of integrity, professionalism and leadership for the enlisted
force serving in Europe. SMC members exemplify a special
kind of leadership characterized by a personal concern
for the needs, training, development and welfare of Soldiers.
SMC membership recognizes and rewards distinguished NCOs
whose leadership achievements merit special recognition
and who have contributed significantly to developing a
professional NCO Corps and a combat-effective Army.
Not
much more is known about Gary's personal life. We honored
his passing during our Memorial Day cookout (May
26, 2014.) He was an active member of our local group
and a long time member of the national Freedom From Religion
Foundation. Gary was soft-spoken, but one who added his
unique perspective to our events and discussions. There
was no obituary listed, and some of Gary's fellow MASH members
reminisced during our Memorial Day event to honor his memory:
"Due
to Gary's health, he was only able to spend limited time
with us, but we were always glad to see him. We adjusted
our meetings so he could spend the maximum amount of time
with us. We will miss his quiet, serene presence at our
events. While he didn't talk much, he was a pleasure to
have around. About a year ago, he had gotten a new black
pick-up truck that he was thrilled with, and he really enjoyed
showing it to my husband Paul." Brenda
Germain, MASH Fort Bragg President
"I
was always impressed with Gary's determination to remain
involved in MASH despite his health issues. It was such
a task for him to bring his O2 tank and timing his arrival
so he wouldn't run out of oxygen during our meetings." Robyn,
MASH Member.
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