Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your CVSG-57 Reunion Mail PO is pretty down this bright, clear Sunday after learning about the sudden death of Cdr. Geary Martin. I am so glad that he shared a story with us before his passing. Cdr. Martin of course was one of those heroes in sweaty flight suits, that I so looked up to in my youth. We made Hornet's 67 Westpac together but he was a senior officer, and I just a lowly flight deck grubbie, so I never really knew him. I met him person to person at the Hospitality Suite at the Motel in Alameda where we held our first CAG-57 Reunion. Capt. Klapka and he had driven up from San Diego for our get-together. I found him very personable, easy to talk to, friendly, and a great gentleman. He was on my Aircraft Pic of the Day list after that, and found out about my interest in WWII and my collection of artifacts from that war. Without me asking he sent me some items that he had had for many years and some of considerable value....gratis. I will always be grateful to him for that. He missed the Reunion at North Island, already having planned a trip with his wife, and I missed seeing him and was hoping to be able to thank him personally for what he did for me at the reunion in Pensacola. Alas that's not going to happen. It sounds a little trite but I WAS shocked and saddened to hear of his untimely death yesterday. He was a great man and a great pilot, and will be missed by many including yours truly. I only hope it was a quick and easy death. My deepest condolences to his wife and family. Go in Peace Cdr. It was an honor to serve with you. I hope to see you again in that big Ready Room in the hereafter. I'll be the little short Irishman asleep on the floor in the back.

Having said all that, and in times of sadness, I always find comfort in old memories