Branching Out - In Loving Memory of Dad - Break Sails

"Break Sails"

Stuck in a nasty frame? Break free here

(added 20 June 2000)

Dad was a military man or rather, a patriotic man. With every fiber of his being, he loved this country and all she stands for. Old Glory proudly flew (and still flies) from the front porch. Hats were removed during our National Anthem. Anguish crossed his rugged face whenever our troops were called to action.

In 1996, my youngest brother, James, was stationed at Corry Station Pensacola. At the time, he and his family were moving from one residence to another. They were cleaning the house when James' division chief appeared in his dress whites with the news. Upon hearing of Dad's passing, James collapsed. Formalities required he go to the office to fill out emergency leave and hardship flight papers which the command master chief needed to approve. Thursday morning James went to pick up his plane tickets and was requested to see the captain at quarterdeck. In addition to his captain, the captain of NAS Pensacola, the Commanding Officer of the NAS and Vice Admiral Patricia A. Tracey were present. Extending her hand, Vice Admiral Tracey said, "I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Your father was a good man; he deserves this. Please pass this on to your mother." Completely baffled, James asked for permission to speak. After it was granted he asked, "How or why do you know about my father?" The Vice Admiral replied, "All I can say is that he was a good man and deserves this; his record speaks for itself."

To the best of my knowledge, Dad was a lowly grunt in the US Army from 1964 to 1966. He wasn't career military and I've been unable to discover anything out of the ordinary regarding his stint with Uncle Sam. That is what makes this incredible honor posthumously bestowed upon him so remarkable and so mysterious.

Commendation for John Henry Stary

Navy Commendation Medal

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