Sunday, February 1, 2015

Military Monday - Remembering my Uncle

My uncle, Edward Thomas Brown, Jr., passed away sometime on Friday, January 30th. I found out as I was driving to a Scout class this weekend. Not the best drive after that news and being cheerful in class wasn't happening either. We knew he was sick for a few weeks. Cancer. By the time it was discovered it had really progressed. We knew it all didn't sound good, but you never know how long you'll have after such a serious diagnosis. I did think I would have at least a little more time though. I had emailed his wife and asked what time and phone number would be good to call this Sunday. My husband, boys, and I wanted to be able to talk to him again even if the cancer kept him from being able to talk back. We never got another Sunday to say goodbye. It makes his passing even harder to deal with. We didn't call quickly enough.

I thought I transcribed this clipping before, but I couldn't find it. Either way I'm sharing it today. I don't know when or if an obituary will be published. I do know that he will be cremated and his ash will be scattered in the Pacific. Thank goodness for FindAGrave where I could at least create a virtual memorial.

"Ensign Edward T. Brown

Ensign Brown Navy Aviator

Ensign Edward T. Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Brown, 576 West Green street, this city, recently was designated a naval aviator and received his 'wings of gold' at the U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station, New Iberia, La.

He now is serving aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet, with its home port at San Diego, Calif.

During his training, he gained ground and flight experience that fully qualified him for all-weather flying and primary anti-submarine missions, and completed carrier landing qualifications aboard the anti-submarine warfare support aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington, in the Gulf of Mexico.

Ensign Brown, whose father is assistant principal at the H. F. Grebey Junior High School, was graduated from the University of Scranton and entered the service in June, 1962. he is an alumnus of Hazleton high School, class of 1958."