Barry has a deep love for his family and moved back toFloridato be close to his son and the grandchildren.  He is so proud of Matt as a person and father and for the tremendous inner strength and integrity shown during adversity.  He dearly loves his grandchildren and did his best to keep up with them (except for texting – never).  Barry also enjoyed making new friends and giving a helping hand (or was it harassing) to his neighbors whenever he could.  

 

Barry was passionate about the men he served with inViet Nam– his Fox 2/7 brothers. Viet Namwas a life changing event for Barry and a driving force that encouraged him to make it his mission to locate every marine who served with him or in the same company inViet Nam.  Out of approximately 1500 men, he and other Foxes managed to locate about 600 Fox brothers to date.  Barry enjoyed seeing men reunite, some after 30-40 years, and hearing the stories they shared.  This naturally led to Barry host the first Fox 2/7 reunion in 1999 and to host a reunion every two years since.  He was always proud to see old wounds healed/softened and the delight of family members hearing the stories and seeing the photos or memorabilia for the first time.  I’m sure Barry’s spirit will be at the 2013 reunion inCharleston.

 

As historian for his company, he was committed to researching the day to day history and gathering information needed for Foxes to apply for earned Veterans benefits.  (He was often like a pit bull in getting someone to just start the process.)  His research enabled others to “fill in the blanks” on the service of a son, friend, or loved one, and also connect them with Foxes who might have know the person.  Barry was proud of his service to his country during a time when many Americans were not and did not afford aViet Namveteran the “welcome home” they deserved.  Barry made sure “Welcome Home” was said loud and clear at each reunion and whenever he saw aViet Namveteran.

 

On our trip back to Viet Nam, the first “hike” we took was to climb MarbleMountainoutside of Danang.  The climb was called 1000 steps to heaven and Barry almost made to the top.  Well, guess what, Barry has now climbed that 1000th step and is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I look forward to climbing that last step as well one day.  WELCOME HOME, BARRY.

Jean