Xgrunt has left the field [Archive] - The Patriot Files Forums

Tamaroa

08-11-2003, 06:09 AM

is the term we use in the Coast Guard to report on someone's death for whom we have respect. I would like to pass on my condolences to Frank's family and friends. He is one who has defintely crossed over the bar.

CROSSING THE BAR (Alfred Lord Tennyson)

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

Regards,

Bill

thedrifter

08-11-2003, 06:13 AM

May He Rest In Peace......

AND WHEN HE GOES TO HEAVEN.......

TO ST. PETER HE WILL TELL, ........

ONE MORE SOLIDER REPORTING SIR....

I SERVED MY TIME IN HELL......

Sempers,

Roger

revwardoc

08-11-2003, 06:26 AM

When he reaches the "Pearly Gates" in his full dress uniform, I'm sure St. Peter will salute him.

Let the bugle play "Taps", let the flag be folded, and let us all raise our glasses to his memory.

DMZ-LT

08-11-2003, 06:32 AM

Frank was my friend , fellow Harley rider and burn advisor but most of all he was my brother. I have numbed my soul because the pain is to much now and the tears won't stop.He was so proud to be a Psyco Vet and to know y'all on this site and be part of the site. Arrow he loved you and lit up like a little kid when he talked to you. I am in shock. I have seen a a lot of death and shook deaths hand a time or two but this has rocked me to my soul.Frank served with the 101st in Vietnam and although we didn't know each other then we were within a few miles of each other in 1971 , in I Corp.. Keep watching my 6 Frank , I need the help.Rendezvous with destiny brother ,you will always be alive in my heart. :( This one is for you :xx:

Boats

08-11-2003, 06:55 AM

xGrunt,

You will be missed and your passing is a great loss to us all. I respectfully send my condolences to your firends and family and to all those who got a chance to know you.

The salute from us is our last good by until we all meet again in the here after. Rest friend and be at peace.

Seascamp

08-11-2003, 07:52 AM

Fair seas and safe ports Frank.

Scamp

Packo

08-11-2003, 08:06 AM

I must have missed this earlier. I am so sorry to hear this. Deb and I will say a prayer for him. His loss will be felt by all of us here and by those who knew him personally.

Here's too you, XGrunt! Look up my dad.....he'll help you get checked in.

Packo

DMZ-LT

08-11-2003, 08:25 AM

No word on where or when for the funeral yet. Franks Dad and Mom 's address is MR. and MRS. Frank M Skokan 1320 Hicks Store Road. Tallassee , AL 36078.. Frank's father was a POW in WW II. Frank loved them , a lot , and took almost daily care of them. His Dad is a good hugger. I'll give him a collective hug from all of us at the funeral. Gimp , once I shared your raging asian red neck cajun tenderloin recipe with Frank I think that's all he ate for the last 6 months He is probably up there riding his Harley on some winding road , eating a tenderloin sandwitch , loving his new unburned skin and laughing at me and these %&** tears that won't stop.

blues clues

08-11-2003, 10:06 AM

His passing is a great sadness in my heart he,s walking point for all of us now take care friend.
razz

1CAVCCO15MED

08-11-2003, 10:25 AM

I am sorry to hear about Frank. Please let us know where to send flowers.

SuperScout

08-11-2003, 10:26 AM

Getting caught up with news, and this was the first I read back on this site. While I mourn with the rest of my borthers and sisters here, I also rejoice in the knowledge of X's triumphant entry through the Pearly Gates of Paradise, proudly serving as our point man. He truly has been Welcomed Home!!

Scouts Out!!
Brice

Hoyin

08-11-2003, 10:31 AM

I must have missed this as well. I am so sorry to hear. I'll miss him.

Andy

08-11-2003, 10:53 AM

You beat me across the River Styx. Why the hell did you do that? Now who am I going to talk about Dr. Hunter Thompson? Remember Thompson said, ?I can?t recommend it for everyone but I?ve make it though life on sex, violence drugs and insanity?? Well, I guess it?s not how long you live but how you live. You could have made it to 80 but then again you would have looked like hell in adult diapers.

I?m mad at you. We didn?t meet in Georgia last spring and now their going to play taps before I get down south again. You were going to buy the first round but don?t think your getting out of that promise. I will see you by the by and I?m going to collect.

You?ve left a void within your family. You?ve left a void with your friends and I?d be pleased and proud to think I number among the the friends. You might think a December trip to Massachusetts is now out of the question but your wrong.
A part of you is here with me and will stay with me forever. We?ll have a conversation about the heat in the summer and we?ll talk the next time ?we? shovel the snow.

I've been listening to "Knocking On Heaven's Door", "Bad Moon Rising" and "Sweet Home Alabama". Guessing you would approve of that.

So long for now baby saun. May you have made it to heaven an hour before the devil knew you died. May the pain be gone forever. And if there are 72 virgins waiting in heaven, save me a couple that don?t look like Janet Reno.

Lest we forget,
Andy

lcpd24

08-11-2003, 11:50 AM

This is for Frank,who helped me thru some rough times back on the History Channells site.
My you rest in everlasting peace

Upon these fading eyes stands the image of names cut into this cold black stone of honor.

Upon these fading eyes is the image of young boys who went to war so very long ago

with a spring in their step and heads held high.

Upon these fading eyes are the faces of lost friends who gave their all in a war not of

they?re making so very long ago.

Upon these fading eyes is the sorrow of tears that flow from a heart that was as cold

as this black stone.

Upon these fading eyes is the image of soldiers as they file by on one last patrol.

For we shall all march in that last patrol to the gates of Heaven in the memory of all those who stand in our place in fields of war far from home.

by Guy Franks

White Oak

08-11-2003, 12:22 PM

All I am able to tell everyone this morning is Frank will be buried at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery,Fort Mitchell,Ala Friday.Fort Mitchell is south of Phenix City,AL and Columbus,GA. Frank had a heart attack in his sleep and never woke up.He looked like he was sleeping.I have lost my friend and brother,thanks for all the kinds words about him, say a prayer for his Father and Mother,Danny

Arrow

08-11-2003, 12:40 PM

Frank, I love you brother. I know you loved me. Thank you for being my friend. I'll keep your words and remember your love for music, books, a quiet life and your love of the ride.

You were the first to tell me I had as much right on the Veterans site as anyone else. You really didn't care what others thought. And you called me one day and told me not to back down when I felt something strongly. That I wasn't to be intimated by anyone. You are all so the first to say to me on the Veterans Site that there were some names not on the Wall that deserved equal recognition.

Frank you walked me through one of the darkest periods of my life. Calling me and checking on me and telling me what you were cooking just so I would take an interest in food. You were never harsh with me but you always told me the truth. There is no way that I can ever forget that time and what you did for me brother.

I laugh about all the times you called and read me your bumper stickers just to get me to laugh. You got busy with other things to do. I didn't hear from youagain until Griz got sick.When Griz got sick you wrote me and told me he was in your thoughts and you were hoping for the best. You wanted to see Kati with her daddy. And you told me "I got your slack Sis." I hope you know how much that meant to me. To know you were backing us up.

I am so thankful that I was able to help you with your computerand got to wish you Happy Birthday once more. You told me you wanted to keep your word about that October ride we were going to have a couple years ago but something happened and it didn't work out.

I was petrified to think about getting on the back of a bike again. I haven't been on one exceptwith my son since I was a kid.My son took me around the block and I said "That's it for me buddy". I wouldn't have told you no though for the world. I told you if you made it that you would be only one of two that had. Bit's being the other. It took Bit's almost three years to keep his word to me. But he made it. It looks like we won't make it this October but I know there has to be Harley's in heaven and October'scause it's one of my two favorite months. I'll catchup with you there. :a:

I'm smiling now about you telling me you were coming to take this old lady for a ride...and "when I lean...don't lean Sis...sit straight up...or we will wind up some place we don't want to be..." "Ok brother..you won't have to tell me twice..."

This is killing me brother but I'm going to keep your words. "Go walk Sis...and don't put your head down, look at the trees and the flowers...think on the good things..."

Peace to your heart now dear brother...

I'll see you on the other side....

Your Sis....

Arrow:a:

MORTARDUDE

08-11-2003, 12:50 PM

Band of Brothers

This day is called the feast of Crispins;
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispin.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbors,
And say, These wounds I had on Crispin's day.
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names
Familiar in their mouths as household words,
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Glouster,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remembered.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall never go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered,
We few, we happyfew, we Band of Brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he never so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap while any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
~
William Shakespeare - Henry V

Gimpy

08-11-2003, 02:21 PM

For my friend, Frank.

*******************************
Heroes

The night is dark and deep like the Wall...rows upon rows of names glow in the light of a crescent moon, like webs of frost... Faces appear then fade like ghosts... so young...so young we all were... tears fall in a silent rain and my heart lies cold within my chest. I hear you say we are the heroes... and I want to say... No my brothers...you are the heroes... We all stood proud and tall and some had to fall... For us, the battles are over but you still fight on... Yes, you there in the wheelchair... And you my brother who dreads the coming of sleep... and you my friend who will never again see the stars bright and sharp in the sky... or you, old warrior who cannot hear the silver bell giggles of a granddaughter... and you sister, who comforted us, cried and prayed for us... Stand tall my friends...my brothers... my sisters... cry if you need...but be aware that it is you who are the heroes, for you continue to fight for us, as we did for you... And one day, when your battles are won, we will meet again... and the heavens will rock with the joy of it all.

copyright, ewrichardson, 2002
***************************************
I got your PM Lil Sis----I just can't talk right now. Gimmie a few days and maybe I can give you a call. Till then, God Bless.

ArtySgt

08-11-2003, 02:41 PM

My deepest condolences and sympathy for the family, god bless Frank and take him into his loving arms.

PHO127

08-11-2003, 04:00 PM

Unfortunately, John and I will have to cancel our visit to you as we will be going to say goodby to Frank. Frank was so worried about me that he called last Friday to see how I was doing. He was so proud to have been a psyco vet. Frank gave us the psyco vet phrase "Heavily Medicated For Your Protection" I asked him if I could use it on the Psyco Vets Stuff and he was so proud to have contributed it. Frank helped John like nobody else could have with his burns. I have a new psyco vets tee for him to wear while cruising on his Harley. I'll see you on Friday brother.

Before I leave for the funeral on Friday I will copy all of the posts here and give them to his Mom and Dad.

Danny, I want to thank you for being Franks best friend, LT and I will see you on Friday.

Sid

sn-e3

08-11-2003, 04:40 PM

I'm so very sorry to hear about the passing of our brother Frank. may he sleep in peace.

Arrow

08-11-2003, 05:26 PM

Danny,

I too would like to say thank you to you and Sandy for your friendship to Frank. He always spoke with love and concern and respect for you both. Thank you for letting us know that he just went to sleep and had no pain. That is such a comfort to all of our hearts. Your request for prayers for his Mother and Fatherwill be rememberd by all of us. I put my cell phone in a pm to you. If youandSandy ever feel the need totalkfeel free to call me anytime.Please know that all of us that can not come will be standing with you all inSpirit.I am very sad that I can not be there.You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.:a:

Beau

08-11-2003, 05:29 PM

I did not commune with Frank but then, we must've looked at the same stars on a night or two up in I Corps .... I suspect that at some time during his last night, he willingly left this earth plane at someone's dream invite, or visit. Beau

from: Intimations of Imortality

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star, 60
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come 65
From God, who is our home:

Arrow

08-11-2003, 05:40 PM

Thank you Sid and John forloving my friend and brother and standing in the gap for all of us. It is a great comfort to me. Thank youfrom my heart. I will never forget it. :a:

MORTARDUDE

08-11-2003, 06:02 PM

Billy Joel

Goodnight Saigon

We met as soul mates on Parris Island
We left as inmates from an asylum
And we were sharp, as sharp as knives
And we were so gung ho to lay down our lives

We came in spastic like tameless horses
We left in plastic, as numbered corpses
And we learned fast to travel light
Our arms were heavy, but our bellies were tight

We had no home front, we had no soft soap
They sent us Playboy, they gave us Bob Hope
We dug in deep and shot on sight
And prayed to Jesus Christ with all our might

We had no cameras to shoot the landscape
We passed the hash pipe and played our Doors tapes
And it was dark, so dark at night
And we held on to each other like brother to brother
We promised our mothers we'd write

And we would all go down together
We said we'd all go down together
Yes we would all go down together

Remember Charlie, remember Baker
They left their childhood on every acre
And who was wrong? And who was right?
It didn't matter in the thick of the fight

We held the day in the palm of our hands
They ruled the night and the night
Seemed to last as long as six weeks On Parris Island
we held the coastline they held the highlands

And they were sharp as sharp as knives
They heard the hum of our motors
They counted the rotors
And waited for us to arrive

And we would all go down together
We said we'd all go down together
Yes we would all go down together

frisco-kid

08-11-2003, 07:06 PM

When Arrow called my house last night to tell Kath and I about Frank's passing, I was stunned. I immediately felt a definate loss. Like alot of us on here, I've known Frank for several years from the History Channel site. We were not only comrades in arms with VN as a common bond, but we were Brother Screaming Eagles. Since our time spent with the 101st Airborne Division was seperated in time by 5yrs., I didn't know Frank in VN. I didn't have to. The fact that we were both 101st Troopers made us Brothers for all time. Whenever I have that mental picture of all those inverted rifles with a helmet resting on them representing our fallen Brothers, I will know that there is now another one representing Frank. May God hold you in the palm of His hand, Frank.

"RENDEZVOUS WITH DESTINY," BRO!

sfc_darrel

08-11-2003, 07:45 PM

While we never met in person we will miss him. I also made the Army my career. My father also served in WWII and was a POW.
Know that while he went too soon that he had a positive impact on others.
SFC Darrel Miller, US Army Ret.

1CAVCCO15MED

08-11-2003, 09:34 PM

It is so hard to talk about Frank. I got the honor of meeting him at the Psycovets South Campout. He was an outstanding guy. He had told me he was going to come up here and visit me but he never did get to do it. His picture from Vietnam has affected me a lot. He looks too young to shave, too young to be there, but his eyes said it all. Our country took this kid and sent him over there and he not only survived, he prevailed. But those eyes, he still had them in Georgia. He gave his youth for his country and then he gave his old age. And the thing about it, the really amazing thing about it, is he did not regret it. He had his friends and his Harley and that was plenty enough for him. He was burned horribly after he came home. To him it was just something that happened. It was no better and no worse than Vietnam. It just happened and then he was back to what he loved, his friends and his Harley. He had what a lot of guys here have: a modesty about all he had been through. It was no big deal to him to have been through hell twice. It just made an amusing story. There was no regret, no self-pity. I think it shows the great mercy of God to have him die in his sleep. Finally, it really was no big deal. I know somewhere in heaven there is this kid that hasn't shaved yet. And you know, that look in his eyes will be gone. He'll be just that kid, riding his Harley. One thing that will not change is that big, rolling laugh. Frank, it has been my great honor to have met you and to have you for a friend. Fred Deakins

White Oak

08-11-2003, 09:43 PM

Here is the last info I have, Frank is at Jeffcoat Funeral Home, 255 Friendship Road, Tallassee,AL 36078. Visitation is Thursday afternoon 6-8?,Funeral service at Fort Mitchell is also unknown at this time.(Frank's sister is coming in from MI tomorrow morning and she will make all the the decisions about times,Franks parents are just getting by and waiting for her to show up and turn it all over to her)The family has asked me to have Frank's friends serve as pallbearers,I need 5 veterans to help me carry my brother at Fort Mitchell,Danny

DMZ-LT

08-12-2003, 06:12 AM

Danny you only need 3 now - count Sid and I in. It would be an honor.

Gimpy

08-12-2003, 07:58 AM

Make that only two you need now. It's only about a 6 or 7 hour drive from Tampa to Columbus----I think I can handle that---just get me directions from Columbus to Ft. Mitchell. It would be an honor & a privilege to serve my brother one last time.

SEATJERKER

08-12-2003, 08:42 AM

..."you'll forever be in our hearts",...

...... Frank, I was set back so far after reading the initial post regarding your passing, I couldn't respond,...

...... I never met you in person, and yet through your responses during these last three years on these forums, I found you to be the consummate Veteran.

......I will always remember you as that free spirit, kicked back on your iron horse, strong, yet gentle, available upon demand for righteousness, very few will ever be woven from equivalent threads.

......May you ride on heaven's softail forever,
......Your fatbobs always full,

......Thank you for serving your Country, and your fellow man, You will always be our Brother,...

"He who understands you is greater kin to you then your own brother,
For even your own kindred may neither understand you, or know your true worth"

...Wind in your face, sun at your back, ride on forever Bro, you earned it...

...Curtis...

Arrow

08-12-2003, 09:09 AM

Danny,

When I went to sleep last night I knew that Sid and John would be two that would be there for you. I'm praying for the other three.

When you put up the address of the funeral home where Frank is waiting on his friends to come and see him I thought it fitting that he should be waiting on Friendship Road. Frank was so excited about his new computer and called and wanted to know how to cut and paste. I started to tell him over the phone and he said "No, don't tell me now, pm me because I'll forget what you said. I need to print it out."

It touched my heart that two of the post that he chose to cut and paste were in regard to what was being done to his brothers in respect to health care. And the reminder of those that we were losing daily in Iraq. And that was another side to Frank. He had his eyes wide open all the time. And his heart always turned to the welfare of his brothers and sisters.

Iput up a song on his birthday thread and he wanted some of my music sites that I go to and I sent them to him. He was so excited because one of them has lyrics that go back to the thirties. He went in and was finding songs he had forgotten about that he listened to in high school. He was like a little kid going from song to song reading the lyrics.

That was Frank, just like Fred wrote the simple things in life were a joy to him. He had been through hell twice and he knew for sure and for certain what was important in this life.

As you know he loved his books and the Librarian knew who Frank Skokan was. Vietnam hurt his heart and when he came home he went through a lot of changes looking for answers. Butthen he found a group to go to and begin tounderstand his brothers were going through the same changes.He could put a name to what he was experiencing PTSD. He begin to find who he was again before he went to Vietnam. He found answers in regard to who he was and begin to understand the things his Dad went through. He told me he was so very happy that he had found those answers and was able to be there for his Mother and Father at this time in his life.

I want you to know that Griz is on the road traveling back to Washington State but he has asked me to tell all of Franks brothers that have had time with him that you are on his heart and in his prayers. His heart was very sad to hear this news. My prayers are with you and Sandy as you walk this very sad path that destiny has chosen for the both of you. Sis

Arrow

08-12-2003, 09:47 AM

Gimpy thank you. It is a comfort to my heart to know that you will be with them. :a:

DMZ-LT

08-12-2003, 12:37 PM

I am going with my daughter tomorrow to "see" my first grandchild through an ultrasound and then Friday I am going to bury my friend. I can't hardly stop crying. It's been a couple of hard days to rejoice Kieth. :cd:

Arrow

08-12-2003, 01:22 PM

Our brother is always going to be with us just get quiet and you are going to hear his laughter, his voice, and see his smile, hear his words of encouragement. You're going to be closer to him now than ever before, it's not going to take a two hour drive to be close to him. We put his body to rest out of respect but he is going togo right back up the road to Atlanta with you. If you don't believe me play some of his music going home. You'll see. He can only be gone if we forget him which is never going to happen. It's ok to cry I have been doing it all morning but we can't be selfish now.

He's riding free. :a:

Arrow

08-12-2003, 01:32 PM

This is for our brother...he lived out this song...touching our lives with comfort and encouragement....

Lean On Me

<DIV class=usual></DIV>

<DIV class=usual>Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Lean on me?</DIV>

http://pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/emoticons3/HORSE2.GIF

Drywall

08-12-2003, 01:44 PM

I just now saw this sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to Franks family. I've stood at many a vets funeral as a member of an Honor Guard. And although I didn't know Frank personally, none would make me prouder than to stand up for x-grunt. Hand salute x-grunt, safe journey home.

MORTARDUDE

08-12-2003, 01:44 PM

He Ain't Heavy

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go
His welfare is my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

Bridge:
If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with gladness
And love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, He's my brother

Arrow

08-12-2003, 01:55 PM

One ofthe songs that got him and I talkingwhen I first posted it on the old site....

Long As ICan See The Light(J.C. Fogerty)

PHO127

08-12-2003, 02:15 PM

Danny, Psyco Fred from Brunswick Ga would like to be a pall bearer. He is on the road right now and will be back in Brunswick this evening.

ArtySgt

08-12-2003, 02:19 PM

Sid and John, I understand completely. Go and say goodby to XGRUNT and please extend my deepest sympathy to the Family.

catman

08-12-2003, 05:19 PM

Have been kinda out of touch with things on the site lately and just popped on. Can not believe this has happened.

Frank, old friend, we never met face to face or even spoke words without a keyboard, your advise and wisdom has helped me through many a long lonely night. Your mission here is complete and the journey has ended now go home my brother, rest easy my friend, Godspeed!

Travis

grasshopper

08-12-2003, 05:30 PM

XGrunt was one of the 1st people to welcome me here when I joined last fall.
:( He is in a better place now but I know you will all miss him very much.

Take care everyone,

Susan

1CAVCCO15MED

08-12-2003, 06:19 PM

You can also call your local florist and they will wire flowers if you give them the address of the funeral home and who it is for. I did that.

White Oak

08-12-2003, 07:11 PM

The latest info is,Visitation from 6-8 pm Thursday in Tallassee,services at Fort Mitchell 11 am AL time,12 am GA time,PLEASE note Fort Mitchell,AL is on GA time(I don't know why)I now have all the pall bearers I need,thanks brothers.

chilidog

08-12-2003, 08:31 PM

I am so sorry to see this. May God bring peace and comfort to Frank's family.

Chilidog

DMZ-LT

08-13-2003, 06:12 AM

Going to the visitation Thursday. Got to give him some stuff to take on his journey. Sid is giving him a Psyco shirt and I am giving him a POW / MIA skull cap to wear when he goes riding. Will give many hugs to his Mom and Dad and Danny from all of us.

SEATJERKER

08-13-2003, 08:22 AM

...will bring me back, to your door...

......Frank will never be gone, he's just gonna be on the perfect ride from now on,...

...smiling with June bug casings between his teeth,...

...I often thought of life here on earth as a fine line between Heaven, and Hell, The soul is subjected to many trials, and tribulations of which we are pushed over the line many times before the Father above knows that we have endured enough, and brings us home to his cradleing arms,...

...though his time on earth seemed short in terms of years, I'm sure he lived life to the fullest, and his experiences are further needed in the Heavens,...

...Take me home, down country roads,...

...Head out on the highway, lookin for adventure,
...or whatever comes my way,...

...I smile with him now as something tells me to He's "OK", and the pain is gone..............

BLUEHAWK

08-13-2003, 08:53 AM

For Frank -

"These mist covered mountains
Are a home now for me
But my home is the lowlands
And always will be
Today you returned to
Your valleys and your farms
And you no longer burned
To be brothers in arms

Through these fields of destruction
Baptisms of fire
I've watched all your suffering
As the battles raged higher
And though they did not hurt me so bad
In the fear and alarm
You did not desert me
My brother in arms

There's so many different worlds
So many different suns
And we have just one world
But we live in different ones

Now the sun's gone to hell
And the moon's riding high
Let me bid you farewell
Every man has to die
But it's written in the starlight
And every line on our palms
We're fools to make war
On our brothers in arms."

Dire Straits

the tears of God...

nang

08-13-2003, 03:50 PM

My prayers are with all that are hurting and missing this brave soldier. God Bless you X-grunt!
I'm sure God has already opened his arms and said
"Welcome Home"

White Oak

08-13-2003, 08:54 PM

Everything same as last post,Sis arrived today and I know at is going on,she cool.His mother wanted him a suit but he wanted his black T shirt and vest,today he got his wish,photo is "Torch's"favorite past time.

VIETNAM 1968

08-14-2003, 12:23 PM

Well X-Grunt. My heart is VERY HEAVY with the news of your SUDDEN PASSING. I just know that you are on your way to a FAR BETTER PLACE that is free from any form of pain and suffering. You have now completed your LAST PATROL in life and can thus look forward to an eternal R&R with the rest of our BROTHERS and SISTERS who have gone on before you. One last thing. When you arrive at that R&R Location in Heaven, please put in a good word for me. I will definitely need it.

While we never met in person, I derived much pleasure from your entries into this Forum. In fact you enriched many of us with your input into many different topics. YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED by all the rest of us that you left behind. Sleep in eternal slumber my BROTHER. I know you are IN HEAVEN NOW as you have ALREADY SPENT YOUR TIME IN HELL we all called VIETNAM.

When my own life's mission has been completed, and I have taken that very last breath, I hope to be able to meet up with you and my Buddy, HM3 Alan R. Gerrish. You two can then show the NEWBY all the ropes and where to bunk for eternity.

Until that time does come: REST IN PEACE. YOU MAY BE GONE; BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN:

VIETNAM 1968

MORTARDUDE

08-14-2003, 12:52 PM

Frank's profile from www.veterans.com :

First Name: Frank W
Last Name: Skokan
City: Tallassee
State: AL
Country: U.S.A.
Total Posts: 405
Birthyear: 1951
Nickname: None
Hometown City: Atlanta
Hometown State: GA
Service Year From: 1969
Service Year To: 1972
Rank: Sgt E-5
Honors/Medals: Combat Infantrymans Badge

Bronze Star
Air Medal
Viet Nam Service Medal
Viet Nam Camp Ribbon
NDSM

War: Vietnam

Branch of Service: Army

Service Specifics: Recon 1/501 101Abn
Recon 3/506 101Ab

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It looks like most of his posts have been deleted.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I always wanted to ask, but never did. Why did he have the 100th Division patch under his name ? Thanks.

Larry

MORTARDUDE

08-14-2003, 01:18 PM

I found a few of Frank's posts on www.veterans.com

If I am out of line posting them now...let me know, and I will get them deleted.....

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Subject Exiting Net
Posted by xgrunt71
Posted on 4/16/01 3:11:08 PM

I'll be off the net for the next couple of weeks. Going into the VA hospital re: liver problems from Hep C and PTSD. Best to all. xgrunt out.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Subject Back on line
Posted by xgrunt71
Posted on 4/28/01 7:16:45 AM
Well, after 10 days of dealing withthe Very-Asinine ( VA ), I am in about the same boat as before. There is a blood test they can run called a HCV_RNA which will let you know if the Hep C you have is the kind that destroys livers. Montgomery VA says only Tuskeegee can give them and Tuskeegee says only Montgomery can put the consult in. I've finally lost what little patience I had and am going to use my Medicare for this problem. As for my PTSD after being on a lock-down ward for 10 days with some SERIOUS loonies I said the Hell with it and came back on home. It's going to be in the 80's today and I', fixin to wash the Harley and RIDE. Your kind thoughts and prayers for me were very much appreciated and did help to stay as long as I did. It's especially hard on me as I'm single ,no kids and live by myself. That old isolation syndrome. Thought I'm not getting confused between the real world and the cyber world being able to come on line and talk to dudes and dudettes[sp] who understand where I'm coming from helps a hell of a lot. A good Saturday to you all and I"m on the FXR fixing to boogie. xgrunt

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Subject Andy
Posted by xgrunt71
Posted on 4/28/01 1:40:18 PM

Brought a book in by Carl Sagan I have wanted to read. As to the nitrous that would have helped but in the spirit of the good Doctor a container on poppers they use for agina would have definately been the Gonzo way to go. An instant brain rush that leaves you bouncing off the latrine walls and raving gibberish to the seriously disturbed inddividuals There's a thought to dwell on. Yours in Gonzodom xgrunt.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Subject Deep Thoughts
Posted by xgrunt71
Posted on 1/13/01 8:53:43 AM

We all know how we felt about the war and the military now. But think back 30 or more years and try to remember how you felt about the Green Machine , lifers and the war. If we're really honest lets see how much our attitude has changed. Speaking for myself ,I kept my CIB, and threw everything else out. If people wanted to know why I had short hair I told them I had just got out of jail. Memories change over time lets see how ours did. There is no right or wrong here just how brothers coped in a damn hard time for us all. Frank S xgrunt

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Subject exlurrp
Posted by xgrunt71
Posted on 1/13/01 11:08:55 AM

yeah, I think, that you and I have humped down some of the same trails here in the world. Still trying to make sense of it all without losing that grunt that's still inside of me. He keeps me real. Jammin to a little Canned Heat now, so I'll get back to ya later Bro. Frank

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Peace brother.

Larry

White Oak

08-14-2003, 01:24 PM

Frank kept a 100th Infantry Div patch in honor of his father who sevred in World War II and was a POW

sn-e3

08-14-2003, 04:00 PM

Thinking about Frank last night and all my friends on the net. And it dawns on me. We are all going down the same path to the same place. Someone had to take point and Frank stepped up and did it. our journey will be a safe one for we know friends will be waiting for us when we get to the other side. Until then keep going as best you can. chris

1CAVCCO15MED

08-14-2003, 04:39 PM

Frank and all those at the funeral have been on my mind all day. I wish I could have been there but I had other obligations. I think this whole community is hurting. If he only knew how much he meant to us. There have been over 1000 reads of this thread. It must be some kind of a record. The picture of him on his Harley with his beard blowing in the breeze is so great. I can just see him leaving the ground and riding up in the clouds, letting out big wahooos.

Gimpy

08-14-2003, 05:37 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with all you folks tonight at the visitation at the funeral home. Sorry I couldn't make it up there today, but I had doctors appointments at the VA all day long today. I'll be leaving here about 4:00 a.m. in the morning and I'll see y'all at the services at Fort Mitchell in the morning. Please give my apologies to Franks family. But I will be there in the morning. God bless.

MORTARDUDE

08-14-2003, 05:37 PM

I wish we could all get together in one place next year. I think it would do us all a lot of good. Before we are all dead or too sick to travel.

Larry

usmcsgt65

08-14-2003, 11:16 PM

He who served with me this day I will call brother.

Semper Fi

Arrow

08-14-2003, 11:50 PM

This life is truly likea candle in the wind...

I found peace in the middle of a tornado once that was destroying everything within my vision...

I pray for all of us to find such a peace in the middle of this storm...

Love you all...

Little Sparrow...

Andy

08-14-2003, 11:51 PM

Well, you could have almost predicted it. Frank was at a wake on Thursday. Some fine people came to pay their respects. Wish I was there but it wasn?t in the cards. At the same time up here where those Yankees live all the damn lights went out. From Detroit to New York City, from Cleveland to Hartford, everything went out. I?m just knowing Frank is looking down laughing his butt off about all this. Of course in New York could couldn?t get anywhere at all unless you were on a motorcycle. What a great prank. Can?t you hear him laughing?

Frank, thanks for letting the air conditioners continue to run at my house. Really appreciate that one. I?ll buy you a beverage when we meet later on.

God bless,
Andy
PS: Save me a seat for the Bob Hope show.
PPS: Larry, your idea of everyone getting together in one place sounds pretty good to me. Next April in the center of the country would be fine. No Frisco, Oakland is not the center of the U.S.

Keith_Hixson

08-15-2003, 12:01 AM

The good book says,

"It is appointed unto man to die once."

An airborne friend of my has this plaque in his office.

"Life is like a parachute jump,
You'd better get right the first time."

May we all make great jumps the first and only time we have at this go around.

Keith

MORTARDUDE

08-15-2003, 09:47 AM

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here a thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

MORTARDUDE

08-15-2003, 09:49 AM

Precious Memories

As I travel down life's pathway
Know not what the years may hold
As I ponder, hope grows fonder
Precious memories flood my soul

Precious father, loving mother
Glide across the lonely years
And old home's scenes of my childhood
In fond memories appears

Precious memories, how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold

MORTARDUDE

08-15-2003, 09:52 AM

IN THE GARDEN

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

I'd stay in the garden with Him
'Tho the night around me be falling
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

>>>>>>>>>>

- Words and Music by Charles Austin Miles, 1913

Miles gave the background to this beautiful hymn in his own words:

Quote:

"I read the story of the greatest morn in history. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet very dark, unto the sepulcher. Instantly, completely, there unfolded in my mind the scenes of the garden, where out of the mists comes a form, halting, hesitating, tearful, seeking, turning from side to side in bewildering amazement.
"Falteringly, bearing grief in every accent, with tear-dimmed eyes, she whispers, 'If Thou has borne Him hence.'
"He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing. He said to her "Mary!"
"Just one word and forgotten are the heartaches, the long dreary hours, all the past blotted out in His presence."

End of Quote.

DMZ-LT

08-15-2003, 03:29 PM

I gave this poem that reminded me of Frank to My daddy to put in the casket w/ him, along with an angel figurine that matches one that I have. I miss hearing your voice everyday when you called to chat & talk to daddy- I love you and will see you again! And by the way- IT"S A BOY!!! Thank you for loving this family- WE LOVE YOU!!!

Compassion is an angel
Who always gives his all,
He's there for every creature
Wheather great or wheather small.

At any time of day or night
Or any kind of storm,
He'll wrap his arms around your soul
To keep you safe and warm.

Compassion swells within a heart
When someone is in pain,
It softly beats a rhythm
So gentle and humane.

No matter if it's man or beast
Or what their tale of woe,
Compasssion with his wings outstretched
Will help the healing grow.

Compassion has a kindness
Seen in every tender act.
So when you're kind to someone else
I tell you it's a fact....
Sometime he'll be around again
For all the angel's say,
Compassion shown to others
Will be shown to you someday.

Thank you frank for being the TRUE meaning of COMPASSION!!! :a: :b:

DMZ-LT

08-15-2003, 03:39 PM

Dmz-Lt. wanted everyone to know that Frank is safely in the ground- All the flowers from all of you were beautiful & Sid printed out all the posts and gave them to his father & his father showed them off to everyone saying" Look at all the people that loved my son" !!! Daddy said he looked wonderful- He will be home tomorrow to tell ya'll all about it! Sis- daddy said he loves you & Frank loves you sooo much- never forger nor doubt! I'm gonna try to call you- I love you- Lil' LT.

Gimptster

08-15-2003, 06:48 PM

Fred(from Brunswick, GA), WhiteOak(Danny)

It was an honor and privilage to serve as pallbearer with you guys and the other "brothers" at Franks funeral today. I'll never forget the look of love in Franks fathers face as he was telling everyone about the posts that Sid copied for him and his mother. What a loving and caring family Frank had. They were all so proud of him. And for good reason---he WAS a helluva guy and a great friend.

I'm up in Atlanta at my daughters house and I'm just too worn out to come over to the American Legion Hall in Buford, GA. and have that drink with you guys, PLEASE forgive me. Even though I'd love to see you guys again tonight---I just don't know if I could handle any more cryin tonight. I'll be headin back to Tampa tomorrow afternoon after I visit with my grandkids for a while. Just wanted to let you know how much this time spent with you guys and Franks family meant to me.

May God bless and keep them--AND you guys also.

Don't worry Danny, I know it hurts, but Franks in a better place.

SEATJERKER

08-15-2003, 06:56 PM

...In the name of GOD, Amen,...

Arrow

08-15-2003, 07:35 PM

Lil LT...

Thank you again for that call. It was good to share tears and laughter with you. Frank would have loved the story of baby John letting you all know that he was very definitely of the male gender!

I'm so proud of this group of people here on PF and thebrothers that came through for their brother.

Your poem said it all Lil LT.You know the country song "Three Wooden Crosses" andpart of the chorus says:

"It's not what you take with you when you leave this world behindyou but what you leave behind you when go"

We will all do good if we leave behind what Frank left behind. A legacy of compassion and love.

I love you little mama, :a:

Sis

reeb

08-16-2003, 04:40 AM

The Former PF Members want to send their condolences to Franks family also.

I was asked to reply to this post from them.

They include:

Janie
Ken
Wazza
Dan
Susie

I hope I didnt forget anyone,

enough..........

MORTARDUDE

08-16-2003, 08:13 AM

Don't forget Ron. He is BANNED from this site by David.

Larry

DMZ-LT

08-16-2003, 11:34 AM

In the words of Ron " fuck you " Larry , JUST FUCK YOU AND THE HORSE YOU RODE IN ON . He wasn't and isn't banned from any thing. Frank was surround by flowers from WA , TN , OK , CA, TX and Fl . You were all in the room with him . Y'all ment a lot to him . I have lost a part of my heart. We have lost a brother.

grasshopper

08-16-2003, 12:16 PM

Thanks Reeb for passing on those wishes.

This IS Susan.. and I am back, with permission from David.

I have missed everyone dreadfully.... lolol even Mort... kiss kiss.

I am one who forgives and forgets and all I think 'grudges' are good for is poop paper.

I cannot nor will not speak for the rest of them.

Like I said in my prior post here on this thread, although I did not know Frank at all, he was one of the 1st people who welcomed me here and will always remain in my heart as a gentle person with a kind and giving heart.

Take care everyone.
Susan
(SweetSue, now known as ..... Grasshopper cuz I still have a lot to learn)

PHO127

08-16-2003, 12:56 PM

And still a little touchy I see, First of all I want to thank all of you on the PF that read or posted about Frank, I copied all of the posts Thursday morning before we left and gave them to Franks Dad at the viewing Thursday evening. It took me four times before I could fully explain about the posts but I finally was able to get it all out. Of all things, I think the posts from all of you had the greatest effect on them. Next I wish to thank all of you who sent flowers, Most of the flowers at the service were from members of the PF. One of the things we had to do was track down the "Flim-Flam Man" Frank had ordered a Psyco vets hat with that name for a friend of his and it was just ready a couple of days before he passed away. The Flim-Flam Man was the manager of the local bank and took care of Franks money, so we went down there as it opened Friday morning and presented him with his Psyco Vets Hat from Frank. I can't imagine what everyone thought as Danny, John and I left the bank in tears with the bank manager crying with us. We left shortly after that to go to the Vetrans Cemetary at Fort Mitchell Alabama, Just a few miles south of Fort Benning on the Alabama Side. This is where Frank was buried. We Met Gimpy and Fred from Brunswick there and we and Danny and one other of Franks bike friends were the pall bearers. John and I had talked to Franks family on Thursday about if they would sell us his Harley because we wanted to keep it in the Psyco Vets MC family, Just prior to the service Franks sister came over to us and told us that the family had decided not to sell it but they gave it to John and the Psyco Vets. We spoke to one of our friends last night at the legion and we are going to have it customized with the Psyco Vets MC logo and in memory of Frank put on it along with the 100th and 101st patches air brushed on. Any of you passing thru can take it out for a spin when we get it finished. As we left Franks burial we stopped in at Ranger Joes at Fort Benning to pick up some stickers for my truck, fittingly the place was covered in new airborne troops from a jump class that had graduated that morning. All in all it has been a long three days And as Chris said, We now have our own recon man ahead of us marking the way.

Arrow

08-16-2003, 03:15 PM

Sid between your postand LT's phone call this morning I feel at least that I have a memory to put with the last few days. You both did a wonderful job describing the events as you walked through them. It means a lot to me. John even described the wreath I had the florist design without me asking how it looked. He lives with three girls so he knows how we are about these things...

His description...."Beautiful with little green thingy's all over it." Made me smile...

Thank you Sid, LT, Steve, Danny, Fred, And Frank's biker friend for doing for us what we couldn't do in person. For comfortingFrank's family and carrying our brother to a final resting place.

Danny you are on my mind and in my prayers as is Sandy. I know it is going to be a hard way to go for you brother for a long time. You and Sandy have my phone number call any time.

Johnyou are right on target.Frank and his family were surrounded with the love of a group of people that would not have been together except for David and Bernadette and this site they have created. Frank's family was not a big family and he was a solitary man with a few close friends. We have all had our losses and weknow what it means to be remembered by friends. We did a good thing here brothers and sisters. And it was made possible by those two kids in California thathave kept us connected through this site.

Thankyou David and Bernadette from my heart. :a:

SEATJERKER

08-16-2003, 03:39 PM

...should have been there also???

DMZ-LT

08-16-2003, 03:42 PM

What sis , said. Thank you all. Sorry Larry. We are a band of brothers - this day . He will live in my heart forever and I will be consulting with him on many decisions , hopefully for awhile

MORTARDUDE

08-16-2003, 05:26 PM

Lt :

It don't mean nothing. There it is. No prob.

Take care,

Larry

MORTARDUDE

08-16-2003, 05:27 PM

Frank's favorite group....seems to have a different meaning now...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Canned Heat - Going Up The Country

I'm going up the country. Baby, don't you wanna go?
I'm going up the country. Baby, don't you wanna go?
I'm going to some place where I've never been before.

I'm going, I'm going where the water tastes like wine.
I'm going where the water tastes like wine.
We can jump in the water, stay drunk all the time

I'm gonna leave this city, got to get away.
I'm gonna leave this city, got to get away.
All this fussing and fighting, man, you know I just can't stay.

Now, Baby, pack your leaving trunk.
You know we got to leave today.
Just exactly where we going I just can not say,
But we might even leave the U.S.A.
'Cause it's a brand new game, and I want to play.

No use of you running or screaming and crying
'Cause you got a home as long as I got mine.

White Oak

08-16-2003, 06:01 PM

Words can not express the show of support and love for Frank's family in the hard times,maybe they can't say thank you but I can.Thank you so very much.Thanks to John,Sid,Steve and Fred for coming and thanks for the flowers,although I seen them I can't remember who sent what but they were all beautiful.I'm proud to be a member of this family,White Oak

DMZ-LT

08-16-2003, 06:13 PM

Resepct and joy in each others life. Thank you Danny and Sandy for all you did . Peace tonight

DMZ-LT

08-16-2003, 06:23 PM

NY flowers were there Curtis . thank you.

Arrow

08-16-2003, 06:59 PM

Dedicated to all of my family here at Patriotfiles and most of all to our brother Frank....

In Your Time

Bob Seger

In your time
The innocence will fall away

In your time
The mission bells will toll

All along
The corridors and river beds

There'll be sign
In your time

Towering waves
Will crash across your southern capes

Massive storms
Will reach your eastern shores

Fields of green
Will tumble through your summer days

By design
In your time

Feel the wind
And set yourself the bolder course

Keep your heart
As open as a shrine
You'll sail the perfect line

And after all
The dead ends and the lessons learned

After all
The stars have turned to stone

There'll be peace
Across the great unbroken void

All benign
In your time

You'll be fine
In your time

I love you all don't forget that...

Sis

SeaSoldier

08-16-2003, 08:00 PM

I am so sorry to hear about Frank. My heart will always have a piece missing now.

Steve

Keith_Hixson

08-16-2003, 09:56 PM

Now may the Lord of Peace and Comfort be with us all.
May we all find comfort in times of sorrow.
May the Grace of Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

Lord Grant Us Your Peace and Comfort at the loss of
our Brother Frank. May our memories of Frank uplift each
and everyone of us.

AMEN

frisco-kid

08-16-2003, 10:06 PM

I'm very appreciative of you taking the time during your grief to give me a call. I'm very sorry that I wasn't here when you called, but maybe that was a blessing for you, considering all of the tears that you've already shed this week.

What a tough week it's been for you, Sid, White Oak, et al, and Frank's family. Now that the hustle and bustle of making all the preparations, etc., for Franks' final farewell is over, I hope that the realization of his absence isn't too overwhelming. Frank's suffering is over, so it's time to comfort the living. I know that you will all be there for each other, as you always have been. Also remember that you have an extended family no further away than your computer or, in my case and others, the telephone. John, feel free to pass my number on to anyone back there that ever has the urge to just tell me "Hey."

I'm SO glad that my small tribute to Frank on this thread was such a LARGE comfort and source of pride to Frank's family. All of us that served as, or was attached to, the Screaming Eagles truly are a Band Of Brothers. Will talk to you soon, my Brother.

sfc_darrel

08-16-2003, 11:47 PM

I'm glad that our posts were able to be given to Frank's family.

They lost a child (age doesn't count) and that is always hard.

Now they know that even though he may have been a solitary man, he found friends that he had much in common with who cared about him.

Joy

Arrow

08-17-2003, 01:19 AM

Put a candle in the window, 'cause I feel I've got to move.Though I'm going, going, I'll be coming home soon,'Long as I can see the light.

PHO127

08-17-2003, 05:53 AM

I bought a local newspaper and cut out Franks obituary for you folks to read.

reeb

08-17-2003, 02:10 PM

Ditto from reeb on the reply from Little Sparow.

I dont know how you persons held your composure, and it took ALOT of intreginity to do that.

For that I SALUTE all of you that went., and remember just one things my friends here on PF,

What goes around comes around......... (but not at such an early life). Get my drift.? ALOT of cyber friends here, but alot of you meet each other in different places and chat and BS mainly, but, Yall done a real good deed in the eyes of the Lord of which Frank is with now.

Once again....

Thank You.......

reeb.....

Packo

08-18-2003, 07:54 AM

That all of ya'll made it to say goodbye to Frank. I really wish I could have been there for him, his family, and OUR PF family. There is nothing more comforting to a family to know and see just how many people he touched in his life. What's weird is that I don't fear death but fear Deb being there and nobody shows up to say goodbye. Silly fear......but real to me. I'm sure his family will remember this for ever and how wonderful our family here was a major part. Thanks to all for making their sorrow more comforting.

THANKS BRO'S AND SIS'S!

Airborne Frank!

Packo

phuloi

08-18-2003, 03:40 PM

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glint on snow
I am the sunLight on the ripened grain
I am the gently falling autumn rain

When you wake in the morning hush
I am the swift upLighting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight
I am the soft starLight at night
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep

-- Hopi prayer
Cannot yet gather my thoughts...Will write to Frank when I can. Love,Griz

Jerry D

08-18-2003, 10:58 PM

Very appropriate poem Griz :ae:

DMZ-LT

08-19-2003, 12:27 PM

When I woke up in the recovery room this time I had a few people standing around me asking what was wrong. Seems I was yelling No, NO , Not Frank several times before I woke up. I talked with him today.

Arrow

08-20-2003, 02:18 PM

LT,it makes me sad to see you hurting so, I pray little smiles come to you through comforting memories through the day....

Griz,sweetheart, that poemis beautiful and everything I believe to be true about those we loved and lost.Staywell my love....

Peace to all of our hearts this day...:a:

Gimpy

08-24-2003, 04:46 PM

my sound track from "We Were Soldiers Once" today and heard this. Thought about my brother Frank ---thought I'd post it for everyone, and ESPECIALLY him.

*********************************************

Mansions of the Lord
from
'We Were Soldiers'

TO FALLEN SOLDIERS, LET US SING
WHERE NO ROCKETS FLY OR BULLETS WING
OUR BROKEN BROTHERS LET US BRING
TO THE MANSIONS OF THE LORD

NO MORE BLEEDING, NO MORE FIGHT
NO PRAYERS PLEADING THROUGH THE NIGHT
JUST DEVINE EMBRACE, ETERNAL LIGHT
IN THE MANSIONS OF THE LORD

WHERE NO MOTHERS CRY AND NO CHILDREN WEEP
WE WILL STAND AND GUARD THOUGH THE ANGELS SLEEP
THROUGH THE AGES SAFELY KEEP
THE MANSIONS OF THE LORD

***************************************

Arrow

08-25-2003, 09:26 PM

Thank you brother....

SEATJERKER

08-25-2003, 09:37 PM

...Shall always remember Frank's passing as it happened on my Father's birthday,...

...I printed out a picture of him, and hung it on the wall in front of my desk from when he was in country, It's a reminder of one of America's finest...

...

DMZ-LT

09-02-2003, 07:58 AM

Spent the weekend in the mountains. Frank had brought up a big folding chair that he was real proud of to the mountains. I sat and stared at the mountains in his chair. Each arm had a drink holder in it so I had a glass of rum and coke on one side and a glass of burbon and coke in the other. We had a good talk

SuperScout

09-03-2003, 06:49 AM

Thinking of you this morning, and thought I'd share a poem I wrote in tribute to one of my men. Writing has such a healing effect for me, and I would recommend it to anyone as a potentially beautiful outlet for some feelings left bottled up, and an opportunity to share your creativity and passion with others.

EIGHTEEN YEARS LATER

Have your ever had the chance
To never say "good-bye"
To someone passing through your life
Not afraid to really try?

Have you ever longed for one more day
To find the words upspoken
To someone and his martial vows
Unsullied now, still unbroken.

Have you ever sensed the wonder
Of the Courage to toss the die
Regardless of the score that shows
Mindful of the will to try.

Have you ever had the chace
To never say "good-bye"?
Thank you, Robert Schultz,
Thank you for passing by.

Dedicated to the memory of SSG Robert Schultz, KIA in RVN on 31 January 1968, while serving in the Scout Platoon, 2-47th Inf (Mech), 9th Inf Div. SSG Schultz was awarded the DSC posthumously for extraordinary heroism.

DMZ-LT

09-03-2003, 07:06 AM

Thank you for the words that bring peace , Scout. Your words came from your heart and rang true in mine. SSG. Robert Schultz and SGT. Frank Skokan will live in our memories till we die. Thank you again - Scouts Out !

White Oak

09-09-2003, 08:41 AM

Excellent SuperScout,I couldn't have said it better.Having plenty of time in the last few weeks to think and ponder on life and what I would think is important,I took off last week and went and seen my closest buddies who served with me in Vietnam.I think is this what I needed most and do I feel so much better.Sandy and I rode over 1600 miles just to get the chance to sit down and have a meal with a two of my brothers for life.I think the passing of Frank made me understand that life is to short to put off seeing good friends.Guys who I shared everything with,guys who looked after my back,guys who I could expect to stand with me when the going got rough.I'm tired and wore out this morning but life just got a little brighter.He was my friend,he was my brother and he will be missed but as he would say"Danny,you got to keep on truckin" Rest in Peace Frank.

exlrrp

09-12-2003, 12:50 PM

Take care--see you on the other side

James

Happy just to be alive

Doc.2/47

09-15-2003, 08:17 AM

My computer has been down for quite some time and I have only just now been able to get back here.I am deeply saddened that I was unable to be here to express condolences and wish Frank Godspeed in a timely manner.He has been a friend and a comfort to many here.He's got the point.We follow.Let's look forward to standown.

usmcsgt65

10-04-2003, 11:55 AM

He who sheds his blood with me. I shall call brother.

BLUEHAWK

10-04-2003, 01:54 PM

Well and truly done Scout...

Arrow

10-10-2003, 11:56 PM

Frank...life took me around a bend in the road today...and my heart was very sad for all the lonely people in the world......

"This is to all the lonely people thinkin' that life has past them by...don't give up till you drink from that silver cup...and ride that highway in the sky...."

was on my mind...

but around that bend on that back country road there was a long rolling stretch of black top..I dipped down into a valley and then crested the top ofa hill andlooked to my left...it was about dusk...and there in all it's fall glory was a field of green with hundreds of wild flowers, deep yellow in color,scattered about...and there you were...

Thank you brother....:a:

"I won't give up til I drink from that silver cup...and ride that highway in the sky"...Sis

urbsdad6

12-29-2003, 04:16 AM

I served with Frank Skokan in Echo Recon 1/501, 101st during 1971. I got hold of him by e-mail a couple years ago. Then lost touch. I've been wondering why I've not gotten any responses to my recent e-mails. Surfing the web this early morning and my worst fears are confirmed. Trying to find him somewhere and I'm a little late and a lifetime short I was "Doc Urb" during our time in the Nam. Going through so many emotions right now I can't think quite straight. He told me about the burns he had received and I never got to ask him how he deals with all the pain, becuase I had and have been going through my own personal hell. Frank, thanks for every thing you did for me. From covering my ass to putting me in for that Soldiers Medal. I guess you thought I must have deserved it for swimming stark naked across that river to give the ol Sarge mouth to mouth and then exposing myself to the MEDEVAC crew as they dropped the jungle penetrator. I know you suffered and paid a price, but you are paid in full now brother and at rest with the Lord. Sorry I missed you before the ride was over. You will be in my prayers this holiday season as will all the other brothers and sisters that have posted such kind words for you. I hear you 5 x 5 brother and am saddened that you finally "skyed up". You were such a kid with that Georgia Peach baby face, but you were such a man and I Thank God I got to know you for a little while. Guess I'm rambling now bro'. See ya on the other side.

Jack "Doc Urb" Urbany