Tom Runkle, Silver Spur Lift Crew Chief 1969 – 1970
September 7, 1950 – July 9, 2013
Tom Runkle
Tom Runkle served as a UH -1 Crew Chief with A Troop from 1969 to 1970 at DiAn, Soc Trang, Quan Loi and at Lai Khe. Tom was originally from Chicago, Illinois, but relocated to Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where he and Penny made their home, in the Northwoods as Tom called it. Tom loved his beautiful forested surroundings, riding his Honda motorcycle, and heavy snowfalls every winter.
Tom was rated 100% disabled by the VA, and had undergone surgery to treat an Agent Orange related cancer. Penny stated that over time, Tom had grown weaker and was in a nursing home at the time of his passing.
CW4 John C Dominguez USA (Ret)
————–
Tom was a very good friend throughout the years. He provided his pictures and memories for our Spur site and helped to fill in many of the blanks for me personally of certain painful events during our tour together. I will miss his friendship greatly and treasure it forever.
Here’s a painting Tom shared with me some years back. I believe it is fitting to share it with all fellow Spurs.
R.I.P. Tom, you served our nation and your Brothers well… – Bear
Vietnam Wall painting by Tom Runkle
Tom Runkle photo taken from his “doorway” inserting our Aero-Rifle platoon
Tom, Rest in Peace my Brother, You are with God..
Artie, Scout’s Out, Scout Plt Sgt 1970.
I was in communication (e-mail wise) for several years. When I asked if he was coming to the Reunion in 2006 at Ft, Rucker, he said ‘No. I’m not ready for that many people.’ I sent him the DVD of the Memorial list that was shown at the Reunion. He said he put it in the player, sat down with a drink and nothing happened. He had put it in a CD player. After I told him to try a DVD player, I didn’t hear from him for months. When he got back to me, nothing was said about it. I think some of the names hit him pretty hard.
Tom and I got to A-Troop within days of each other. I went to Scouts and he went to Lift. He never did make Spec. V. as far as I know.
Tom, I wish you had come to at least one Reunion. Even though we haven’t seen each other since ’70, I miss you more now because I will have to wait to see you again. Wait for me in Fiddlers Green, Bro!
Gary,
You are correct, Tom was not ready to attend a reunion. But he contributed to the Spur site and our brotherhood with the pictures he sent me and his reflections he shared that are on our Spur site, and his personal encouragement he always gave me.
We’ll miss him but we’ll all be together in the future at Fiddlers Green.