Below you will find letters memories, and thoughts in regaurds to our former C.O. Rogue, who was taken from us all on March 22, 2001 after a six month battle with lung cancer.
We will miss him dearly.
Blue sky”s forever Rogue.
Cry Havoc! And let slip the Dogz of War! ~ William Shakespeare
Fellow Dogz,
I've been thinking about what I wanted to say, and I have come to the
conclusion that no words that I came up with could appropriately represent the respect and appreciation I personally felt for Rogue. I know that my periods of absence seem to distance me from the squad "happenings" but I have felt a bond of brotherhood with this squad. This "brotherhood" is a result of Rogue's leadership and personal conviction to something as difficult to quantify as a bunch of guys (and gal) playing a game online together. My connection to the squad is something that I have been proud of for the last 5 years. As many of you may remember, I was deployed to Kuwait for Operation Desert Thunder back in 1998. Rogue took the time to make sure I received the DoW email and was kept in the loop. He and Scotr went out their way to send me my DoW hat in the Desert, which I have a picture of me in my flightsuit and DoW hat, sitting on my cot in my crappy tent in the middle of the desert. It was then that I realized the DoW was something unique. It was a brotherhood.
Mandy, I feel like I've lost a brother that I never got to meet in person.
I will always regret not getting to meet Rogue in person and shaking his
hand. I respect and admire his leadership. I will miss him like a brother. Mandy, I feel terrible for your loss, and I share your pain. I hope that you can think of something that I can do for you or Rogue. Please accept my sincere condolences.
To the squad, I know we are strong with the foundation that Rogue built.
This is Rogue's squad. Like Ruki, I dare someone to take an issue with our new name - Rogue's DoW. This is truly the only appropriate option. Dogz, I grieve with you over the loss of our leader.
The next night we fly, we MUST fly in the missing man formation. If anyone is not familiar with this formation, please let me know and I will explain it. This something I think Rogue would have appreciated.
Rogue - I salute you. Soldier to soldier. I will miss you.
Erik "Nomad" Gilbert
CPT, US Army
To: Mandy & The DoW
Please accept my deepest condolences. I personally know the feeling of losing a loved one and it is not something that is taken lightly. Please allow my thoughts and prayers to be with you. I know that I have been out of the loop for the past few years, but the times that I spent online with Paul and the rest of the squad were extremely memorable. From the very first time that I ever logged on to AW many moons ago, I remember asking Paul "What is Dow?" "Do you work for Dow chemical or something?" I later found out what the DoW was all about and I truly cherish the times that were spent online night after night.. Sometimes in life, things change and one moves along, but the memories will always be there. Mandy, if there is anything that I can do to help out please let me know.....
God Bless-
BigSam
Sometimes it takes a truly sad occasion to bring together long lost friends,
this is no exception.
Mandy, please accept my most deepest condolences for the lost of a wonderful human being as well as a great leader. The times I spent flying with "The boss" were one of the most fun I have had in a long time. My current work load prevents me from flying the game but I have enjoyed reading the emails you all send. Thanks for keeping me in the mailing list but most of all thank you Mandy for taking care of a good friend in his time of need. May God keep his soul roaming free in its kingdom.
God bless you all,
OSU
Hello Old Squadmates (and new as well),
I want to let you all know that I was fortunate enough to attend Paul's
memorial service today (I live about 30 minutes away from Paul). It was
brief, intimate and quite beautiful. Paul's urn was surrounded by
beautiful flowers (forwarded by many of you I noted), candles and two
large recent photographs of Paul. Also, there positioned next to him on
the alter was his DoW Hat...I introduced myself to Amanda and we talked
briefly about Paul and the squad. It brought smiles to both of our
faces. Mandy then introduced me to Paul's parents. Dr. Pina (Paul's
father) quickly asked if I "flew" with Paul. I indicated that I had
though it has been a considerable time since. Shortly thereafter a
brief service was held for Paul. Following the service I spoke with
Paul's father for a period of time. We talked about the game, it's
community and the joy it (and Mandy) brought to Paul's life. Paul was a
wonderful person. I consider myself very fortunate to have met him and
also to have the honor to play this game with him and those of you as
well. It was obvious to me while talking to Mandy that all of your
words of support are very well received and are of great help. I am
also thankful that Paul allowed me to remain on your mailing list,
though it has been quite sometime since I have "flown". Paul was quite
a person. I too remember joining DoW (has it really been six?) years
ago. Paul was always there with an encouraging word of support and that
ever helpful advise. I remember the 30,000 foot buff runs in the
DeathStar, all of us with a drink in hand, conversing via typing
(pre-vox)flying for hours, laughing hysterically along the way only to
get "poofed" by ack over the target. Spending hours vulching over
B-Land, (yes, it's true we DID vulch!). Yak runs into C-Land (and
winning to boot!) God, how I laughed.
We all were given a rare opportunity to meet a very special person. I
have memories that bring me great joy, all from a silly little game and
a fine group of people. None of it would have been possible without
Paul. Peaceful rest Paul, and watch your six!
Wishing you all Good health as well as unlimited fuel and ammo,
"Troll" mia
