Words of Thanks

JOHN’S EDITORIAL LETTER - April 8, 2007

How to begin? Our son, CW3 John A. Quinlan, was killed in Afghanistan on February 18, 2007. His helicopter crashed while he was returning Army Rangers from a covert mission in Afghanistan. John was the Pilot-in-Command. Seven soldiers plus John were killed. Fourteen soldiers survived.

We, his parents, are overwhelmed by the support and comfort we have received within our family, the military and civilians in our country. Several hundred letters have been delivered to John’s wife, Julie, our daughter Susan and ourselves. Many included generous donations to John’s children’s education fund.

We want to thank the people who have provided direct support in honoring John. It is very important to us for others to know the tremendous generosity and commitment that exists within our community and country.

Please note that the following list is not an indication of a ranking of an individual’s or organization’s support, but a sincere hope to acknowledge each effort that contributed to honoring John.

The Priest, Father William J. Lago, and Deacon, Mr. Robert Armstrong, offered the memorial Mass on March 11, 2007. Father Bill’s sermon describing John’s attributes was moving and allowed our family to accept and further understand John’s passing. The altar servers performed with kind reverence. Our nephew, Sean Quinlan, carried the cross.

The town of Bradley Beach performed with outstanding grace. Our family received assistance from the Administrative office (Phyllis Quixley) and the Fire (John Zech) and Police (Chief Leonard Guida) Departments. The Fire Department hall was provided for the reception following Mass and the police provided an honor guard at the Mass. The police also provided front door and handicapped parking for the immediate family. We feel honored by your care.

The beautiful singing at the Mass was provided by our niece Barbara Quinlan, a family friend, William Rutledge Varley, and Suzanne Ramsey-Restivo. Taps was played by Karl Cruvup, a friend of Kate’s from Asbury Park Middle School. The organist was Andrew DePrisco. One other individual who was instrumental in forming the liturgy and program for the memorial Mass was Gerry Varley. Many thanks to all of you.

Delicious and plentiful food at the reception was provided by Piancone Restaurant (Rick Piancone) of Bradley Beach in coordination with the town of Bradley Beach. Beautiful table linens were provided by Acme Sanitation Supply of Neptune, NJ. Bradley Fire Department also provided clean up services after the reception. Bradley Liquors provided the beer keg and wine served at the reception. Our family is grateful for your generosity.

The Avon Police Department (Chief Terry Mahon) provided church parking for the family and handicapped members of the family. They also allowed three volleys to be fired in John’s honor at the conclusion of the Mass. Thank you.

The Bagpiper at the Mass and reception was Bob Pfarr. His songs were special and significant in helping to memorialize John’s Irish roots.

A Color and Rifle Guard provided by the American Legion Post No 232 in Barnegat, NJ. Bob and Lillian Padavano of Waretown, NJ made this possible. Thanks to all for this military memorial.

The presence of John’s Battalion Commander (Lt. Col John Evans) from Fort Campbell, KY at the Mass was appreciated along with his remarks about John during the reception. It was nice to hear that John was one his best pilots, and a good friend.

John’s US Marines buddies in attendance at his burial were a source of comfort to our family. “Semper Fi, Marines”.

Our nephew Roger Quinlan Jr. provided the Irish music and sound system at the reception. His and Steven Mocko’s support for me during the Mass eulogy was heart-warming and a true measure of the family’s unity during this event.

Our nephews, David and J.J. Mocko, provided John’s blog (www.johnquinlan.blogspot.com) listing pictures, newspaper articles, TV spots and individual comments. This is a significant source of comfort to our family.

An individual, who is a friend of John’s from Maryland (Brandy Edwards), played a large role in publicizing John’s accident on Maryland TV and in the newspapers. This resulted in significant attendance at John’s burial from his friends in the Baltimore area. We were comforted to greet these friends, some of whom we had not seen in over 20 years.

A very significant honor was provided to our family when we ordered a 20-foot flag pole for John from Kempton Flag of Wall, NJ. The flagpole was installed at our home on March 31, 2007. Upon completion, the flagpole, a U.S. Flag and a U.S. Army Flag were presented to us as gifts in memory of John. We are moved and grateful. Thank you.

Two veteran’s organizations (The Catholic War Veterans of Asbury Park, NJ and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 232 of Neptune, NJ) presented in ceremony Gold Star flags to Kate and me. We are extremely grateful for this honor.

We would also like to thank our extended family for their assistance during this time of grieving. Many nieces and nephews read during the Mass. John and Linda Mocko (my sister) were outstanding in providing display materials, pictures, scrapbook presentations and emotional support.

Fort Monmouth provided outstanding support in the work of the Henry Kearney, Chief, Public Affairs and Major Tom Watiti as the Causality Assistance Officer. They both significantly helped in the administrative and editorial processing during the Memorial, Burial, and Mass.

Taking care of tailoring and pressing my U.S. Army uniform (purchased in 1964 and last worn in 1982) was EZ tailors in Shrewsbury, NJ.

Pictures of John’s burial taken at the Arlington National Cemetery were taken by Michael and Beverly Miller of Avon, NJ. Their picture of John’s coffin under the U.S. Flag was used in our thank you card. They also presented us with an enlarged framed copy of that picture.

Kate’s friend Wanda Smith from Asbury Park Middle School wrote and read at the reception a poem dedicated to John. She also provided us framed copies. We thank her for this special effort.

A video of the Memorial Mass was taken by Erick Gunter. We thank him for this effort.

People continue to surprise us with acts of kindness. Our neighbors (Vincent and Jody Fama and their son Vincent) went to Arlington National cemetery for John’s burial and provided exceptional emotional support to us during the burial and memorial Mass. We are extremely thankful for their efforts. Many neighbors provided delicious food and comfort for us along with visits to our home.

Kate and I hope we have included all those whose effort contributed to honor John. If we missed anyone, please accept our sincere thanks for your efforts. We are extremely grateful to all of you.

Robert J. Quinlan

Kathleen T. Quinlan