If I recall, Gordon Fisher and Bruce Wright went in the Naval bootcamp in San Diego together. I too went in the Navy and was behind them by about a week or two. Between us, we weren't even aware we were going in the Navy nearly the same time so it came was a happy moment for us when we managed to link up while down there.
Imagine the surprise we all had to find one another in a sea of freshly shaved heads wearing uniforms in an area foreign and hostile (BOOTCAMP!), so far from the 'safety' of Cheney. I'm not certain, but I believe I saw Bruce sitting down and eating in this massive chow hall while I was standing in line with my company waiting my turn. He come walking up to me to say hi and told me that Gordon was with him and going through bootcamp on "the buddy system".
I only saw Gordon and Bruce a couple of times after that initial meeting and a week or two later saw Bruce by himself. He came up to me with a very somber look on his face to share the sad news of Gordon's passing.
Even in the toughest of environments, I remember Gordon's smile and excitement of nearly completing bootcamp and getting into the fleet. He was a good man!
Steve West
If I recall, Gordon Fisher and Bruce Wright went in the Naval bootcamp in San Diego together. I too went in the Navy and was behind them by about a week or two. Between us, we weren't even aware we were going in the Navy nearly the same time so it came was a happy moment for us when we managed to link up while down there.
Imagine the surprise we all had to find one another in a sea of freshly shaved heads wearing uniforms in an area foreign and hostile (BOOTCAMP!), so far from the 'safety' of Cheney. I'm not certain, but I believe I saw Bruce sitting down and eating in this massive chow hall while I was standing in line with my company waiting my turn. He come walking up to me to say hi and told me that Gordon was with him and going through bootcamp on "the buddy system".
I only saw Gordon and Bruce a couple of times after that initial meeting and a week or two later saw Bruce by himself. He came up to me with a very somber look on his face to share the sad news of Gordon's passing.
Even in the toughest of environments, I remember Gordon's smile and excitement of nearly completing bootcamp and getting into the fleet. He was a good man!