Letter to the editor: Honoring a true warrior and protector

We just lost another brave warrior and protector of our country. For those of you who never met Bob Brink, I would like to tell you a little about him.

Bob was a strong family man. He had a huge heart and was there for you any time you needed him. I lived by Bob for over 50 years, and I’m proud to say he was my friend.

Bob went to Vietnam and served his country, which in the end took his life. Bob and I often talked about our time in Nam. Bob walked point a lot; anyone who was there will tell you how dangerous a job it was. He had shrapnel throughout his body. He told me every now and then a piece would “heal” out of his body.

What finally did Bob in was the cancer he got from Agent Orange. It ate away at his body until there was not much left of the man he was. He never complained.

President Kennedy said, “Don’t ask what your country can do for you, as what you can do for your country.” Well, Bob gave his all for his country and asked for nothing in return. It seems our country has done an about-face: Now everyone has their hand out, wanting instead of giving.

There are few Bobs left in this world. I wish there were more.

Thank you, Bob, for being my friend and for being the man you were. I will miss you dearly. But my memories of you will last forever.

Bob Brink, a true man and strong warrior.

Calvin Fatchet

Freeport