In Memoriam – Gary Guillen

Remembering Gary

Gary A. Guillen unexpectedly passed away at the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center on April 10, 2014 at the age of 63.  MASH Fort Bragg members honored his passing over Memorial Day weekend.  Born in Wyoming on March 19, 1951, Gary grew up to serve in the United States Army in the Vietnam War as an Airborne paratrooper.  Gary’s dates of service are listed as 1969-1971 and from 1973-1978.

He served with the 3rd Battalion 37th Field Artillery unit in Germany in November of 1976 at Darmstadt Hesse, where he was inducted into the Sergeant Morales Club.  The Sergeant Morales Club (SMC) was established in 1973 by Lt. Gen. George S. Blanchard to promote the highest ideals of integrity, professionalism and leadership for the enlisted force serving in Europe.  SMC members exemplify a special kind of leadership characterized by a personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of Soldiers. SMC membership recognizes and rewards distinguished NCOs whose leadership achievements merit special recognition and who have contributed significantly to developing a professional NCO Corps and a combat-effective Army.

Not much more is known about Gary’s personal life.  He was an active member of the MASH Fort Bragg and the local Freedom From Religion Chapter in the Fayetteville, NC area, who added soft-spoken, but unique perspective to their events and discussions.  There was no obituary listed, and some of Gary’s fellow MASH members reminisced during their Memorial Day event to honor his memory.  We have quotes a couple members below:

“Due to Gary’s health, he was able to spend limited time with us, but we were always glad to see him.  We adjusted our meetings so he could spend the maximum amount of time with us.  We will miss his quiet, serene presence at our events.  While he didn’t talk much, he was a pleasure to have around.  About a year ago, he had gotten a new black pick-up truck that he was thrilled with, and he really enjoyed showing it off to my husband Paul.” -Brenda Germain, MASH Fort Bragg President

“I was always impressed with Gary’s determination to remain involved in MASH despite his poor health.  It was such a task for him to bring his O2 tank and timing his arrival so he wouldn’t run out of oxygen during our meetings.” -Robyn, MASH Member