Dear Mrs. Roskam:

I am writing to you with reference to my brother, Gordon J. Hummel. Our other brother, Ronald Hummel of Garrison, ND sent information about the website that he received from you. I thank you very much for rescuing Gordon's dog tag. It makes me very sad to not know how or under what circumstances they were lost. Naturally, I imagine it to be under the worst circumstances. Hopefully, it was not.

I am attaching a photo of my brother that I understand you would like to have to make his file complete on your website. The photo was taken at the time the dog tags were lost. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army. In 1978 after 21 years of service, he retired as a Sergeant 1st Class having done three tours of duty in Germany and a tour in Vietnam. He served as a courier of Intelligence with the 7th Army and was a Supply Sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf (2), Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Expert Badge M-16, Good Conduct Medal, and Expert Badge M-14.

Gordon and his wife resided in Germany most of his career -- until the last year of his military duty. He retired to Colorado Springs, CO. He was Chaplin of the Lt. Marion L. Willis Post 101, VFW club in Colorado Springs, CO.

He died on February 26, 2001. He was buried with full honors in the military section of the Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO.

The following portion of the poem "Just a Common Soldier" was read at Gordon's memorial service.

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin. But his presence should remind us we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict then we find the soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot give him honor while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps a simple headline in the paper that might say, "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Karen Hummel Jacobson, Sister