Frank Thomas Varner
"Tommy"
August 30, 1954
February 12, 2009
About 2:40 PM on February 12, 2009, Tommy crossed over the river
to rest in the shade of the trees. He was a good hearted-man who would do anything he could for his friends.
With him I shared many campfires, campaigns, long marches, hot firefights, freezing temperatures, and broiling summers.
There are few who could match his fighting spirit on the field or his dedication to this hobby. He had no qualms about volunteering to carry the colors in either uniform, for he understood the honor it represented.
It was in his blood and he was one who truly understood and "got it".
Tommy always referred to us as his "pards".
To many that term is defined as a friend, someone to hang out with.
To Tommy, it meant brothers and it came from his heart.
And he was ours as well.
Though none of us have ever dodged real bullets,
we have been bonded together as a Band of Brothers.
I do not believe real war could make us much closer.
Lay down your rifle and hang up your brogans, my brother.
You have walked enough dusty roads and fought enough brier patches.
Rest in peace my friend - you will never be forgotten.
We love you...
