(We are still looking for stories and photos - then and now - if you can help, please send to Contact Info below). The following quotes were taken from the Guestbook listed on his Obituary Page

It was an honor to serve in 1967 with Gary and a lot of other great recondos. I am so greatful he would call me on his way through Newhall CA and stop in to say hi. He was a blessing to be around, always made everyone around him a better person.

- Greg Nutter

Gary and I served together in the Nam back in 67, he was the 60 gunner in my squad, the best! He stopped at our house in Haverhill,Mass after we lost our son Evan in Afghanistan in 2003. He was one of the best in all he did.

- (unsigned)

I was fortunate to have served in Viet Nam along side Gary Hillyer.I met him once more after the war,and He will be forever missed by fellow "Recondo"s" and His loving family,peace to you Brother.

- Tom 'Beetle' Bailey

We shall meet again one day. We will tell stories and laugh and cry with each other. But until that day, I am humbled at the opportunity to fall into your position in the formation. I know that although you may not be physically present, your spirit is with us. I promise not to bring dishonor on your name, and I will try to fill the enormous shoes you have left behind. Save me a seat in Heaven, the Team will be along shortly

- Cal 'Preacher' Rollins

Norval Hilton "Butch" Paxton Tulsa, Oklahoma Past away Sunday, June 27, 2010, at the age of 67. Preceded in death by his parents, Norval A. "Red" and Geneva F. Paxton of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Survived by his son, Christopher, and wife Sharla, grandson Dylan and granddaughters Paige Leeann and Haylee Renee all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Also survived by Sammie Paxton King of Tulsa and brother Michael Paxton of Sapulpa, two nephews, Brian Paxton of Tulsa and Adam Paxton of Cancun, Mexico. A graduate of Sapulpa High School and Northeastern State University. Retired engineer from Frisco Burlington Northern.

Butch served with Charlie Company 2/502 Infantry (Strike Force) of the 101st Airborne Division, Screaming Eagles, 1968-1969. Butch was a member of 2nd Platoon, "Fletcher’s Fighters". He was known as the "Old Man". He served in I-Corps in South Vietnam He served with distinction and was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Air Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He was proud to serve his country with his own Band of Brothers who he remained in contact after all these many years.

Rest in Peace Brother Eagle. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

Michael K "Mickey" Looney, 64, died at home In Auburn, MA. He leaves his five siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends. He was born in Worcester, MA, and attended Auburn High School and Oceanside High School in CA before enlisting in the US Army

He was a member of the 2nd 502 Infantry BN, 101st Airborne, serving two tours in Viet Nam and earning two Purple Hearts and the CIB.

Following his military service, Mickey moved to California where he had a 20+ year career in the film and television industry. He held positions as Location Manager and Assistant Director for numerous movies and TV shows. He often entertained family and friends by putting them in move scenes as "extras" or introducing them to cast and crew. After retiring he returned to Auburn in 1995.

Mickey's greatest joy and love was spending time with his family and friends. This joy and love was returned ten-fold.

George "Doc" Kuznezov was born to Mother Alexandra Kuznezov on May 24th, 1946 in Eisenerz, Austria, and passed away December 20th, 2009 in his home in Burdett, NY. George Kuznezov is survived by his wife of 31 years, Diane Kuznezov; children, Laila, Joshua (Audrey), Sasha, Katherine; grandsons, Bailey, Jacob, Liam, Nicholas; and sister, Mary (Rick).

George was an academic scholar honored at the age of 13 to attend Harvard Universities School for gifted young children. George declined that opportunity while pursuing his gifts as a talented springboard and platform diver. George won the New England league diving championship 3 consecutive years, setting several state and national records. Both academic and athletic talents led to George's opportunities to pursue both scholastic and athletic scholarships across the country. George eventually chose to attend Brown University on a full academic scholarship. George was drafted, but then was deferred as he was caring for his mother. Shortly after she passed, George volunteered and came to the Recondos as a medic.

"Doc" Kuznezov will always be known to his family, friends, and country as a well-respected, loved, and caring person. George found peace in his hobbies which included fly fishing, reading, writing, attending athletic events, and most of all spending time with his family. Many thanks to the Hospice of the Southern Tier for their loving care so generously given to George.

(Information from IthacaJournal.com )

We called him The Canadian Bacon. Butch was the kind of guy that would hump your claymore or 60 amo with no reservations if you had diarrhea and were weak, and didn't look for a favor. In April 1970 he received the Silver Star on Hill 714. In August 1970 he received The Purple Heart which put him on a hospital ship for 6 weeks.
After Vietnam he went to work for A & E Conrad Construction where he worked for 33 years. He and Linda were married for 37 years. They have 2 daughters and 4 grandsons. Butch liked to fish with his brothers on Lake Michigan and Lake of the Woods in Canada. He liked a good cigar and a cold beer.
Three years ago Butch acquired Multiple Myleoma from Agent Orange. He received a stem cell transplant in Minnesota but it didn't take. Then he went to Seattle, Washington for a double stem cell transplant. After the transplant they brought him back to the VA in Minnesota where he died. His birthday is Sept. 4, 1948, he was 60 years old. He was buried at Fort Smelling National Cemetery with full military honors.

- Roney Guilbeaux

Elk had been battling cancer for some time. Brad was one of those who greatly supported the O Deuce. He always wanted to stay in the background and didn't like any attention. I can now let those who attended the small reunion in DC (04) and those who attended the reunion in Atlanta (06) know this.
It was Brad who provided ALL the Sweatshirts, Polo Shirts, and Hats. It was one of the ways he could give back, to the men who meant so much to him.
He was a real O DEUCE TROOPER
He will be greatly missed.
Rest in Peace Brother Eagle

- Dale Joritz

T was one of us who went to Division LLRP’s near the end of his first tour.
Ernie was able to come to Atlanta in 2006, where he was reunited with many of the men who were part of his life and memories of the 101st and the O Deuce.
Ernie had been suffering with Liver cancer and was to have received a transplant. The cancer spread and the transplant no longer became an option.
For those who knew T, his laughter and that crazy smile will long be remembered.
He may be gone, but never forgotten.
Rest in Peace Brother Eagle

- Dale Joritz

Eric Sanders, 61, died July 17, 2008, at G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson. He was born in Brookhaven on March 1, 1947, to John Calvin (J.C.) Sanders and Mary Christine Sanders, both of Brookhaven.

Eric enlisted after graduating high school in 1965. He was serving his second tour in Viet Nam, as an RTO with the Recondos, when he was injured on October 26, 1967. After he was discharged from Walter Reed he was sent to the V.A. Medical center in Memphis, where he remained for close to a year. When he was released he came back home to Brookhaven. While recuperating he obtained a degree in Architectural Drafting through the G. I bill, and later took a job with the Sheriff's Department.

He was a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Brookhaven and was affiliated with the VFW Post 4806, and was a member of the Elks.

Survivors are his parents; a daughter, Linda Wingfield, of Clinton; his sisters, Sherry S. Washington, of Brookhaven, and Ann Sanders Carr, of Starkville; and his two grandchildren.

Tom Lakomia was a former Platoon Leader. Tom was on his way in his boat to the Bahamas when he was struck by another craft killing him.

Tom is buried at Arlington and passed August 22, 2007. He retired a LTC in the USAR and continued Government service as civilian until (I believe 03) retiring and moving to Florida.
Tom was buried will full honors in his Blues. He loved the 101st thru and thru!

- Scott Gunnell, Command Sergeant Major (ret)

Terry Stanosheck was a machine gunner with the Recondos.

He was looking forward to the 2004 Melbourne Reunion, and died one day before the reunion started.

In the years prior to his death he had nursed his wife through a terminal illness.

From what I know of him, he served four tours in Vietnam and earned himself The Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf cluster and a V, as well as, other medals. He passed away March 5, 2003 and was born May 12 1948. He was married to Donna Streeter (Ortega) and had three children: Raymond III, Crystal (myself), and Joey. He also had four grandchildren. He was from San Jose, California. He passed away from years of dealing with Multiple Sclerosis at the VA Nursing Home in Temple, Texas.

- Crystal Ortega (daughter)

Norman C. "Mac" McGirr Sr. died Jan. 17, 1998, at the age of 48, after a long battle with cancer.

He was a life resident of Barberton, a U. S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era, employed by Gason SDI, and a member of Cliff Hockley V.F.W. and St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Surviving are wife, Maude; sons and daughters-in-law, Staff SSG Ron and Karen of Fayetteville, N. C., Norman Jr. and Michelle of Barberton; daughter, Tami of Barberton; granddaughter, Megan; parents, Robert and Betty Raider of West Virginia; sister, Launa Mead of Utah; uncles, Ben (Deloris) Wathey of Norton, Earnest Wathey of Akron; and many special friends.

Tony Paramo was from Oxnard, CA. He was born Dec. 9th, 1950, he died in a car accident at age 30.

Tony was a friend to all and had a great sense of humor, he was willing to share whatever he had. He even offered to share Menudo that his family had sent him from the states.

Abel Dehoyos was from Houston, TX. He was born Dec. 26, 1949 and died at the age of 23, after returning safely from Viet Nam

Abel was proud to be a Texan and a member of the 2nd 502.

Michael Asap was KIA on a second Viet Nam tour, with the 173rd Airborne. His memorial is located here because he died after his tour with the 2/502.

Michael and I were both from the East New York section of Brooklyn, so it was a very happy and sad day that our paths crossed, ten thousand miles from home in the infamous A Shau Valley, Vietnam, during TET 1968. Our Unit had made a helicopter assault back into the valley.
Michael was with the 2/502 Recondos, and that day on that hill we both embraced each other like true brothers. For a brief moment we escaped from the horrors of war. I have a photo taken that day of Michael carrying the M 60 machine gun. I was a short timer and he said, "Stop by and let my folks know I’m OK", when you get back to the world.
Several years later I learned that Michael went back to Vietnam with the 173rd ABN Bde and was killed in action in September of 1970. Michael, I recall those school days of our youth, JHS 64, and the guys from the block. Vietnam got all of us and many never returned. May the Almighty smile upon you, You are not forgotten.

Randolph Worrell -C Co.