My first impression of Jay M. Rose , Jr. had a mirage of faceted feelings because he had just taken over command of the 509th Signal Battalion in Vicenza, Italy. As he explained his visions and would need the support of each of us to achieve them he did it with genuine, yet in a way that you wanted to assist him. As he shook my hand, asking what my position in the battalion was I answered I was the Security and Intelligence Specialist and Safety Manager. He smiled and stated we have a lot of work to do and I am sure we shall work together and have fun doing it. His eyes never left mine and I knew right then he was sincere and could be trusted I was right and a bond of friendship ensured and never left. I was proud to have served with him and for his knowledge and concern for the welfare of those in him command. He will never be forgotten.

REX W. SHUEY, JR.

Funeral for a friend:

Morning has broken, Cat Stevens 

There will come a day, Faith Hill

Farther Along, Trio - Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Rondstadt

Jesus is just alright with me, The Doobie Brothers

If I should fall behind, Faith Hill

My Sweet Lord, George Harrison

Let it be, The Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney

Spirit in the sky, Norman Greenbaum

Ave Maria by Franz Schubert, sung by Luciano Pavarotti

Tears in Heaven, Eric Clapton

Somewhere over the rainbow/What a wonderful world, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

God only knows, Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys

The minstrel boy, sung by John McDermott

Rock my soul, the Fisk Jubilee Singers with the Fairfield Four

In the fall of 1970, my relationship with Jay began through singing together at Charter Oak High School.  The music never stopped...

In the short time I knew Jay I came to understand the idea of a man being more than the sum of his parts.

His parts many, which I recognized immediately: A devoted member of the Army, serving with honor, committing himself to service and self-sacrifice. A loving husband and friend who always put others needs ahead of his own. His circle of friends was far reaching. His generosity noteworthy.

Jay loved to share. He shared his love of travel, cooking, gardening and his philosophy of life. We had many conversations discussing the world at large; we commiserated over our collective fate and we disagreed about things that we both really agreed on – it was the journey we enjoyed that made the commiseration important.

More important, Jay bridged gaps – he sought understanding and I believe he was restless if he could not find a way to find a bridge to common ground.

I wish we could talk again, to agree to disagree, to love the effort of doing things we love, to bring others together as brothers in sharing life and love.

I remember every Christmas day, for several years Jay being in his Apron and cooking up a storm. He always gave Marc and me a big hug to welcome us. We always looked forward to it. 

I also remember, after his father died, he allowed us to select a hat and a photo of his father. That still means the world  to both of us.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives. You'll remain in our hearts and minds, always.

My condolences to the family.  I had the honor to meet Jay. Great friend. We shared some history with the 56th Signal Bn.

RIP my friend