In Memory of 1LT Donnie Tillar on Memorial Day

On 27 February 1991 25 year old 1LT Donnie Tillar was shot down and killed in action in Operation Desert Storm. 25 years later, his West Point Classmates led by Scott Zigmond, posted many Facebook posts remembering Donnie's life and his sacrifice. A woman in Billings, Montana, Mary Young, saw the posts and reached out to the Class of 1988. She had a letter that she had cherished for the last 25 years from 1LT Don Tillar to her son, a 10 year old boy named Chris Young. No one except Mary and Chris had known about this letter until 2016. She had been holding it wondering how to get it back to LT Tillar's family someday, then she saw the posting about 1LT Tillar on the 25th anniversary of his death and she reached out to the Class of 1988.  Today is not only Memorial Day, but it is also the 32nd anniversary of the 25 May 1988 graduation from West Point.

Back in 1991, 10 year old Chris Young had written a "Dear Soldier" letter and sent it to the troops, as was often done back then as war was coming. His "Dear soldier letter" randomly found itself in the hands of a young Blackhawk pilot 1LT Don Tillar. Don took the time to respond. Don's letter is dated 22 February 1991. The bombing of Iraq and Kuwait had started 17 January 1991. Don was stationed in a tent in the Saudi Arabian desert, with bombers flying overhead headed into Iraq and Kuwait, knowing the ground war was about to start and he took the time to write a thoughtful and prescient letter to a random young boy in the United States. By that date the operations orders were already issued, Don knew within 48 hours he would be in combat for the first time. 

Mary Young writes "In November of 1990, we moved across the country to northern Vermont. In school, our ten year old son was given an assignment to write a letter to "any soldier". He received the following response in an envelope which bore the return address Don Tillar, 1LT, Oper. Desert Storm and dated APO Feb 27, 1991. The letter is dated Feb 22, 1991 and is as follows. 

"Dear Chris, Thanks so much for writing me here in Saudi Arabia. It's great to get mail from somebody back in the United States! My name is Don Tillar. I'm a 25 year old "platoon leader/pilot" for a 23 man helicopter platoon (and one woman, too!). I grew up in New York and went to college there, too (West Point). 

Since then the Army sent me to Kansas to be in the 1st Infantry Division, "BIG RED ONE". Listen for us on TV! So how's Vermont? Don't be too hard on Vermont-give it a chance. I know you'll like it as much as Wyoming. It's got to be nicer than the sands of Saudi Arabia! Everrbody here is doing O.K. We all want to see what's going to happen. 

Unfortunately, it looks like war soon. Someday you'll understand that war is wrong- but sometimes you must stand up for what you believe in. This is one of those times. Nobody deserves the wrongings that Saddam Hussein is commiting right now. That is why the U.S. must stand up for Kuwait (as well as 27 other nations!). I hope your brothers don't have to come either, but if they do they'll be doing the right thing! 

Thanks again for writing. It is good to know people back home support us. You are officially an honorary member of the "Big Red One", the 1st Infantry Division in the Army. Welcome! Your friend, Don"  

At West Point, all Plebes (freshmen) must learn, verbatim, the words of "The Corps". The last words of the Corps are: 

"The Corps of today, we salute you, the Corps of an earlier day.

We follow close order behind you where you have pointed the way. 

The long gray line of us stretches through the years of a cent’ry told. And the last one feels to the marrow the grip of your far-off hold.

Grip hands with us now tho’ we see not.

Grip hands with us strengthen our hearts.

As the long line stiffens and straightens with the thrill that your presence imparts.

Grip hands, tho’ it be from the shadows while we swear as you did of yore, Or living or dying to honor The Corps! and the Corps! and the Corps!" 

Through this letter, Donnie is gripping hands from the shadows with his family, friends from the Class of 1988, and the Long Gray Line. Well done, Donnie, be thou at peace.