Fanning holding his god-daughter Kim To the Godfather I didn't get to know. He must have been real special for my parents to know he would be the man to take care of me if something happened to my Dad but instead it happened to him when he was protecting our country. This is my way to let America know he was there. A memorial from his Goddaughter, Kimberly Steinke sunnyslopers@sinclair.net  10 Mar 2001 Thomas Garret Fanning Sergeant, United States Army is remembered by his comrades of the 1st of the 14th Infantry

 

Nine years ago, as my husband was preparing to leave for his Army Basic Training, we decided to visit the local military cemetery for the 4th of July Celebration. While walking and talking we began to discuss how important it was to each of us that once we had children they have an appreciation for those who served and died as part of the Viet Nam Conflict. We decided to each adopt a headstone and care for it and through our visits we would be able to teach our future children about commitment and concern as well as a better understanding of the sacrifice these individuals gave for their country. Each of us selected a person's headstone. For individual (personal) reasons, I selected Thomas G. Fanning - we shared the common birthdate of 21 FEB - and from the moment I chose him, it was as if we had a lasting connection. Since that time, Steve and I have welcomed twins into our lives who regularly accompany us to visit Thomas. Five years ago, while visiting D.C. on business, I took the time to visit the Viet Nam Memorial with a small gift for Thomas. I left a photo of Thomas's headstone along with a copy of the story of how I came to know him through our visits to the cemetery - I then took a rubbing of his name off the wall which upon my return to Seattle I left at his headstone. I'm not sure it's possible to have a friendship with someone you've never met or who passed from this world before you were even born, however through this experience, I feel as though I have known Thomas and hope that as he lives on in our family's visits he has recieved some comfort and joy. Thank you, Thomas, for becoming a part of our family in this small way. A memorial from a friend, Chris Kunzelman BowkerTwin@aol.com  30 Apr 2001

 

A memorial from his Goddaughter, Kimberly Steinke sunnyslopers@sinclair.net  10 Mar 2001 Updated to include a friend, Chris Kunzelman BowkerTwin@aol.com  30 Apr 2001

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