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“<em>Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord</em> …” Julia Ward Howe</p>
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As is true with any war, many young men’s lives are cut short before they realize their full potential. And yet, the short time they are with us gives a glimpse into what extraordinary men they would have been. That was <em>Frank Anthony Rybicki Jr.</em></p>
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Frank was born in the Canal Zone and attended St Mary’s Parochial School and Balboa High School. He was president of his senior class and a JROTC battalion commander. In this latter role, he came to West Point more prepared than most. He became our first general (though only for a day) for writing an essay about what “Memorial Day Means to Me.”</p>
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I first met Frank during Beast Barracks. We were in the same platoon. I was in 1st squad, and he was in 2nd squad. Invariably when we reported to our squad leader’s room for inspection, we would be standing opposite one another. And neither of us could keep a straight face. I always had the feeling that our squad leaders did that on purpose to see if we could make it without breaking into smirk or smile. As both of us were sharp, it didn’t get us into trouble.</p>
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I’m sure many can remember the upperclassman that thrust his spit-shined shoe between ours and uttered that all-encompassing question, “Whose mister?” Instead of the stock answer of “Yours sir,” Frank would respond, “Mine sir, but yours are coming along.” Only Frank could get away with that, mostly because it was true and secondly because of the big smile on his face.</p>
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Frank was a stalwart member of the Glee Club. Understanding they were ambassadors for West Point whenever on tour, he put his heart and soul into ensuring they were the best they could be. He was rewarded by being selected president of the club our First Class year. His devotion to duty is remembered by the Glee Club annually with a memorial award to the cadet who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the Glee Club.</p>
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Frank had a bold and daring side. He kept a list of all the Miss America candidates and would send them tickets and invite them to Glee Club concerts. This landed him a date with Miss Texas of the time.</p>
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Above all, Frank had a deep sense of family. To us, he was Frank, but to family, he was ‘Frankie.’ His sister Annette recalls that, among all things, Frankie was a super, great, caring brother, making time to bring moments of normalcy to their younger brother, Bob, who suffered from cerebral palsy. Her favorite memory is of Bob sitting on Frankie’s shoulder as they flew a model airplane.</p>
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Annette related that at an early age, Frankie was known as ‘The Comedian.’ The nuns at St. Mary’s suspended him (almost permanently) for being the class clown, spending more time in the hallway (than in class) where he still brought laughter to the students. His comedic nature was evident to his classmates. During plebe year, he and Reed Canning created a skit about “The 500-Pound Hand Grenade.” Space prohibits the full inclusion, suffice it to say, Frank’s wit had everyone rolling in the aisles then and all throughout his four years at the Academy. The skit lives on as someone heard a reenactment performance for the West Point Glee Club around 2014.</p>
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You never saw Frank without a big smile on his face. His cheery and joyful nature was infectious, bringing sunshine into the life of all who came in contact with him, especially during Gloom Period. With this, you might have missed the serious, never-quit nature of this wonderful person. Frank had read JFK’s <em>Profiles in Courage</em> in high school, and it struck a deep chord. It became a constant source of strength and guidance, especially the quote “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”</p>
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It was no surprise that Frank’s branch choice was Infantry and that he volunteered for his first assignment to be in the Republic of South Vietnam (RVN). Frank took his guitar and continued to entertain and bring gaiety into the lives of many so far from home. He had only been in his unit a short time when his platoon sergeant told the company first sergeant, “Looks like I lucked out and got a good lieutenant.” No finer compliment is given by an NCO than that. Sadly, Frank’s promising career and great life was cut short in a jungle swamp of RVN.</p>
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Poem by Annette in Frankie’s Honor</p>
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<em>So he marched toward the sound of the cannon. A brilliant and promising career has been ended. No mission was too difficult, no sacrifice too great, the highest demand placed on his soul he met, to maintain the honor of the Corps. Night has since captured him, snuffed the shining spirit within him, but not the glow that marks him, among our pages.</em></p>
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A classmate had a memorable contact around 2015. An older gentleman noticed his ring and asked if he had ever known Frank Rybicki? It shows how Frank touched many lives outside of our class, and 50 years later he is still in our hearts and memories. With the annual Glee Club award and a street in Cardenas dedicated to his memory, Frank will continue to “Grip hands though it be from the shadows…” and inspire generations yet to come.</p>
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“Where have all the flowers gone, long time passing….” PP&M</p>
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<em>— Brad Hartley ’66, friends and family</em></p>