No. Jersey Chapter loses 2 troopers

Long-time members of the North Jersey Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association have passed away: John Larkin and Ralph Waters.

Mr. Larkin died on July 26 this year. He is a former soldier with the 513th and 517th parachute infantry regiments, respectively. He was a World War II veteran, who earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge, as well as Purple Heart, Bonze Star, and French Liberation medals. Mr. Larkin took part in, among other actions, the Battle of the Bulge.

Major Ralph Waters, 88, passed away on May 2. He was a combat veteran of World War II, who took part in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Among other awards, he received the Purple Heart.

These troopers were good men, dedicated to their country and their families. In the end, they had lives that were exemplary. Deepest sympathy to their families.

Caption: Iron Mike is a statue celebrating the airborne spirit at Ft. Bragg, NC, home of the U.S. Army Airborne.