HOUSE Posted May 26, 2019 Share Posted May 26, 2019 (edited) A Name On The Wall: Football player Bob Kalsu was the only U.S. pro athlete to die in Vietnam In honor of Sports Illustrated's 60th anniversary, SI.com is republishing, in full, 60 of the best stories ever to run in the magazine. Today's selection is "A Name On The Wall," by William Nack. It is the story of Bob Kalsu, an All-America offensive lineman at Oklahoma who chose to go to Vietnam after his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills. It was originally published in the July 23, 2001 issue of SI. https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/09/04/name-wall-si-60-william-nack-bob-kalsu Edited May 27, 2019 by HOUSE 4 2 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted May 26, 2019 Share Posted May 26, 2019 That was very well-written. Thanks for sharing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted May 26, 2019 Share Posted May 26, 2019 ...nice find HOUSE.....this weekend is not possible without him and brethren who served and /or paid the ultimate sacrifice..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocket94 Posted May 26, 2019 Share Posted May 26, 2019 Excellent find! A dark time in our history and the ultimate sacrifice by this young man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loyal2dagame Posted May 26, 2019 Share Posted May 26, 2019 From one veteran to all veterans, thank you for serving. And for my brothers and sisters that made the ultimate sacrifice- I'll never forget, or take for granted, what I am able to enjoy because of you. 5 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted May 26, 2019 Share Posted May 26, 2019 Just now, loyal2dagame said: From one veteran to all veterans, thank you for serving. And for my brothers and sisters that made the ultimate sacrifice- I'll never forget, or take for granted, what I am able to enjoy because of you. ...thank you for YOUR service as well friend.....Godspeed with my salute to you........ 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted May 26, 2019 Author Share Posted May 26, 2019 Sooner Sports 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boater Posted May 26, 2019 Share Posted May 26, 2019 Great read. Thanks. I like this lighthearted bit: Quote Diane wondered why he wasn't using a wooden spoon. "The box says mix by hand," he said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted May 26, 2019 Author Share Posted May 26, 2019 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Joshin' Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 Thanks for reminding us of his story, courage and sacrifice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilzfancy Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 A true American hero, as were all my brothers who fought in that God forsaken war and others. A big salute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vorpma Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 There is a memorial to him on Fort Campbell, Kentucky - he is remembered! 1 hour ago, bilzfancy said: A true American hero, as were all my brothers who fought in that God forsaken war and others. A big salute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stallions Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 A sad, sad tragedy all around. Bob, the war and our country. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted May 27, 2019 Author Share Posted May 27, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machine gun kelly Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 House - Nice call. It’s sad as we lost a number of NFL players in WW2 and Korea, and Bob in Vietnam. As mentioned every time I speak to a veteran, thanks to all of you for you’re service. We live in a free country with all it’s faults is the greatest country in the world, and in no small part due to all of you. My middle son just dropped on me, he may enter the military first before going to college, and told him I couldn’t be more proud of him. My father and all of my uncles were in Korea and Vietnam, and grandfather in WW2. To all of you TBD Vets. The rest of us salute you and for the sacrifices you went through during you’re time. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted May 27, 2019 Author Share Posted May 27, 2019 Pat Tillman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 33 minutes ago, HOUSE said: Pat Tillman ...great find and remembrance HOUSE........ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted May 27, 2019 Author Share Posted May 27, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 Thanks to all who served. Prayers for all those who didn't make it back. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MILFHUNTER#518 Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 23 hours ago, HOUSE said: A Name On The Wall: Football player Bob Kalsu was the only U.S. pro athlete to die in Vietnam In honor of Sports Illustrated's 60th anniversary, SI.com is republishing, in full, 60 of the best stories ever to run in the magazine. Today's selection is "A Name On The Wall," by William Nack. It is the story of Bob Kalsu, an All-America offensive lineman at Oklahoma who chose to go to Vietnam after his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills. It was originally published in the July 23, 2001 issue of SI. https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/09/04/name-wall-si-60-william-nack-bob-kalsu I actually was stationed at a FOB in Iraq named after this gentleman. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forward_Operating_Base_Kalsu Irregardless, we should all not forget that today is not Veterans Day, it is Memorial Day. It is not a celebration, but a day to acknowledge, remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their warrior tasks and drills in service to our great country. While sipping a beer, turning over ribs on the barbie, or enjoying the company of loved ones, we should all take a moment, just a moment, to remember those who did not get to come home to enjoy the great country we all now get to enjoy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted May 27, 2019 Author Share Posted May 27, 2019 Tales from the AFL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 honoring those who have served, fallen and given the ultimate sacrifice is a painful reminder on Memorial Day with our never ending thanks and recognition....then to read crap like this where others shall decide WHO WILL SACRIFICE is depressingly beyond human comprehension...SMH...God help us......... Chicago shootings: More than 34 shot – 5 fatally – during Memorial Day weekend: police By Bradford Betz | Fox News Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
formerlyofCtown Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 (edited) So you dont wish those that havent served to have a happy Memorial Day.? Edited May 27, 2019 by formerlyofCtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marv's Neighbor Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 2 hours ago, formerlyofCtown said: So you dont wish those that havent served to have a happy Memorial Day.? It's the one holiday that allowed us to be free, to celebrate all the others. It's not something that's necessarily "happy," but yes, it's about those who served and more importantly, it's about those, and the families of those, who served, and didn't make it home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iinii Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 I have been remembering since I read that article the day it hit my desk back in ‘01. I promptly purchased an away Jersey with his name and number because of his selfless commitment to everything and everyone. In no real order, but Family, Football, Country, his Brothers on that hill. I have said for years he should be on the Wall at New Era. He may not have the yards, tackles, throws the others do but none of them combined gave as much as he did. Thanks Bob Kalsu! BTW I chose an away jersey since he didn’t make it home. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klos63 Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 2 hours ago, iinii said: I have been remembering since I read that article the day it hit my desk back in ‘01. I promptly purchased an away Jersey with his name and number because of his selfless commitment to everything and everyone. In no real order, but Family, Football, Country, his Brothers on that hill. I have said for years he should be on the Wall at New Era. He may not have the yards, tackles, throws the others do but none of them combined gave as much as he did. Thanks Bob Kalsu! BTW I chose an away jersey since he didn’t make it home. I thought he was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAinLack. Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 2 hours ago, iinii said: I have been remembering since I read that article the day it hit my desk back in ‘01. I promptly purchased an away Jersey with his name and number because of his selfless commitment to everything and everyone. In no real order, but Family, Football, Country, his Brothers on that hill. I have said for years he should be on the Wall at New Era. He may not have the yards, tackles, throws the others do but none of them combined gave as much as he did. Thanks Bob Kalsu! BTW I chose an away jersey since he didn’t make it home. Nicely said iinii! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
formerlyofCtown Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 (edited) 5 hours ago, Marv's Neighbor said: It's the one holiday that allowed us to be free, to celebrate all the others. It's not something that's necessarily "happy," but yes, it's about those who served and more importantly, it's about those, and the families of those, who served, and didn't make it home. Well I had a happy memorial day in spite of you. But yes that was exactly my point. Notice the emoji. Its not really a happy holiday type if holiday but one more of appreciation. Its actually about those who died in service. Veterans day though not less important is about all those who served. Edited May 28, 2019 by formerlyofCtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marv's Neighbor Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 19 minutes ago, formerlyofCtown said: Well I had a happy memorial day in spite of you. But yes that was exactly my point. Notice the emoji. Its not really a happy holiday type if holiday but one more of appreciation. Its actually about those who died in service. Veterans day though not less important is about all those who served. In spite of me?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Well, we celebrate Memorial Day in my family... usually - like today - with a family barbecue. I think those who sacrificed themselves would be pleased that we're honoring them with family celebrations. But I make it a habit of telling my wife and kids a different story each Memorial Day about a member of the Armed Forces who didn't make it home. One year, with weepy eyes, I told them the story of Bob Kalsu. Happy Memorial Day to all. RIP, Bob Kalsu. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aceman_16 Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 I know people are just being kind when they tell me "thank you for service" on Memorial Day, however, it angers me inside knowing what the day is really for. I am here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffalobillswin Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Back in 2003 in the middle of the Iraq war, my social studies teacher made us all write thank you notes and color hand drawn flags. Never understood the importance of that activity until I was much older. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iinii Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 8 hours ago, klos63 said: I thought he was. Great! It has obviously been awhile since I have been back for a game. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
formerlyofCtown Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 7 hours ago, Marv's Neighbor said: In spite of me?? Get a sense of humor. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Man, that is one sad story. I have a really hard time resolving the conflict between upholding one's commitment to the military vs. upholding one's commitment to family. We praise guys like Kalsu for honoring their military commitment and their integrity, but what about the commitment to his wife with a young child and another on the way? It becomes even more blurred when you look at the particular military commitment involved -- a senseless war that accomplished nothing. There are no easy answers here -- I'm sure many agree wholeheartedly with what Kalsu did, while others have the same struggle I'm dealing with. I am not a "military" guy so in many respects I'm just living off the fruits of others' labor -- perhaps that disqualifies me from commenting. But it's sad. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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