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My name is Sheri "Cantu" Somerville and I was a Rhein Main brat that lived in Langen Terrace in or about 1968-1970. I had 2 sisters Kathy and Mona and a brother Mike. I know that what I have to say to each and every R/M brat that my siblings will agree with me.
We met and had some of the best times and best friends who were practically family in Rhein Main. Those people that we only knew by face or name and said "Hi" to just passing by them in the hall to class were still part of the whole R/M experience. So, with that said I don't know a lot of our fellow loved ones who have left us, but the ones I do know, I am so lucky to have had them in my life for the short time that I did.
There will never be another "home" or friends like the ones I was grateful enough to have been acquainted with or friends with in Rhein Main in one way or the other. Those that have passed away and touched us in some way, I hope that their loved ones know that we (R/M Brats) are the ones who were blessed to have had them in our lives for just a fleeting moment.
Rhein Main and everyone that ever had the fortunate time to spend there, I'm sure left "home" with a little piece taken out of their heart. We were FAMILY at Rhein Main Air Force Base!
Debi Petriscak Onken Per was one of the first to befriend me upon my arrival to Rhein Main. Three
years later, he was the last to say good-bye. He was my confidant, my "little
brother," my friend. He was such an integral part of my life, I felt certain
that we would one day see each other again.
Close to the edge, down by the river,
I will always remember you,
Lest it be forgotten: Witzer Field was named in honor of Gregory Cebula, whose nickname was "Witzer." He was my best friend and sat behind me in Ms. Wingate's 3rd grade class when he died on Mother's Day, 1971, after being hit by a car that was passing a stopped school bus in Moerfelden on the preceding Friday. Greg was a bright boy with a good sense of humor who never caused anybody any grief. The last time I saw him, on that fateful Friday, he told me his dream was to be an Army sergeant. It was fitting that the RMAB community dedicate a Little League Field to him because he was a Little League player and enjoyed a good game of softball.
Now I have no idea what has become of Witzer Field or of the plaque there which commemorated Greg. So many things in a military brat's life are transitory that I write this so that Gregory "Witzer" Cebula will not be forgotten even though the memorial Little League field may no longer exist. Luceat eo lux perpetua. Andy Spiker I met Forrest Pittman in the fall of 1970, shaking his hand for the first
time on the stage in the Rhein Main Junior High auditorium. A few minutes
later, we were playing music together, something we continued to do every
chance we got until his death in 1990. Over the course of those 20 years,
Forrest became one of my closest friends.
It's been ten years now since he passed away, and I still miss him
terribly. It was my pleasure & my privilege to have known him. Gary Usinger Forrest Pittman was very sweet to a girl, who in high school had very low self esteem. He had a smile that would light up the room. I'll always remember his beauty, like an angel. Egg and I were sitting at a table at the reunion last year and a candle was burning, I think he was there at that moment, we were both missing him at our reunion. I really believe that people who have passed over can see the flame of a candle. While he was on this Earth he made a difference in my life. I thank him for this.
Jacque Marshall [I] was saddened to see that Forrest Pittman had passed away. He is one of
the reasons that I became a rock drummer. I remember going into his
basement and watching him play. I learned how to do a rim shot from him. I went on to be in several bands, including The Electric Web at Rhein Main with Ed Crawford and Kyle Pratt on guitar, Harlan Adams on bass and me on drums. We played two of the school dances in '71-'72 and several places around the base. In the summer of '73 we moved to Denver, CO and I played professionally in a band called Rama for a couple of years on the 3.2 Club Circuit. In a way, I owe that part of my life to Forrest who got me started on that path. Thanks Forrest! Robert Moore
The Thompson sisters and I were great friends. I was closest probably to Betty
since we were in the same grade. Marti her older sister and I were good friends.
Her younger sister Debra was a lot younger than I. The Thompson sisters lived in
Morfelden. We all caught the bus at the fountain and horsed around every
morning. They were from Georgia and all had that distintive southern draw, hence
their German was sort of different. There was always a party going on at the
Thompson sister's house, and ususally I was there when it was going on. We had
so many funny things happen to us. They are memories I will always cherish.
I was saddened to hear of Marti's and Debra's passing. I have thought of them
several times over the years. Betty and I have talked on the phone. She lives
in Eatonton, GA and is doing well.
Mark Feathers Just thinking about Jon Ruckman's wild antics during our misspent youth brings a smile to my face... No one could do outrageous quite like Jon!
:)
Although we only saw each other three or four times over the years after the Ruckmans left Rhein Main in '72 (the last time being around '94 or '95), somehow we never completely lost touch.
Jon was a loyal friend, and I'm certain that no one who knew him will ever forget him. It simply isn't possible.
Gary Usinger Pete was one of the first people I met when we got to Rhein Main...I will always remember Pete as a happy and funny guy...One of my best friends at
the time...a great ball player and good friend.
I was very sad to see that he was no longer with us...I still can't believe it!!! I was hoping to see him at the Reunion...we had some fun times together.
I will always remember Pete and cherish the memories that I have of him.
Curtis Hammond I met Bevin when I was 14.. He was 19.. I was confused. .. well on my way to ruin.. He taught me to be true to my self, morals and self respect at a time when he could have lead me astray.. In my adult life I have reflected on some or our talks.. Always quiet spoken, always gentle, eye lit with understanding and light.. He contributed to my emotional well being in a troubled time.. I looked up to him, admired him, and respected him.. All whose life he touched will miss him. When I left Rhein Main he was one of many who came to the airport to see me go.. He kissed me on the cheek. told me to always be me.... He will always hold a special place in my heart and memories.. Debbie Stone Haigh Debbie Stone Haigh
Jim Thomas was a big man with an even bigger heart. His warmth and sense of humor made him a pleasure to be around. He told me once that his birthday often fell on Labor Day and as a small boy, he believed that "everyone in the world" was celebrating his birthday at that time. Not a Labor Day goes by that I don't remember Jim with fondness.
Per, I will never forget you, your laugh, the good times we shared, or our
favorite album - Close to the Edge...........
Down at the end, round by the corner,
Seasons will pass you by.
Now that it's all over and done,
Called to the seed right to the sun.
Now that you find now that you're whole,
Seasons will pass you by.
Brenda Ramsey McLintock
I was sad when I heard that RMAB was closed as an US AB. Mostly because of Witzer Field, which was a Little League field on the road between Gateway Gardens and the operational part of the base.
4/2000
Class of "73"
Class of '75
4/2000
5/2000
1/2002
John was a special soul.. always searching for something I don't think he could define.. In love with many ,, never loved himself.. always searching..I was fortunate enough to know John twice in my life.. Once at Rhein Main then several years later at March AFB in Calif..Always a smile.. always a rebel..always a child searching for approval.. I pray dear John that you found peace before you left this world... I loved you not once. but twice.. I only hope that you finally found out what a truly special person you were..You're missed.
1/2002
