David Ritchie
Today is the saddest day of my life. I learned today that my best friend, Al Winter had
died on 03/24/2021. No one called me or told me, especially some family members
that knew. How cruel was that. I am devastated that I didn’t go to his funeral.
I last saw Al on 03/23/2021. We had lunch together at Crossover in Waterford. We get
together every month for over 30 years. He told me that he was going on vacation to Florida because a friend of his had a condo. He said that he would call me back. He
didn’t call me in April so I figured he was busy or on vacation. I went on vacation the end of May and couldn’t wait to tell Al about my vacation. So when I called him today, his
phone was disconnected. I found his name in a obituary.
Al and I had so much in common. We both fought in the Vietnam War and we were
both in the Air Force Reserves 34 MAPS unit. Every month for years Al and I met
with other 440th members at McDonald’s Restaurant in East Troy for breakfast
and camaraderie. Al also volunteered at the Racine Harbor Fest for several years
and my wife, Deb and I always met up with him there and had a good time. Al and
I also took little trips through the years to Navy Great Lakes Training Center including
long semi truck rides to Fort McCoy. We had many adventures together.
Al, I will miss you always. Rest In Peace. Semper Fi
David and Debra Ritchie
