TAPS

Anthony T. Cummings, Major (RET) passed away at the age of 78 on the morning of November 25, 2007 at approximately 0730hrs due to complications related to pneumonia and conjestive heart failure.

Tony enlisted as a private E1 in the Army at the age of 14 to participate in WWII, fortunately or unfortunately, the war had ended by the time he completed basic training. Though he may have missed the battles of WWII he did participate in the Berlin Airlift and other operations.

Later in the 50's Tony was sent to Korea but then came down with Polio and missed the war entirely.

In the 60's Tony was sent to Viet Nam to battle the communist North with the 5th Special Forces Group (A). He often jested that he only served one tour -- one tour that lasted five years. Tony received many awards and decorations for his participation but his most 'prized award' that he returned home with was his best friend and wife, Luu.

As many of you know, Tony was in a car accident in 2002 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Add to that the complications of diabetes, caused by Agent Orange, and he had a daily struggle that he met head-on like a true warrior.

Tony was a proud member of Chapter 31 of the Special Forces Association and would open his home to anyone wearing the Green Beret. One of his last statements to me was "I am proud of what you guys are doing with Operation Gum Drop."

Tony is survived by his wife Luu, his daughters Toni and Arlene and his nephew Gene.

Early on the morning of September 22, 2007, my father, Andrew, passed away
peacefully in his sleep. Memorial service will be held at the Guardian
funeral Home at 5704 James Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76134 afterwhich he will
be enturned at the National Cemetery at 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy,
Dallas, TX 75211. Date and time of the ceremonies have not yet been
established. As soon as a time line has been established, I will
resend this email with updates.

Thank you to all who have helped me through all of this and I hope to
see you all soon.

Thank you
Andrew "Drew" Martin