Living an Honorable Life

Leaving no man behind.

There is a bright twinkle in the blue eyes of Bob Good.  His smile lights up a room and you can’t help but return one right back.  His personality is so vibrant and engaging I felt as if I had known him for years.  I met Bob on a Monday morning to scan the photos for this article.  It was a surprise meeting, and one that I know now was meant to be!  As I scanned the photos Bob told me a little about his past, and as I listened to him speak the photos spoke to me as well.  I saw young men, lots of young looking men; Bob Good was just 23 when he was in the Army’s 9th Infantry Division assigned to Search and Destroy Missions during the Vietnam War.
On a fateful day in 1967 Bob and his company were ambushed by enemy troops ensuing one of the most horrific battles of the war.  As I look through the many photos of the time Bob spent in Vietnam I see so much more than just the remnants of war.  I see a brotherhood of men – young, young men.  Bob has many memories, with notes on so many of them —Little reminders of the day or a small token to brighten a friends face.  His photos bring a sense of overwhelming emotion as he explains a bit about them.  “See those tiny boats, they were made of plastic and we were piled in them.” Bob said.  Quickly I am reminded that it was a war.  The story of the 9th Infantry Battle, and more specifically Bob’s story made its way to the front pages of the LA Times due in part to the enormous number of causalities on that horrific day in 1967.  It was during that battle that Bob displayed a level of heroism and courage that eventually earned him The Bronze Star and accommodations for his valor.
During the ambush, Bob’s commanding officers were killed and they began experiencing heavy fire and many losses.  Bob and his company repeatedly ran back and forth in the line of fire facing danger head on in order to rescue the wounded.  The humble nature of this man shined through when being referred to as a hero.  He responded to this in a very cool and calm manner stating, “I’m no hero. I just did what needed to be done.”  It was during these brazen rescue efforts that Bob saved the life of his Platoon Sergeant, Sergeant “Tornado” Jones.  Jones was involved in a major enemy fire explosion that resulted in the loss of both of his legs and one of his arms.  Without Bob’s selfless efforts risking his own life getting him to an emergency medical evacuation helicopter, Jones would certainly have died along with several other soldiers.
Bob and the few surviving members of his company received Bronze Stars for the heroism they showed in the face of death.  Receiving the Bronze Star is quite an honor as it is the fourth-highest combat award in the United States Armed Services.  There was, however, a downside to the awards.  A man was excluded, someone who had been next to Bob Good every tough step along the way that fateful day.  His name was Jim Miller.  “It’s been bothering me for 40 years,” Bob said, “I always felt that Jim deserved to be recognized for his actions that day.” Bob has been campaigning for his friend to become a recipient of the very same award he had been given many years ago.  After years of deliberations, Military confirmation and a mountain of paperwork submitted, Jim Miller was finally awarded The Bronze Star.  Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon formally presented Jim with his honor at the Santa Clarita Veterans Plaza on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.  All Thanks to Jim’s tireless efforts.
They were pretty extraordinary times and Bob’s perseverance to make what he felt was wronged become a right says exactly what people should know about his character.  I am extremely honored to have met Bob Good—Such an extraordinary man with such a kind demeanor.
Bob Good met his beautiful wife Susan many years ago and they have been married for 39 wonderful years.  They live a quiet life in Stevenson Ranch.  When asked about Santa Clarita Bob says with a chuckle, “This may sound crazy, but I love this City.  It’s a friendly, well-organized community with wonderful schools and plenty to do.”  Far from the days of being on the battlefields of Vietnam, Bob now spends his days on the golf course.  He says, “It’s a favorite hobby of mine.  I’m not very good at it, but I love it.”