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In Memory

Frank Bernal

Frank Bernal

Frank Garcia Bernal

December 30, 1946 ~ December 16, 2011

Photo in Viet Nam appx. 1969 - From Nancy Quijada

 
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10/25/17 10:09 PM #1    

David Trejo

Frankie passed on December 16, 2011 in Los Angeles.  His son had him transferred from the VA Hospital in Tucson to the VA Hospital in Los Angeles.  He died as far as I know from complications from being bitten by a Brown Recluse at work at the DM Bone Yard.  The bite aggravated. other problems he was having as a result of Agent Orange.

Frankie was my 2nd cousin, we grew up together, primarily at our Abuelita's house on Carrillo St.  He was my Best Man, and arrived home from Viet Nam a week before the wedding.  He returned in May of 1969 and never mentioned to anyone that he had been awarded a Bronze Star for his actions at Fire Base Gloria.  In July 69 he and I drove to Los Angeles where he stayed to work and I flew on to Travis AFB on my way to Southeast Asia.

I think of him often and remember the last time I spent time with him at his place out on Los Reales Rd near San Xavier.  Alex Baray, Dickie Bravo, Mike Abril, Angel Llamas, Natalie Matas, and Frances Ortiz were there, all childhood friends. 

I give thanks to my good friend Alex Baray who found Frank at home several days after being bitten.  He was in horrible shape.  Alex took him to the VA Emergency Room and got him admitted.  If not for Alex he would have gone much sooner and his son would not have had a chance to see his Dad.






 


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