Remember General Wayne A. Downing

By Thomas Lifson

We published a notice on the passing of General Wayne A. Downing, former head of all Special Operations for the United States Military, and a remarkable man in many respects. Since then, we have heard from a number of relatives and friends, and especially from those who served under him, confirming that his loss is deeply-mourned by those who knew him best.

Even those who didn't have the privilege of meeting him should understand that the Special Forces he commanded are America's elite of elites: superlative warriors of the highest intelligence, physical conditioning and courage; multi-skilled, multi-faceted models of accomplishment in multiple realms of human excellence. In a very real sense, America's safety depends on our Special Forces, and they have never let us down. Most of their exploits must remain secret, of course. General Downing was the widely-beloved leader of these extraordinary warriors.

Now, we are able to present information for those readers who wish to make their own gesture of respect. In lieu of flowers, the Downing family asks that contributions be directed to two charities:

Special Operations Warrior Foundation
PO Box 13483
Tampa, Fla 33681-3483

And

National Ranger Memorial Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 53369
Ft. Benning, GA 31995-3369

Readers wishing to send condolences to Gen. Dowling's family may address them to:

General Wayne Downing Family

c/o Thomas the Apostle Church

904 East Lake

Peoria Heights, IL 61616

Hat tip: John B. Dwyer