Sunday, December 5, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. You don't know me but we do have a connection. Mr. Heller and my brother, Fred Palmer, were both in the 10th Mountain Ski Troops Division. I lost my brother March 5, 1945 on Riva Ridge, Italy. He and Cruz Rios were best buddies. Cruz was in the same fox hole with my brother Fred when he was killed. The Rios family contacted me in 2001 and I went to visit Cruz. Cruz is still alive and has a birthday coming up the 15th of December. He lives in Frezno, Calif. His son is affiliated with the 10th Mountain Division History, etc. His name is Val Rios. To make a long story short, I am very proud of my brother and those who served with him in the 10th Mountain Division. Thank the courageous men who serve in our Armed Forces then and now. Blanche Harmer
