Scott Freestone & Ron Arenas

Scott Freestone

Scott, or Scotty as we all called him, was the best son, big brother, grandson, friend, husband-to-be anyone could have asked for. 

He’d do anything for anyone. He was always happy and fun loving -- so much so that he was given the awesome title “Class Clown” in high school.  

He was a well-loved 1965 graduate of Holland High School, where everyone knew him as a devoted team manager. If you knew Scott, you had a friend forever.  When asked to serve his country, he stepped up and gave his all, ultimately his life for his country.  

Gone but never forgotten.

Ron Arenas

This is just one of many memories that I have of Ron.  Ron and I went on R&R together in November of 1968. R&R stands for Rest and Relaxation, away from the War zone. We picked Taiwan to visit. During our 5 day visit there, we got to have Thanksgiving Dinner with an American Air Force family. There was a base there. It was very nice.

While on R&R, we both said we would call home, which had to be done in the early morning hours, local time, so it would be a reasonable time in Holland, Michigan, Ron’s home town. Well here I am, sound asleep, when Ron comes knocking on my door. He is so excited because he just finished talking with his family. He was walking around the room, telling me everything and everybody he spoke with. His excitement was contagious! Soon both of us had big grins on our faces and laughing. We never went back to bed; we talked until the sun rose.

I never saw Ron happier than after that phone call home.

50 years now, I still miss my friend Ron.    

~Dave Flores