We were saddened to hear of the passing of Emory Gouge.  He has been a member of the Gator Detachment for many years.  He often provided insightful opinion, usually along with some comedic relief.  He enjoyed being happy with his Marine buddies and you could always count on him for a good laugh.

He was active in other organizations as well.  He was a Korea Marine, so he held memberships in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Korean War Veterans and the American Legion.  I am told that he was active in their fundraising activities along with his buddy Jack Harris.

He was a member of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs.  We took field trips and Emory usually made his way, even if there were just a handful of us.  We have visited a few military museums and even Blount Island.  

When we had a party for our group, it was Emory who insisted on having a Turkey Shoot with a pop gun that shot corks.  Of course you had to pay to shoot (there's the fundraiser.) But that is just Emory.  We actually had fun but we did not keep score.  I'm quite certain we were all qualified snipers with his cork gun.

There will be a service honoring him at Forest Meadows Cemetery Central in Gainesville on Friday, April 16th at 3:00pm.  Reception will follow at the American Legion Post 16.

Fair winds and following seas, Marine.

-SD