VFW Post 9951 - Bangkok, Thailand
On 14 Feb., the Dept of Pacific Areas laid to rest one of its legends.
Comrade Leon Richard (Dick) Vileo passed away after a short illness on 7 Feb. As per the Buddhist custom, his family held a 7 day wake at the temple.
On the afternoon of 14 Feb., numerous members of District 5 gathered at the temple to pay their last respects. Funeral rites were held in accordance with the VFW ritual. For the large number of the Vileo friends and family this was their first exposure to such an event. Having a large number of 'farangs' standing in formation in front of the casket; having men in uniform recite (in English) a rather strange ceremony; seeing the flag of the United States of America proudly displayed, neatly folded, and handed to the widow was quite a spectacle.
Members of the Udorn, Korat, and Pattaya Posts attended the ceremony which was conducted by the Bangkok Post. Some members drove 10 hours one-way for the short ceremony. Members of the Bangkok Post never before seen, were in attendance. I lost count of all the VFW members who arrived throughout the afternoon. Their dedication was deeply appreciated by both the family and the VFW comrades.
Dick's son, Richard, is on Active Duty with the USAF in Hawaii. He was able to make it back to Bangkok just a day or so before the funeral. As the only son he served as the family's host; as a member of the Bangkok Post, he served as a member of the flag folding detail.
Dick will be long remembered in the VFW family. As far as the VFW was concerned Dick could say "been there; done that". He served in just about every capacity anyone could think of in the VFW. He was Department of Pacific Areas Commander elected from District 5, serving in 1987-88. He served as Grand Commander of the Cooties in the Department as well.
Dick served over 30 years in the USAF. Enlisting during WW II through the early 70s. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9).
From his days as a bar owner and via his attendance at annual VFW ceremonies for decades on end, Dick was well-known and respected by the Thais as well. At the time of his demise, he was in his 20th year as the Commander of District 5.