Tuesday, December 26, 2023
I am James (Jim) King I first met Sgt. Lionel Friend when I joined the Keyser WV National Guard, what an impressive Military Soldier. The years spent under his professional Military directions taught me just how much he know about the WVNG. He was a very impressive individual. He was my boss, my educator on Military matters, a partner to make sure all the men in the unit were treated justly and they received all the benefits coming to them. We would sit around camp at Summer Camp and have coffee and talk about yesterday, today and what we will accomplish tomorrow. He was always on top of all issues. I would joke with him and say when I grow up I want to be just like him. When working with him on extra duty days he would invite me to his home and to have lunch with him that his lady and wife Jo would prepare for us. It was and is a time I will remember to my days. I will end with Lad id not with his fellow Soldiers that served with him in the National Guard and respected him as he respected them for their service to State and National. I will remember his strong voice and tender words in all of his conversations. God Bless you Lad and God now has a real Soldier of Faith at the gate waiting to open them for others to pass thru as you have.
