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Saturday, September 25, 1999
I had a teenage crush on this young, handsome gentleman at Cave Spring High School. I never mentioned it to anyone and I could tell that Bruce did not have any interest in me. I decided that was okay, because I felt that one day he would be a hard working "blue collar" man with his own family. My main accomplishment was getting Bruce to sign my high school annual. He had rejected my request several times before agreeing. His signature is all he wrote. When I learned that he had enlisted in the Marine Corps, I considered him even more of a hero. I was very saddened upon learning of his death. If Bruce were alive today, he probably would not remember me. I will always appreciate his service to the United States and I will always remember him. God bless him. V. Dianne Vaught
Dear LZ RUSSELL ASSOC., I came across your site on the internet. Hope you don't mind my writing to you. First of all I would like to Thank ALL of You for your service to our Country. My son had a special program at his school today to honor all the veterans. It got me thinking and remembering. My uncle was killed when Firebase Russell was over-run Feb. 25th 1969. His name is Bruce Allen Saunders. I was not even a year old then and never got a chance to meet him. If you knew him or know anyone else who may have known him and could share some stories I would love to hear them. My dad is in his 60's now and was in the Air Force- he is Bruce's older and only brother. When they asked all the veterans to stand today he stood and leaned toward me and said he was standing more for Bruce than for himself. I appreciate your time in reading this. If you didn't know him maybe you might know someone who did and could forward this message along. Once again Thanks.
Here are some pictures sent in by Michael
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School Picture
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Bruce (L) and his older brother, Mike.
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Boot Camp Platoon
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Bronze Star Award
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Bronze Star Citation
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Purple Heart Award
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Here are some letters Bruce sent home from Vietnam:
