Thomas O'Connell passed away at the age of 72, on March 21, 2019. He was a proud and active veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the Air Force from 1964 to 1968 as part of the Air Police. He was also a member of multiple organizations, including the Lyons Combat Veterans United; The Disabled American Veterans - Chapter No. 16 in Somerville, N.J.; The Air Force Security Forces Association, and American Legion Post 119 in Dunellen, N.J.

When the time came that his wife could bring herself to go through his things after his passing, she found a set of dog tags with the name Daniel G Frankling on them. She had no idea who that was or how her husband had come into possession of them. Not knowing what to do with them, but understanding the connection a veteran has with their dog tag, she gave them to Richard Pirrello - a comrade of her husbands, so that he could help get them home. Pirrello, a member of the DAV CHapter 16 in Somerville, NJ, in turn handed them off to friend Sue Quinn-Morris of Patriot Connections Dog Tag Project.

Patriot Connections Dog Tag Project was able to locate Daniel Franklin, alive and well living in Wisconsin. Dan and his wife CIndy sure were shocked at the news and although we cant be certain, we think Thomas probably found the dog tags at/around Fort McGuire NJ when he was there in 1964..... Daniel Franklin, was discharged from Fort McGuire in 1961. He was there for a few extra days because of the Bay of Pigs but it was determined that his MOS would not be needed.

Since the Franklin's were just getting ready to move to Arizona, we arranged for his dog tag to be hand delivered once they arrived and got settled in their new home. With the help of the Legion Riders of Post 29 in Glendale, Arizona, WIll Lindahl and some other riders made the special delivery after receiving the dog tags from Quinn-Morris in Cherry Hill, NJ. (Feb 2023)

To view video, visit https://youtu.be/WB9BjoEqLkE