Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 6, 1991 TAG: 9103061101
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB McLELLAND
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Terry's life here on Earth was not long in years - 25. But it was most eventful and caring in his concern for and contributions to others.
Few men, if any, have lived such a productive life in those things that really matter.
In my more than 40 years in sports, as both a sportswriter and as a sandlot coach, I have been fortunate to be associated with thousands of outstanding athletes, both on and off the playing field.
None has made a more positive impression on me than did Terry Plunk. He was the model and ideal of all that is good about today's youth.
I have written stories about him and enjoyed many warm and interesting conversations with Terry.
There were two things that Terry always would stress in those conversations - his appreciation and respect for his parents and his love and devotions to his God.
Terry competed in many sports at William Byrd High School and was active in many student affairs. He was especially outstanding in wrestling. His senior year, Terry won the 132-pound title in the Big Orange, the Blue Ridge District, and Region 3. His only loss in 27 matches was in the state tournament, and that by a single point.
On the mats, Terry was the picture of confidence and control. He exhibited the same image in everything he did.
My other great impression of him was through his association with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
We hold monthly breakfast meetings at 7 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. It is something to see hundreds of young boys and girls arrive at so early an hour.
When Terry would come into the room, I would get the feeling that here was someone special - both in the eyes of God and in those of his young colleagues.
Terry's contributions to the student life at Byrd were varied and many. He was the class valedictorian, and the overall winner of the coveted B'nai B'rith Award for athletics, academics and brotherhood - won in competition with nominees from 11 other area high schools. It probably was the easiest decision the judges ever had to make.
I remember when Terry told me he was going to Virginia Military Institute. I thought to myself, "what a great marriage." If ever there was a man who was destined to become a Keydet, it was Terry Plunk. He just had the look and temperament of a Keydet.
At VMI, Terry continued his outstanding leadership. Among his many awards and honors was the Society of Cincinnati Medal as a distinguished senior.
Last week, Lt. Terry Plunk met a tragic death. He and his platoon were clearing a mine field outside the airport at Kuwait when the end came for him.
My heart and prayers go out to his mother, Doris, and to his two sisters - Teresa and Julie. His father, Joe C. Plunk, died in 1985, during Terry's sophomore year at VMI.
Terry's death has cast a spell of gloom over us all - his friends and even those who only knew of the good that he had done. Many of us have asked, "Why Terry?" when so many others of lesser accomplishments are spared.
But this is not the attitude of which Terry would have approved.
Terry, I think, never would have questioned God's decisions concerning his life. And I don't think Terry would have wanted us to sit and ponder his passing with indecision.
He would have wanted us to carry on with our lives and to pledge to do all we can to make certain that the many things for which he had worked so hard become a reality.
This can be our legacy to Terry Plunk. It will assure that Terry's life and death have not been in vain.
God bless the memory of Lt. Terry Plunk.
by CNB