I met Bonita in August of 1982, when I entered Lyman Ward Military Academy the year following her graduation. As a resident of Camp Hill she was frequently seen on campus as well as in town. She was friendly, enthusiastic, and her love for the school was apparent. In that first year she was a good friend, always available to discuss the multiple idiosyncrasies inherent to life at a military school far from any modern outside influence. As I progressed in my education , and as Bonita grew and began her post LWMA life, I saw her less and less but I never forgot her. Much later, after becoming aware of the challenges she faced via Facebook, I reached out to offer her the support that she has offered to me when I began at LWMA. I would also at this point acknowledge another LWMA 'alumni', Suzie Hudson, who acted as a nearly solitary support system for Bonita after her parents has passed, and her marriage had ended. I will not go into detail, as it is not appropriate in this setting, but suffice to say that Bonita faced challenges inconsistent with her kind, sweet nature. Facing seclusion in her Jackson Gap home, I made it my business to act as a sounding and support board for her in the absence of many in her previous circle. During that time, she expressed gratitude and love for her Alma Mater. Suzie Hudson, Trey Sims, Ronald Timberlake, Paul Tate, and I am certain Albert Hovey and others of whom I may be unaware continued to remain in her orbit, affording her the surrogate family that those of us who remember Colonel Hovey, Colonel Moreman, Doc Cawley, Sgt. Oliver, Fred Frank, Captain Orem, Major Tate as well as a host of others are familiar with, and so grateful for. We all loved Bonita, and she loved us. We have lost a sweet and central member of our LWMA family. I know that Bonita loved that family, as do I. I loved Bonita for her caring spirit, and love of our shared heritage. I will never forget Bonita, and I will never forget LWMA. I am so thankful to be a part of this family, and to have been a part of Bonita's life. As her fire on earth is extinguished, I know that her star in heaven will burn brightly, and I look forward to the time when I once again am able to see that sweet young woman with the flashing eyes and sabre who made the most of the life she was afforded and impacted all to whom she came in contact with...
Bryan A. Meinert Class of 1986, forever LWMA!
