You
No, but how bout this:
You (contact)
Them (Contact)
Dear (recruiter, To whom it mat concern)
I have had the (pleasure/displeasure) of knowing ***** for (time). Have (enjoyed/despised) our time together.
We did this together (Played as kids/ went to cub scouts/ flew airlplanes, whatever.)
This is why he would be a good employee (Also why I'm recomending him: work for the org., used to work together). He/she would be a valuable (Asset/liability) for your company. I highly (recommend/do not recommend He/She for employment) With your company.
Best regards with your (growth/furloughs/contract negotiations),
Sincerely (Or perhaps not so)
The Guat.
Feel free to ammend options as a mad lib.