VETERANS
MEMORIAL WALL
FOUR


I am a Vietnam vet. I was with the 86th engs in 68 and 69. I left a lot of buddies but never forgot them. I thank GOD for all of them. After 30 years I still dream of them.

GOD BLESS those who gave all and those who do this now.

James Berry



I served two tours in vietnam 66-67 with the 1st Bn 2nd Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. My area of operation was in the 3rd Corps area around the Tay Ninh Province and the Michelon Rubber Plantation and Phuoc Vinh. My second tour was Jul to Dec 68 with the 1st of the 11th Infantry of the 5th Infantry Division in I corps on the DMZ at Con Thien . During both tours we saw heavy action, and took severe casualties in KIA and WIA, some were not wounded at all until much later (5-10-15-even 20 or 30 years later). When they and their families finally realized that their anger and depression was not normal, this was not how they were before they went to Vitnam, and for years after Vietnam they did a fairly good job of hiding their feelings and their anger and frustration were blamed on liquor or drugs, or just plain bad luck.

Their old friends were not their friends anymore, they could not relate to their old school friends, and some of them were not around anymore, they lost their lives in Vietnam or shortly after because of alcoholism or drugs and the ensuing wrecks of their cars and their lives.

Some lost their families who just could not cope with them, and or they could not cope with their families, and the problems that accompanies a family.

They who had wanted out of Vietnam so bad, even volunteered to go back, trying to find their lost buddies or comraderie that they missed so much, because they could depend on their brothers, someone always had your back, and you had theirs.

Some finally found some relief by trying to fight back when they realised that this was not them, they were never like this before Vietnam, why are we like this now, they began to fight back, and demanded some answers, like what the hell is wrong with me? And what are you going to do to help me thru this, I need your help, I need my families help.

Slowly we fight our way out of this dungeon, this hole that we have sunk into over the last 35 years, 35 years of anger and frustration, this unknown rage that cannot be fathomed, where does it come from, but more so, How do I get rid of it.

Hopefully your family sticks with you, and suffers with you, and cheers at every little success you may have, they come so hard, but damn they feel so good. You finally start looking for your Brothers from the NAM, where have they gone, where did they say they lived - Oklahoma? California? Kentucky?, there were so many and from so many different places, just trying to put them both together, you finally remember something that had been said.

This is an example: I had told my best Friend and Brother in Vietnam, that if he ever wanted to find me after the War, all he had to do was go to any liquor store and buy a bottle of Seagrams 7 and see where it was bottled at (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) I got home in Dec of 68, in May of 69 he called me up, we have been in touch since that time.

M.B. Johnson



I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOVED ONES THAT LOST THEIR CHILDREN IN THE WARS. I HAVE CHILDREN OF MY OWN. IT HAS TO BE ONE OF THE WORST THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU MEN & WOMEN THAT HAVE DEFENDED OUR COUNTRY. THERE IS NO WAY WE COULD EVER THANK YOU ENOUGH.

I HAVE A SON IN THE AIR FORCE. HE HAD TO GO OVERSEAS, BUT NOT ON THE FRONT-LINE. WE LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU .

LOVE FROM

THE JARRELL FAMILY - HEFLIN, ALABAMA



YOU'RE IN OUR HEARTS

OUR BROTHER S.S STEVE MARTINEZ. WE MISS & LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU ALWAYS

YOUR BIG SISTERS
SUSAN & ANITA.


ALSO TO MY BROTHER-IN -LAW DONALD BLACKSTON. WE ALL LOVE YOU TOO!

THANK YOU BOTH FOR GIVING YOUR LIVES SO WE CAN BE FREE.

LOVE
ANITA BLACKSTON





Carl Wadliegh

So awsome to have finally found you and put your name where it belongs.

Mia since 1968, found 1/2004.

Love your neice,
Francine



We pray for your safe return and we thank you for all that you are doing.

God Bless

Steffney and Anthony



Thank you everyone living and deceased for keeping this country safe and free.

As far as I am concerned anyone who served in the military is a hero .

My god-father was a medic during WW 2 he returned with in those days called, SHELL SHOCKED". When he had lucid moments he would tell us that he would do it all over again for this country.

Betty



I am writing to tell you about my father, George J. Shackelford.

He was a Gunner's Mate 2nd. Class aboard PC 785 in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1945 and also served in the Aleutians Islands.

I just wanted to say how proud the family was of him and that we will never forget his sacrifice and his love.

Robert Shackelford



Nothing fancy, just to the point..............

Thank you soldiers for our freedom that cost so much!!!

Aubrey & Evelyn Gardner



Thank you to all who served and are now serving in the Armed Forces. It is a hard job, sometimes a thankless job, but if not for you we would not be free to worship, free to complain, free to praise, free to love, free to honor those who have gone before. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your many sacrifices.

Lucille Hussey



Groundbreaking Ceremony 3-26-82

I was a Member of the 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard of the Army. It was my Honor to be the Color Sergeant of the Joint Service Color Team for the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

The manner in which the Viet Nam Vets treated us was overwhelming, and made us all very humble to be in their presence.

At the time of this ceremony, many had grown old and worn from the years that followed their time in country, and most wore their old uniforms and medals proudly as they came by to look at the next generation of Fighting Men who stood proudly with our Countries colors and Service colors, some talked, most just cried at our sight.

We took pride in knowing that we made them feel emotions that had been held in check for many years, and as we began to march out in front of the audience, encouragement came from those same soldiers, encouragement for a Job well done, and with that our chests bulged and our steps were sure as we did not want to taint the memory of our fallen brothers and those watching our every move.

Of all of the ceremonies I personally took part in during my time from 1980 to 1984, the one memory that will remain in my heart was the looks from those proud veterans as we marched by with our National flag, the same flag they fought and most died for, and to a man, everyone of them stood at attention, some with tears streaming down their cheeks, and saluted proudly our symbol of Freedom.

They told us that we made them proud, and our only response was to show them that their brothers did not die in vain, and that they will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN....

Sgt. John Kirby
A-Co. 3rd US Infantry



No words can express my gratitude for the military personnel and veterans who have served or are serving our country so honorably.

My heart aches for the families of soldiers who do not return home. My heart feels bursts with pride when I see families greeting their loved ones returning home from duty.

We live in the greatest nation that has ever been and this is a feeble attempt to express my thanks to those who fight and have fought and died for our freedom.

Thank you.
Jenny



The wedding vows say, for better or for worse. It took years before I learned of the mental damage my husband sustained from serving in Vietnam. He was there the worst year,1968. He was a gunner in a shinook, Army Aviation 205th. He was 18. Damaged for life by what he saw, by what he had to do to survive. I know others had it worse. His anger is trigger happy. He's still fighting a war of some sort. Wife number 4. Kids constantly yelled at. I promised him I would never leave. He's been hurt his entire life, spit on when he got back home. I'm proud of who he is, anger and all. I will stand by this man the rest of our lives. God Bless all you Vietnam Vets. THANK YOU! Welcome home.

I'm so sorry you were all treated so badly upon your return.

Shelley



A proud Navy Vet. of WW2
Lawrence B. Massey (signalman second class)





My father Robert Earl Roberson served in the United States Air Force from 1958-1962. I want him to be remembered for his courageous commitment to serving the United States of America.

Nicole Davis



My Father Robert Earl Roberson was born in Birmingham, Alabama and he served in the United States Air force from 1958-1962. He passed away on September 27, 2003 without any of his children knowing about it; He was a courageous spontaneous individual. We all loved him very much and we would like him to be remembered for his efforts during the Viet-Nam Era.

Love His Sons and Daughters,

Randy Roberson
Michael Roberson
Angela Wilson
Nicole Davis
Cherish Roberson



For those who want to protest, I served in Viet Nam for you to have that right. Just remember "Freedom is NOT Free." There are those who fought for it and many died. If you do not like what is happening here then it is your duty to go to the polls and vote. That is how we do it here. If you don't believe this is the best country to live in then go to another country, say Iran or Communist China, and try doing the things you do here as protest and see how far you get and how long you live. Also check out the living conditions of the people there and the opportunities they have to advance themselves, and you will find that even with all our problems this is the best and greatest country in the world.

Ronald Barnhill
DaNang, 366TFW, 1968-69



My Grandpa, SGT Carl L Girtman, fought in World War II and served his country very well. He was my best friend and a great Grandfather to me. I was by his side till his death on January 1, 2000.

Andrew Girtman
California



God bless our troops. They will all be remembered.

Harold Studt



Dear Veterans,

Thank you for fighting for our country. You are the ones that helped us have freedom. We appreciate you for protecting our country. We honor you for keeping us safe. Once again, thank you for all you have done.

Your Friends in Second Grade,
Corbin, Abby, Taylor, Jacob, Kyle, Kanouchu, Alexis, Jeremiah, Claudia, Alexa, Branton, John



My son Senior Chief John Charles Kjensmo served twenty years in the military. He retired in January of 2004 and passed away on Sept. 30, 2004. The military was his life!!! He was in the Navy and served with the Seabees, Marines and aboard submarines. He wrote a short poem.

Warrior's Prayer

I pray for a time when we accept one God and bring to an end,
wars that have caused millions of dead.
I pray for a time when arrogance is put in it's place,
so world leaders can solve their differences face to face.
I pray for a time when we all cared, the children could eat,
for food is not a weapon but is meant to be shared.
I pray to ease the mother's pain, the father's emptiness,
the widow's tears and children's loss.
The dead can not hear us, only the living continue to suffer the war's cost.

Senior Chief, John C. Kjensmo, Retired.



I believe Vietnam Veterans are among the finest Americans. Then and now they are the backbone of pride, strength, and forgiveness. They fought a war that was not understood and they paid debts they didn’t owe.

Many thanks, to all who served.

Valli Jones Davis 2005/WV



I LOVE YOU ALL U FOUGHT FOR MY FREEDOM AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT AND I WILL NEVER FORGET ABOUT MY FAMILY MEMBERS WHO FOUGHT IN THE WAR WITH YOU STAY STRONG AND FREE

ALICIA



For John T Pitcher - WW2 - USN Sea Bee's South Pacfic theatre...1943-1946.

Marilyn Pitcher



For those who died on the beaches of Normandy
For those who died on the steep Italian hills
For those who died in the cold snow covered Ardennes
For those who died in the flat wet dutch land
For those young airman who crashed over Europe, so far from home
Long ago, but not forgotten.

Hans
The Netherlands



Sgt. Rodney Griffith
MIA/KIA 12NOV68
they never gave up Rodney, they never gave up!

StoneDoc



Thank You All

Thank you to all, My Grandfather, Uncle, Husband and youngest Son now serving,

Grandfather WWI , Deceased

Uncle WWII , Deceased

Husband WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Deceased

Son, 82nd Airborne now serving, was in Afghanistan

For these special people in my life that have helped to keep this beautiful country of ours free and to all of the Men and Women young and old that have been or are now serving you are so strong and deserve to be treated so much better than you are by all the hate mongers of this world. I wish I could say all the words that you should hear But all I can say is THANK YOU ,You are in my heart and in the heart of all the good decent people of the USA. I wish I could wipe out all the rotten and nastiness of so many people that hate you and what you stand for because they do not have your courage and what it takes to be the HERO'S that you are.

Jane Hillsdale, Michigan



I would like to thank all the men and women who fight and die for our country. It is a great honor to be called an American because you lay down your lives willingly for people you will never even meet. You are America. You stand for the very meaning of this country. A tear comes to my eye knowing I am protected by such brave and honorable men and women. I come from a line of military men who fought in WWII and the Viet Nam war. So I at least know of the horror war can play on the mind. So for ALL you do, suffer and are for, I want to say thank you!!! It's not alot but it does come from my heart.

Sincerly
Dawn M. Williams



I will never forget...

I will never forget Sgt. Howard Eugene Beagle of Glens Falls, NY, a VietNam casualty April 10, 1967 a good childhood friend of mine.

I will never forget Sp4 Joseph M. D'Angelico of Fort Edward, NY, a VietNam casualty January 02, 1970, a good childhood friend of mine.

I will never forget Sgt. Vincent James Musco of Schenectady, NY, a VietNam casualty August 18, 1969. Sgt Musco and I entered the Army together as strangers but became very close friends through basic training, MP school, Walter Reed Medical Center duty, went game hunting together while on leave before leaving together for VietNam in November 1968. My friend Vince lost his life in Quang Ngai, South VietNam when the jeep he was riding him ran over a land mine.

I will never forget the ultimate sacrifice my friends paid for this "Land of the Free and Home of the Brave".

Sgt. Robert L. Stephens, Hudson Falls, NY
Nov.68-Nov 69, VietNam



Past and Present Marines Pay Tribute

As a former Marine, Iwas very proud and honored when my youngest son joined the Marine Corps.

When my son was in jr. high school, he went to Washington, D.C., with other classmates. I knew he would be visiting " The Wall" at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, so my only request was for a pencil etching with the name of my buddie Thomas Patrick Noonan Jr. The very first thing my son told me when he returned was that he took several pictures of it for me and the impact that it had on him . Now, years later, he enlisted in the Marines and went through boot camp and through the "Crucible".

Each obstacle on the Crucible is dedicated to Marines who have received the Medal of Honor. My son's squad got one of the obstacles, and the drill instructor read the introduction to the obstacle which was dedicated to Thomas Patrick Noonan Jr. It had quite an impact on him, the drill instrutor and his fellow recruits knowing this obstacle was dedicated to my good buddy in Vietnam.

The purpose of this particular obstacle is to carry a fellow Marine through part of the course on a stretcher. Back in 1969, We carried Noonan and and others who were killed for 3 days.

Last November, I was able to go 2nd Battalion, Ninth Marine Regiment's reunion in Washington, D.C., with my son, who is now stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. We were able to go to The Wall together as present and former Marines and pay our respects to Lance Corporal Thomas Patrick Noonan Jr. and the rest of the Marines lost from my company, G 2/9, during Operation Dewey Canyon, Ashau Valley.

~<^> ~ LORD, I MISS THEM SO ~<^>~

Semper Fi ~ Brothers

P.F.C. Randy "Hippie" Ware



MY BROTHER LARRY MASON, SR DIED IN VIETNAM NOV. 24, 1968

MESSAGE TO HIM: I LOVE AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH

LOVE
YOUR SISTER



WELCOME HOME!

From Wm. Sponseller Jr. 6/27th Artillery Group Charlie Company Phuoc Vinh 9/68 to 9/69



May you always be blessed. May you always be faithful and true to your fellow military friends, your loved ones and yourself. You are doing the right thing. You are appreciated. May you all return home safely.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Carroll Carter



I love you all and the sacrifices you have made for me. You have my utmost respect and highest regards. I will never forget all that you have done to keep us free. I carry you daily in my heart.

Eternally Yours,
Kathy Gatlin
Your # 1 Fan.



Just wanted to say that I very much appreciate what you guys have done for us and I love you in the Godliest of ways.

Thanks so much.

God bless!
Erika Giordano



I would like to Honor my Parents :

CWO4 Claude T. Cook Jr. and his Army wife of 37 Army years Sadie Cook . I include my Mother because she raised four daughters the best she could. Sometimes he was away at War but she stayed by his side and kept the family together and safe.

I am so proud to call myself an "ArmyBrat".

I have the memories of living on base and hearing taps everynight, it was like a lullaby to hear. We lived in Japan, France, Germany, and several states, but we always called California "home".

My father served in the Korean War, World War II, and the Vietnam War.

I remember the Holidays most, my mother was an excellent Cook/Hostess and her table was never empty, there was always at least 10-20 "G.I.'s" eating with us at the table, with plenty of laughter , holiday music , and no one left hungry .

My dad was buried at Arlington National Cemetary in 1971 with full military honors. My mother joined him in 1990.

I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to all the many military Men and Women who have fought for our country, I have never felt so proud to be an MilitaryBrat !!

Like I used to do when I was a child and you would come home......dad.......I Salute you !





For my father who served during the Vietnam War.

For Richard S. Larsen
United States Army
Veteran of the Vietnam War

"Thank you dad for your courage, your bravery and the wisdom that you carry with you! I want to thank you and all the men who fought to preserve our freedom!"

Love your daughter,
Nicole



In loving memory of my father:

Ralph D. Barnes

Aug. 21, 1928-Sep. 3, 2001

World War II veteran

United States Navy

Gone but not forgotton. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and had a great love for God, family, and his country.

Kathy (NC)



In honor of Vietnam Vet

U.S. Army

Raymond L. Dellinger

We know that although you came back alive, and we thank God for that, you still have times when memories are hard to deal with. But we are so proud of you, and all the men and women who have so bravely served in our armed forces to protect our land of the free and home of the brave. We love you Dad:

Terry, Tommy, Debra, and Jamey



For all the fathers, wives, sons, daughters & friends who so willing gave their lives so that we may live in Freedom......Bless Them.!

For those who were left behind....God be with

Pam Michigan



THANK YOU TO ALL THE HEROES WHO SERVED AND SACRIFICED...THEN AND NOW.

LESLIE MELDRUM
"PROUD ARMY WIFE"

FORT RILEY, KANSAS



Your sacrifice and that of your families and friends will forever be burned into my soul forever.

ANETT FAULKNER



God Bless those that have served and sacrificed their lives to keep us free.

SFC Larry Peart U.S. Army



We would not be the nation we are today without the multiple sacrifices of our military. Thank you for giving all you could. I try to live and appreciate all you have done to provide me a nation to live where I have the greatest opportunity for happiness. I know I am blessed to be born an American!!!!!

Cindy Parrish



God bless all of our wonderful boys and girls and men and women who are out there serving our country. May the Lord bless each and every one and may they know that multi millions of us appreciate them more than they will ever know.

Marianne Connolly



To our brave men and women who have, are, and will be serving in the military you have my highest respect and honor, you are defending freedom and keeping us safe, without you we would not be living in the greatest country in the world THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!

Thank You.

Rich Miller



To my Father, My Uncle for their service in WW II and for our son, Steven who has already served 3 tours in Iraq, and all the soldiers from all the wars who fought to allow us to live in this wonderful country now, I say, Thank You with all our hearts for all you've done and will do. May God Bless and Keep you safe.

With all Honors,

Stephanie G. Simpson
Orlando, Fl.



May the winds of love blow softly
And whisper so you'll hear,
We will always love and miss you
And wish that you were here.


Thanks to all those who gave all! Freedom is so sweet, but it ain't free. RHIP, May God bless each and every one of you.

Tony Tidwell



Thank You for allowing us the Freedom to be heard no matter where one stands. We shed our tears for The Fallen... They lift our hearts to try harder.

Thank You again

Lonni



To all the courageous soldiers who fought for causes that may never be truly known I thank you. For that is what makes a true hero.

AV



Lord God, please comfort and bless the families of veterans who laid down their lives for our country. Honor and protect our armed forces who bravely fight for our freedom and justice here in the US. Remind them that You love them and that their labor is not in vain. to appreciate my freedom today and to use it to serve others in love and sacrifice. Thank You Lord Jesus for the brave sacrifices You made to give us eternal freedom from death and the powers of evil that seeks to eradicate our rights. We remember you,

Hector



To my daddy John W.Aday, and all other vets who gave their life.....I thank you....I love you....I miss you....May you all rest with Jesus... and until we meet again may God hold you close...I miss you daddy..

Bonnie






I am writing about my grandfather Edward J Conlin on this Veterans day 11/11/11. My grandfather was born September 7th 1924. He joined the United States Army September 20th 1948. He was just 24 years old. Shortly there after he met and fell in love with my grandmother Mary Joyce Corbo. Before they could be married he was deployed. Korea 1950. A battle I had heard not so often talked about around the dinner table 44 years later. I only wished I had listened harder. His platoon which consisted of fifty men were ambushed. They fought a long, unyielding battle. My Grandfather stopped firing his weapon to help a fallen solider. This solider pulled a letter out of his pocket and made my grandfather promise to get it to his girl back home. The soldier died moments later. My grandfather was shot soon after. Once the battle ended the enemy went around harpooning the fallen men, missing my grandfather by inches. Lying face up in a rice paddy clutching to life and the letter as he slowly lost consciousness he wondered if he would ever keep his promise. Little did he know it would be the last time he would see the letter.

Waking up in a hospital weeks later he would soon be going home to marry his love. He learned that out of the fifty men only six survived including himself. He would think about the solider and the letter often through out the years and prayed that the letter got to where it was supposed to go. Edward J Conlin would make Sergeant First Class (E7)in just four short years. A rank not often given in such a short time. He was voluntarily honorably discharged from the United states Army on May 19th 1952. Papa would also go on to earn a purple heart for his time severed in a Korea. He also was given a medal by the president of Korea in 2001 but never got to see it. He succumbed to cancer December 24, 2000. Papa was the greatest man I will ever know. I miss you. Thank you papa and thank you to all men and women who fight for causes that may never be known. For that it what truly makes a hero....

With love forever,
Amy Jo Conlin

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