THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Staff Sergeant Jose Ruben Aragon, Served with the 4600th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Company, 34th Tactical Group, 13th Air Force.

DEAR STAFF SERGEANT ARAGON
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE IN THE AIR FORCE. I COULD NOT FIND YOUR MOS, BUT YOU SERVED. REST IN PEACE.

Over the years I periodically visit the wall to see your name and look you up on the internet to read about you and see your memorials. The first time I wrote one of these I was just a boy learning about my family history. The second time, I wrote as an Airman in the same Air Force that you fought and died for. Now I am not only a man, but a father as well. When I look at my children and hear stories about how much of a caring and dedicated father and person you were, I wish that I could have known you and had my children meet you. Sometimes when life gets tough I wish I could hear your advice and guidance because I know that you were an amazing human being, because you left so many beautiful memories behind. I'll check back in a few more years, but in the mean time, I know that you are with me in my heart and I hope that I can be even half the man and father that you were.