THE WALL OF FACES

I never met my cousin Al, but I remember hearing he'd been killed, and my parents going to his funeral. I was 8 years old at the time, and have despised communists ever since. Our great country is crawling with them today, and we need about a million men like 2nd Lt. Albert Charles Doody. R.I.P. - Thomas J. McGarry Jr.

My name is Jim Ketcher. I first met Al in the cafeteria at Sewanhaka high school. My lunch period was scheduled differently than the rest of the guys with whom I circulated the rest of the day. When I got to the cafeteria that day the seats were all taken except for one at Al’s table which was populated with all seniors and me, a sophomore. Consequently, the guys at the table started ragging on me. It didn’t help that one of the guys was smitten with my girlfriend and she preferred me, a sophomore. In short order Al got the rest of his buddies to stop harassing me and I spent my lunch hours there until the end of the semester when Al graduated. I was always thankful for Al’s intervention and sense of humor in making my lunch time more relaxed and comfortable.
Years later, the Sunday supplement of Newsday published a list of all the Long Islanders killed in the war. Not having any direct knowledge of anyone who died there, I read through the list. To my sorrow, I found Al’s name listed. I was very sad to see that someone who was kind to me and was such fun to be around, was gone. A few years ago, my daughter treated me to a trip to Washington D.C. We went to the Viet Nam memorial wall, I looked up Al’s name and found his inscription. I could not take a tracing of it because it was raining but I told my daughter of my brief and limited history with Al.
Now, I am seventy-six and live in Connecticut. I still think of Al from time to time. There is a scaled down replica of the Vietnam wall that tours the towns of Connecticut. This week it came to my town, and I went visit it. I found Albert C. Doody on panel 10-E line number 79, and I took my tracing on a small piece of paper the volunteers provided. It will be one of my prized possessions.
I too served in Viet Nam in the USAF (in a much safer assignment than Al’s) and I think now of the passage of years with my marriage to the love of my life, my two daughters and four beautiful and talented grandchildren and it pains me to think that a kind and funny guy like Al was deprived of these experiences that every American deserves because of a stupid and wasteful war.
I hope that if any of Al’s family ever read this they will appreciate that someone other than his family will know that he was a compassionate and funny young man and he is missed.

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 sunlight 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.

Dear Lt Albert Doody,
Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Officer. Memorial Day just passed, and we remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

please be advised that a memorialservice will be held a Sewanhaka High School in Floral park NY for lT Doody October 14, 2017 at 11:00 am. All famil;y and friends are welcome.