THE WALL OF FACES

I took this photo of fellow-Long Islanders Bernie and Tom on a Sunday at Ft. Benning Ga. shortly before we completed our “jump school” training in June 1966. We were too young to vote or to have a beer at the Atlanta airport lounge while awaiting our flight back to JFK for a week’s home leave before being sent to Vietnam. Bernie and I last saw Tom at Tan Son Nhut Airport’s Camp Alpha replacement center in Saigon before he was sent north to join the 101st Airborne Division. He was not too young, however, to earn the rank of sergeant there and lead a squad of US army paratroopers in battle.
Bernie had received a letter from Tom in June 1967, written days before Tom was killed in action. We were looking forward to seeing each other at home. It was only on the trip back to the US in early July that we learned of his tragic fate from another member of our training company whom we ran into during a lay-over in Hawaii.
What a loss! Bernie and I still keep in touch. We will always remember Tom for his great sense of humor, sometime self-depreciating but always good-natured.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your sister Patty is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Thanks for serving our country. I honor your memory today. Rest in peace, brave soldier.

Dear Sgt Thomas Drew,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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.

Tommy, Words cannot express how proud, I am, to be your Sister. You were my first Hero as a little girl and I know you are always with Me in my Heart. Holding My hand, gently, guiding me through Life. I realize how Brave and Honorable you were, and the Lives You Saved. It makes Me Want and Be, a Better Person. I have a picture of You, days before you left, to go on your New Journey. I think of You every day. Love and Miss. I will see You on the Other Side, Brother