THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Sgt Donald Evans,
Thank you for your service as an Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician. It is important for us to remember all of you. 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.

Dear Don,

It has been 50 years since you left us.

As kids growing up in Niles during the 50's and 60's, we still have many happy memories of the good times we all shared with you at Niles Elementary School, at Vallejo Mill School and finally the fun-time years at James Logan High School.

You were a good student with good grades. As Number 53 with the Fighting James Logan High School Colts football team, you could always be counted on to help our running backs score the needed points when the going got tough.

Graduation in June of 1963 was a time of enthusiasm, anticipation and celebration. For many of us it was off to college, or off to the workforce and because of the times, eventually off to the military.

In May of 1968, the arrival of the sad news of your passing devastated us all. Your sacrifice continues to leave a void in our community. You are deeply missed by all. You Are Not Forgotten.

Rest in Peace Donald Ray Evans. Semper Fidelis.

Dear SGT Donald Ray Evans, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

We were classmates at Niles Elementary School, Vallejo Mills School and classmates and football teammates at James Logan High School. You lived in the new Hacienda Park neighborhood and I lived in the old neighborhood on Third Street.

Niles was a very diverse little town established by many generations of old town families who welcomed new residents moving in to the newer housing tract developments like the Bodily Tract, Niles Crest and Hacienda Gardens.

Always the quiet kid in the background you were smart, helpful and dependable. Attending Niles and Vallejo Mills school, we tended to make our teachers earn their salaries but yet unbeknownst to us, they were gradually preparing us for the responsibilities of adulthood and life's eminent challenges.

At James Logan High School we branched out and expanded our friendships with many kids from the surrounding neighborhoods while still recognizing and honoring our elementary school ties. Competing in sports and academics became the norm without causing too much mischief in between classes.

We said our goodbyes at graduation, each of embarking on paths, either to college or to the workplace. It was within a few years that Uncle Sam would call us all to duty in service of our country. One by one we either volunteered or we were drafted.

Upon my return from Nam and my US Army discharge, words cannot describe the loss I felt felt upon hearing the sad news of your passing. Those of us who returned from Nam are committed to remember your memory, your service and your sacrifice for our country.

Rest in Peace dear friend.

Semper Fi