THE WALL OF FACES

Steve sat on my left in Westside High School study hall and Pat Brock on my right. Together we formed a team that passed hilarious banter back and forth. For example, Steve was a Lutheran, like me, and Pat was a Catholic, like my father. Steve and Pat would argue back and forth as to which religion I should rightly adhere. Steve was also in my prep-physics class, and when Pres. Kennedy was assassinated we put our heads down facing each other. No words, just thoughts. As a fellow member of Pacific Hills Lutheran Church, Steve and I prayed together and laughed at so many of our Walther (youth) League gatherings. When I was a junior in at Nebraska University, Steve's death was announced at church and I happened to be home that weekend. My heart was broken, and Steve has been the friend and veteran I carry in my thoughts until my last days. So Steve, these are my thoughts to you on this Memorial Day Weekend, May 23, 2015. My daughter was and is a Marine, just like you. She served as a CH-53 pilot in Iraq. She and her Cobra pilot husband have two children. I wish you could have known them. Semper Fi.

Steve sat on my left in Westside High School study hall and Pat Brock on my right. Together we formed a team that passed hilarious banter back and forth. For example, Steve was a Lutheran, like me, and Pat was a Catholic, like my father. Steve and Pat would argue back and forth as to which religion I should rightly adhere. Steve was also in my prep-physics class, and when Pres. Kennedy was assassinated we put our heads down facing each other. No words, just thoughts. As a fellow member of Pacific Hills Lutheran Church, Steve and I prayed together and laughed at so many of our Walther (youth) League gatherings. When I was a junior in at Nebraska University, Steve's death was announced at church and I happened to be home that weekend. My heart was broken, and Steve has been the friend and veteran I carry in my thoughts until my last days. So Steve, these are my thoughts to you on this Memorial Day Weekend, May 23, 2015. My daughter was and is a Marine, just like you. She served as a CH-53 pilot in Iraq. She and her Cobra pilot husband have two children. I wish you could have known them. Semper Fi.

Dear 2LT Steven Eugene Backhaus, 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

Semper Fi, Sir.

Steven is buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Omaha, NE. PH