THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR STAFF SERGEANT BAINES,
I HOPE SOMEONE READING THIS HAS YOUR PHOTO AND POSTS IT.. THIS IS A WALL OF FACES, AND YOURS IS NEEDED. THANKS FOR BEING A LIGHT-WHEEL VEHICLE MECHANIC. I AM ALSO A NEW YORKER. HALLOWEEN IS APPROACHING, AND ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS' DAYS - THE DAYS WE HONOR THOSE WHO LEFT US. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS GUIDE YOU. REST IN PEACE.

Dear SSGT Tommie Baines, 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

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

I am a student at Gridley High School in Gridley Illinois, and for my U.S. History class we have been asked to post remembrances for the soldiers who gave their lives in the Vietnam War. I want to thank you for all that you have done, and given for our country. Thank you.

My name is Phoenix Marr and I am a senior at Gridley High School. My teacher has started the Gridley High School Posting Project which is an opportunity for all of the students to remember the thousands of men and women who gave their lives while serving this country. I want to thank you, Tommie, for your unbreakable love and courage while doing your civil duty for our country! Your service is greatly appreciated! You were an amazing individual who stood up for what you believed in. You will never be forgotten! God Bless.