THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Warrant Officer Jack Albert Harker Jr., Served with A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Jack Harker Jr. was my best friend and neighbor, hunting companion, motorcycle enthusiast, and a good buddy to hang out with. Following High School graduation in 1967, I enrolled Jack and myself into a Junior College in Utah as he was working in West Yellowstone, Montana. Just prior to the start of school, Jack informed me that he had changed his mind and was instead going to enlist in the U.S. Army. His intent was to rise to the rank of Warrant Officer and Fly helicopters in Viet Nam in the service of his country and to protect the freedom he had loved for his short 19 years. Six months after leaving the USA to serve as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam, he became a casualty of that intense war. I have never forgotten Jack and our friendship, never will! I was honored to be a pallbearer at his funeral in Bountiful, Utah in 1969. I kept in touch with his parents, Jack SR. and Mary K. Harker whom were devastated at the loss of their first born. His parents have both joined him in heaven as well as his younger sister Debbie.
I recently visited the Viet Nam Memorial Wall and cried when I seen his name atop the Panel.
He was a very talented, quiet and outgoing friend that has and remains my Hero for his sacrifices and for the fine parents and family that supported him to serve his country.

Dear WO Jack Harker,
Thank you for your service as an Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot with the 1st Cavalry. It is now Lent. The war was years ago, but we all need 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.

Jack's high school class has celebrated it 50th reunion, but his memory still burns bright in our hearts. A true American hero lost too soon to the tragedy of war.