THE WALL OF FACES

Today, I was looking up more family genealogy stuff trying to get my book completed before God calls me home too and you came to mind. I believe in the life thereafter. so I pretty sure we will meet again. I was friends with your neighbors the Portmans. Gayle and I played softball together and Raymond coached the team. We played on an actual dirt field where you and I played in the street. Lol Sadly all the Portmans have all past away now too. Actually Mark and Steven passed before Gayle and Raymond. I stopped in to see them after years of not seeing them because of raising 4 kids and enjoying 9 grandkids and I was shocked to find out that both boys had passed away. It wasn't long after I stopped into see them that Gayle passed and then Raymond join them a couple of months later. I became a teacher and when the Vietnam wall came to town I took my students to see it. We found your name and I told them all about you and what a good softball player you were. That is really the only time you and I hung out was when the neighborhood pulled out the softballs and bats.
I am 73 now. I have had a wonderful life. I know they say God has a plan for all of us but I am sorry his plan was to cut your live so short. I heard that you actually joined the war and were not drafted. God Bless you Gary for giving of yourself for the rest of us. Keep that bat and ball ready for me to join in the game when we meet again,
Your neighbor
Janet Carricato now Mingus

PFC Gary Wayne Hawkins is buried in Garden of Trinity, Section 8, Lot 233, Block B, Space 3 of the Louisville Memorial Gardens West in Shively, KY.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before

Private First Class Gary Wayne Hawkins, Served with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear PFC Gary Hawkins,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. It is Easter week and Passover. 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.