THE WALL OF FACES

Sergeant Elroy Eugene Beier, Served with Company D, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

DEAR SERGEANT BEIER,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN AIRBORNE QUALIFIED GRUNT. IT IS A NEW YEAR, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

Uncle Elroy,

Even though I never got the honor of meeting you I have heard many sotries of your heroics and bravery in Vietnam. One of your good friends from your unit even came up to ND and visited Grandma Beier and we got to hear more about you. I remember seeing your shadow box every visit we took to Grandma's. After all, it was in the center of the living room wall surrounded by Darryl, John, and your pictures. This was a wall in tribute to the Beier men who served their country. Your medals were proudly displayed and I would frequently examine them wondering what they were for. I was young after all. I knew what the Bronze Star and Purple Hearts were awarded for. That was made very clear. I looked up to you with great respect for the sacrifice you gave to this great nation. It was an easy decision when I was in High School that I would also serve the military. There was an uneven amount of pictures on Grandma's wall and I felt I had to earn my spot. I referred to it as the Wall of Heroes.

If it wasn't for you I may have never joined the military. Sorry, I joined the Air Force but it was more fitting at the time. There are instances I wish I had chosen differently but I have served a tour in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. All those times I wondered if you were looking down proudly upon me. I have made the Air Force my career and am coming up on my 15 year anniversary. Unfortunately, I was selected as part of the military force reduction. My time is up and I don't know what else to do. I hope you can look in on me from time to time and perhaps guide me to a career in the civilian sector when I make the transition.

Please know I think of you often and what growing up may have offered me having you around. I can imagine us sitting around, drinking a beer and sharing some stories. I love when my dad talks about you. I just wish they weren't just his memories and we could have shared some ourselves. I visit your name on The Wall every time I go to DC. I am going to bring my son there this winter and I will share what kind of a man we had in our family and your unlitmate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.

May you rest in peace dear uncle. I will continue to think about you and may we meet someday in the everafter.

Your nephew,
Marcus

Dear SGT Elroy Eugene Beier, 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

Elroy is buried at Lebanon Cemetery, Langdon, Cavalier County, ND.