THE WALL OF FACES

I recall the last time I saw you. We were graduating. I was headed to ISU in the Fall. You told me that you were going to enlist and get it behind you before you went to college. I fully expected to see you in two years. The closest I came was to visit the Wall.

I probably was the last civilian friend Steven saw before his rotation to Vietnam. We flew with each other in late July 1969 to Salt Lake City, then to L.A., Steven on the way to Camp Pendleton from leave home following his advanced training. He was a young man of unlimited promise.

Found a token, poker type chip commemorating Steven D. Merrell. U.S. Marines in Blackfoot Idaho, 09/09/2017.

Steven Dee Merrell was my friend and running buddy at Alameda Junior High School in Pocatello, Idaho. He and I pushed each other hard on our track team. Steven ran the 440 and I ran the 880. His grit and determination to succeed were two of his finest qualities. Because my family moved to Idaho Falls, I lost contact with Steven. I served 25 years in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force and didn't know for many years what had happened to my friend. I'm proud to have known him and to have been his friend.