THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

PFC Ronald John Benke III served with C Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, US Army Vietnam. He was killed during Operation Masher/Whitewing by enemy small arms fire (Coffelt Database).

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

HOOAH

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

DEAR PFC BENKE,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. THIS WAS THE UNIT OF A FRIEND'S BROTHER. SAY HI TO MIKE. IT IS 2017, 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.

When the traveling wall came to Forest City, I was unable to find you on the wall. I had the wrong name. It's a long story, but I found you on this virtual wall. My mom has a picture of your dad. My mom is your cousin. I also have a newspaper clipping that celebrates your life. I'll post it later. I want you to know that we remember you and we are proud of your service to our country.