THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Off base, our first New Years Eve together, he cooked at a fancy restaurant. I waited tables that night, even though I had never done that before, because we wanted to be together.
He had never danced before. But once he heard the music, he rejoiced in its rhythm and became enamored.
He pawned our television at times, we ate at a free buffet downtown on Sundays, and had no telephone. Those memories are precious.
When Jeff received conflicting orders, one for flight school and one for Vietnam, I wrote a scathing letter to the General. I didn't know about the chain of command. Jeff came home shaking his head and laughing. He went to flight school.
General Westmoreland spoke at a military ball. I refused to stand. I told everybody, I couldn't because many of the helicopter pilots would not come home. I didn't know Jeff would be one of them.
To honor Jeff for his bravery deserves admiration and vigorous applause. To honor him as man, devoted to his family, sensitive to others, and joyous in all things...That is what I remember most.

It's Shelli. I'm fifty-five years old now and I have a pretty wonderful life. I was able to pay for college because of you and the GI bill. I MISSED YOU so much when I was growing up. But I'm grateful. My kids know about you and you are remembered even if I never was old enough before you died to get to know you. Crying.

Dear WO Jeffrey Morley, Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot with the 1st Cavalry. The 53rd anniversary of the start of your tour is soon. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is 2nd Week of Advent, and this week means peace. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

It has been 53 years since I was born, and 51 years since you died. Thank you for marrying my mom Linda and loving her and me so much. I'm happy and have three wonderful kids. I went to college on your GI bill and then on to grad school. I kept Morley as my middle name until I married at 25. Thank you and I'm so sorry still that you are gone.