THE WALL OF FACES

I visited the National Infantry Museum last week on National Vietnam War Veterans Day (March 29) and was privileged to attend the dedication ceremony for the new Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall. Rememberances of our time together at Red Bud High School played in my mind as I listened while tribute was offered to all whose names (58,282), appear on THE WALL. The quest speaker's remarks centered on all who "gave the last full measure of service" in Veitnam, and were to honor you, your service and your sacrifice. Charles, you are remembered.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your former neighbor Pamela is especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Corporal Charles Duane Bennett, Served with Company A, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

DEAR CORPORAL BENNETT,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT. 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. AND HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.

I remember Charles although I was a young boy and he was a teenager. He would work on his school mates cars and was known at the one to put "Exhaust Plugs" Just below the manifold. When you raced you would unscrew the galvanized Caps and it would direct the exhaust straight straight out the plug opening. This was cool back then and I am sure it was a southern thing. His nick name was "Squirrel" I also remember when his picture was in the paper after he became a soldier and I will never forget his return home for burial. I think he was the first soldier killed in the line of duty I can remember. I loved his father and mother. His mother and sister are still living here in Calhoun, GA.