THE WALL OF FACES

I do not know how old you are, when you first start remembering things, but Rodger was memorable from an early age. My Mom & Dad stood for his Mom & Dad, when they got married. They, Herbert & Elizabeth, but Hub & Lib to us. We had a dairy farm in Liberty, Pa. Tioga County and the McElhaney family would come visit every summer. There was Carol & Carl, twins and the oldest and then Rodger, and I believe Kevin. Hub, was a truck driver and delivered paint from the factory in Jamestown. He would take a weeks vacation and come help Dad with making hay, or painting the house, or helping a neighbor, Ben Kreger, with the hay making. This was the time in agriculture, when the hay baler was starting to become popular, Dad was still doing loose hay. We would also make trips to Jamestown, when Dad could find someone to take care of the milking. Time passed, my Mom died and we moved to Covington, PA. The friendship between the parents did not die, and there was was still trips to Covington, and trips to Jamestown. I was drafted in January of 1968, Infantry, and went to Panama for 19 1/2 months. Our main concern was whether we had enough money to keep us in cigarettes and beer, to the next pay day. Rodger, a year & a half younger, was also drafted, Infantry. He was sent to Vietnam, and killed on 16 Jul 1969. My Mom & Dad were in Jamestown, PA in mid-July 1969, for their occasional visit, when an Army Staff Sergeant and an Army Chaplain came to the door of the McElhaney residence. Knock, knock, knock, "Are you Herbert & Elizabeth McElhaney???" "Yes, we are." "Your Son, Rodger Dennis McElhaney was killed in the Province of Quang Ngai on July 16th." My Dad said it was the longest week of his life. He wanted to stay with his close friends and comfort them, but he also wanted to escape. His pleas of I do not have a suit & tie and the proper clothes for a funeral, were met with, it is not important, please stay.
So they stayed. Is there closure??? No, there is not!! It took me 52 years to go to that gravesite outside of Jamestown to visit a piece of cold granite, occasionally shaded by the flap of the US flag. I handled it well, while there. Do I suffer of survivor's guilt?? Yes I do!!!! I was in a safe place, while a good family friend was being killed. It was not fair in the late 60's and it is still not fair. Rodger, I think of you daily.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from those who served with you are touching and reflect their admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear PFC Rodger McElhaney, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. I researched you on your 51st anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Time passes quickly, but our world needs help. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

I'll never forget you, my friend. You were such a great guy and it was a pleasure to serve with you. It also pains me that you were carrying my radio when you died and I couldn't be there with you. I was stuck at Gator healing from an injury and wished I could have been there for you.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.