THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Dear WO Donald McNeil, Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Tomorrow was Labor Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

After you moved from Montlake in the 5th grade, we lost contact.
I enlisted in the Navy in my Junior year of high school and went overseas 2 years later. When I returned, I looked you up and found that you been Killed In Action. On Memorial Day, I stop by your grave whenever possible and leave a stone. I will always remember our childhood friendship.
RAS, PH3, USNR-R, 1964-70

Warrant Officer Donald Kirby McNeil, Served with Company A, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 11th Aviation Group, 1st Cavalry Division.

My cousin Donnie was the oldest of nine grandchildren, and while he wasn't working weekends on grandpa's farm, he ran herd over the other eight of us, keeping us out of any serious trouble. Never a harsh word or deed, it is difficult to imagine him as a warrior, except that his sense of duty would direct him into the guns... I miss him and think of him often. Rest well, cousin. You are loved. K.