THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from David Erickson is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Recently I was contacted by a young man by the name of Joel Nichols. His father was a KIA in Vietnam; we were good friends. His name is US Army Chaplain Phillip Nichols, and he is one man I have no problem talking about. Unfortunately, I am selfish and always say, “Phillip left me, just when I needed him most,” it was even raining, as the song says. But Phillip was just my friend, not my father; I forget that sometimes, Joel Nichols never does. 

I thought Joel and I would breeze through this Q & A, but I was sadly mistaken. It was heart wringing and emotionally exhausting. But man, am I glad we had that little chat. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, young man! Joel? 

In my interview for NPR the other day, after we were finished, I talked to the Gold Star son, Joel Nichols, that asked me questions about his Dad. I told him that being a Gold Star Family member is better than being an Olympic Gold Medal winner. The mediator stopped me from recording it.

I think the mediator understood what I was trying to say, liked it, recorded it, and I'm sure it will be added into our Q & A recording. What I was telling the young man was straight from my heart. Sports is one thing, but losing your father at 4 years old is unmatched. People need to realize stuff like that.

People have said many things to me throughout the last 51 years about Vietnam. I tell them I'm no hero by a long shot; I just got lucky many times.  When it's no fault of their own, a kid that grows up without a Dad is the true Hero/Warrior/Survivor; remember that, people! That's tough! Respectfully, Mike Archer

Dear Cap Phillip Nichols, Thank you for your service as a Chaplin, and for doing the work of the Lord. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It’s a New Year, but not necessarily better. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Phillip Nichols began his journey at Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri from his freshman year to his graduation in 1962. He was highly involved in the school programs such as: Chairing the Christian Life Committee, Business Manager for the Lance- the student newspaper, Vice President of Alpha Kai Omega, served on Student Government, Business Manager for the Lancer- the student yearbook, participated in the College Choir, served on the Dorm Council and played Intramural Sports.
Previous to serving in Vietnam, Phillip ministered at the Assemblies of God Church in Kalispell, Montana. Phillip became one of the sixteen Chaplains named on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC; after giving his life in the field of battle on October 13, 1970.
Recently, six photos were sent in from Phillip’s years at Evangel College, which today is a university. There are two individual pictures. He’s not too hard to find in the group photos, but in the large group picture, he is third from the left in the front row. These photos came from Beccy Stocks and Marlena Brazeal of the Evangel University Klaude Kendrick Library in their archives department.

I was not able to make my annual visit on Memorial Day to the D.C. Vietnam War Memorial this year due to COVID to pay my respect and honor the 58,000 plus men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. However, today I was able to visit the Traveling Memorial Wall here in Springfield. I was able to pay particular respect to my 28 North Georgia College Cadet Corps alumni, 2 hometown heroes, and 16 chaplains (one of which is you an Assemblies of God minister and Evangel graduate). This year will mark your 50th anniversary of your death. Thank you for your faithfulness to God and Country and especially for your dedication to the soldiers around you. I too am an Assemblies of God minister, now retired. I will never forget and will always remember our fallen. I honor and respect your legacy. I pray your family experiences our Lord's peace and grace this year and every year.