THE WALL OF FACES

I remember the summer of '75. I spent it working outside of the small town of Marshall, Oklahoma. The Colonel, Mr. Olmstead, hired me to work the farm doing odd jobs for him. He was stern, but fair. He was by far one of the most moral men that I had ever known. He treated with fairness and equity even though my social station in life was far beneath his. I cannot forget his kindness, nor will I ever leave his memory behind. This death of his son weighed heavy on his mind. How could any man deal with such a thing? Losing a son never to see him again. May God bless the memories of those that have died to give us our freedom!

I have had Cmdr. Olmsteads' bracelet for over close to forty years. It was given to me by mother when I was five. A few years ago I took my wife and children to the Wall to get that photo and an etching. Quite possibly one of the most solemn and moving experiences of my life, right up there with Pearl Harbor.

My mother held on to this bracelet until she passed last month. I had my own bracelet in the 1970's but my soldier came home to his family. I will honor the memory of Cmdr. Olmstead as my mother did, and she would have wanted me to continue to remember these brave men who fought and died for our great country.

This is my grandfather. I never met him, I will never meet him in this life; only in the next life with God's grace will we get the chance to meet. But what I do know of him is from my family members. I would like to know more about him. If friends of his, colleagues, or people who knew him would please share their memories of him with me, I would be truly grateful.
Thank you and God bless.
My name is Thomas George
I can be contacted at [email protected]

Dear CDR Stanley Edward Olmstead, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter