THE WALL OF FACES

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Dear PFC Jose Ortiz, Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Lent has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thank you PFC Ortiz for your leadership and exemplary courage under fire.

My name is Yvonne Ortiz Allen. Jose (Joe) was my father. I was only 3 months old when my mother received the news of his passing but in so many ways I feel like I knew just who he was. I’ve heard many stories from family that my dad was kind, giving, loving, passionate and VERY talkative to name a few. I’d like to think I inherited at least some of his good qualities (I know for certain I inherited the talkative part) ?.

I couldn’t be more proud to say my father fought for our country. He IS a hero along with countless other men and women who did the very same. No words can ever fully express my gratitude to them all.

I would love to hear from anyone who served with my father to hear stories of how he was in that military world. I know he didn’t serve long before he was KIA but I’m sure months seemed like years during that time.

I’d like to think that my father is with me every day in some way and I can only hope I am making him smile.

I was only 3 months old when my mother received the news of my father's death. I have only seen pictures of him but know he died with honor and valor because he served in the US Military. I have heard so many stories of what a fun and social man he was. He was caring and passionate and I'd like to think I too have many of these great qualities that were used to describe my dad.

Although I never knew him, I know I have him with me every day as my guardian angel and I couldn't be more proud.