THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Jim. Fifty-six years ago on November 3, 1967, you were taken from us in a helicopter crash during the Vietnam War. I continue to miss you every day. Victoria

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions and spends himself in a great worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end triumph of high achievement and, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while caring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold, timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt

I had flown that day with LT Pavlivcek as crew chief. If not for a maintenance issue with my helicopter, I would of been with him on that night. He was a respected pilot and officer. Never had any concerns about flying with him.

Thinking of you today dear Jim as I do every day. I live in Colorado now with my sister's family. Peace be with you. Victoria

I was 10 years old when you left this earth. I was in the 4th grade at St. Anthony's school in Hereford along with my brother George, who was in the 6th grade. We lived a charmed "Mayberry" (Andy Griffith) life growing up in Hereford thanks to heroes like you who fought in one of the most lethal wars our country has experienced. As a 10 year old I attended your funeral along with my family and still remember your casket and the solemness and anquish of our church & community during that huge service at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. It was a sunny day and the light from the sun penetrated through the stain glass windows to your casket as I recall as it was initially in the back of the sanctuary. We knew your parents who lived on Sunset Blvd., not far from our house. Their character & godliness were well know in Hereford. My wife Shelly, and our son Josh were fortunate to see them at their house in the summer of 2003 and I saw your picture in their unique house that had a weeping willow tree in the front yard---across the baseball field of St. Anthonys school. I thought about you tonight as I tonight watched the tv series "Tour of Duty". I have also seen Full Metal Jacket and other films about the VW. That unsanitized war was replete with death, injury, and suffering not seen during my time on this earth. What character, bravery, guts, and service to your country did you have flying that iconic Bell Huey helicopter as 1st Lieutenant over extremely dangerous jungle terrain where you didn't know when you would be shot down trying to rescue fallen soldiers. As the Bible speaks, you did seek to receive your "portion" only in this life serving yourself, but now you have it in spades in paradise. The Pavilchek's---what a model family in this world. Thanks to Google, I'm glad I can post my thanks to you more than 55 years after I attended your funeral & transition to Heaven. Say hi to your dad & mom, Shelly, Josh, and I visited them at their home in 2003.