THE WALL OF FACES

Joel, you are my hero. You were my college roommate and the one who took up for me when you didn't need to. You were a groom's man. You came to see us when you were at John Conally AFB, Waco and I at Ft. Hood. Our son was named for you years before you died.

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 sun 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.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

CAPT Joel Ray Birch is buried in Chapel View Mausoleum, Section 1, Niche 7 of the Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, TX.

His body was repatriated 12/22/72, and he was identified on 1/13/73 (Coffelt Database).

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

I was a 1st Lt when I met Joe, l as well as Maj Paul Meder at Hurlburt Field, FL on August 1972. All three of us were in the same student crew, I as a Low Light TV sensor operator, Paul as an IR operator, and Joel as the EWO. But when we got to Thailand, we were assigned to different aircrews. I was sadden when their aircraft was shot down. Rest in peace Joel and Paul. I have never forgotten you, even though it has been 47+ years ago! It is fresh in my memory.

DEAR CAPTAIN JOEL BIRCH,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN ELECTRONIC WARFARE OFFICER. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.