THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Sgt John Piner, Thank you for your service with the 377th Security Police Squadron. Your 73rd birthday just passed, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Memorial Day is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

We were active in a youth fraternal organization and I remember to this day your humor and joie de vivre. I am one of so many who miss you and are thankful of your time with us. Thank you for your service.

Sergeant John Robert Piner, Served with the 377th Security Police Squadron, 377th Combat Support Group, 7th Air Force.

SGT John R. Piner served with the 377th Security Police Squadron, 377th Combat Support Group, 7th Air Force. On March 11, 1970, he died at Vung Tau, Bien Hoa Province, RVN, of an undiagnosed illness. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and San Gabriel Valley Tribune, March 13, 1970, page B5]

John and I enlisted in the USAF in August 1967. I grew up with John in San Gabriel, California and went to school with him. While at Bien Hoa Air Base in January 1970, I contacted John at his assignment at Vung Tau, telling him I was looking forward to meeting up with him while we both were in-country. I was re-assigned from Bien Hoa to Phu Cat Air Base on March 9th, 1970. The first letter I received there from home was from my mother telling me that John Piner had died in Vietnam. I was devastated. John died serving his country honorably and with dedication. He was not only my best friend, but my fellow brother in arms. I know I will meet up with you again in the hereafter.