THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

The wall that heals is here where I live. I wished I had wrote more about you at the many places available. I was involved with the wall and saw that other fallen soldiers had history and I felt so bad that you did not. I finally got this done today so that others who did not know you could know more about you.Love you miss you. I got a letter from your freind Doc. once I wish I could find him to talk to him about you in your last days in this life. I know you were troubled form the letters that you wrote to Hazel. I know you are happy now and that is what matters.Love you miss you. Your little but OLD brother now. I actually have great Grandkids.

Michael Lloyd Priest Was Born in Idaho Falls,Idaho on March 31 1947, He grew up on the family farm in New Sweden, near Idaho falls, He had 3 sibling sister Hazel, younger brothers Rusty and Rex. His dad had him out working and learning at a young age, By the time he was twelve he could drive trucks and tractors. In 1962 dad took a job working on the freeway. so, Mike took over many responsibilities.At eleven years old he was driving grain trucks at  our aunts dry farm. In 4H Mike won the tractor driving contest in county and regional at State fair.He won the scholarship to National 4H club congress with his tractor project when about 15, Mike was a popular kid in high school and had lots of friends. He graduated from Shelley High school in 1965. After graduating he went to work on a construction job in Hailey. He got his draft notice while working there so he quit to come home before leaving for the Army. He loved to ride horses and went in the foothills on horseback many times. He wanted to ride in the rodeo so he signed up for the Rigby Stamped in saddle Bronc. It was a short ride and he had big smile with a sore butt and split boots when all done. Mikes first assignment in the army was Basic training in Fort Lewis Washington, After that he had AIT at fort Polk in Louisiana,for Advanced Infantry training. when he finished that he and a freind drove all the way back to Idaho in the freind's 56 chev. they drank beer all the way home throwing cans in the back seat. Mike left Idaho from Idaho Falls on a cold February morning.When Mike was assigned to 1st Cav 7th cav division, He pointed out is was Custers company,When he got in country he told our parents he had a desk job but my dad knew he was not telling the truth. He eventually told us what he really was doing and how sometimes they could not find dry gound to bed down at night. Other times he would tell how pretty the countryside was.The last few letters from Mike it was apparent Mike was not happy. They had lost many of comrades to injury and death. His buddy doc was injured and injury leave,They had been on many search and destroy missions in the short time there, Then one day Mike and 2other comrades were first to leave cover into and opening and were shot by snipers. The rest of the Platoon was pinned down so Mike was listed as MIA for 3 days before his body was recovered. He died at 20 yrs. and 8 days.

Dear PFC Michael Priest, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Summer 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 for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.