THE WALL OF FACES

Aloha my Brahdah Rocky, it seem like yesterday. We went to Vietnam together in May 1971. We got assigned to the same Co. with the Americal Div. in Chu Lai. We had pretty good jobs repairing Loaches, Hueys and Cobras. I remember you also got to be be the First Sgt. jeep driver. You got to cruise all over the base. Thats when you got to know some of the other Companies down the flight line, Especially the Scouts. They were looking for volunteers, I said not yet, we were still rookies. But you went anyway. You would come by my hootch and tell me some hairy stories. We got separated after the Big Typhoon in November. I got reassigned to a Assault Helicopter Co. in the Central Highlands. After 9 months I finally got an R&R to Hawaii. I remember that day well, it was January 16th. The first person I ran into told me he just heard on the radio that you had just been killed and that you were just there a week earlier. Friends were telling me not to go back, I only had 6 days left. I decided to stay and wait for your Funeral , it was 2 weeks later at Punchbowl. It was the hardest thing for me to face your Father. He had asked me to Keep an eye on his son the day we left for Vietnam, Because he was always Kolohe. I tried my best.
Now in my 70's and my memory starts to fade that day " January 16th 1972" will always be Remembered. Patrick "Rocky" Rabacal . Vietnam Hero making the ultimate sacrifice. 196th LIB 23rd Infantry Division "Americal ". Vietnam 71-72
Aloha my Brahdah, Mel Behasa

I can't believe that 52 years have passed since the day I opened the Honolulu Star Bulletin and saw your face in the obituary. I had to stop and read! I couldn't believe that though you are my brother, we had never met or even had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of each other. I want you to know, that though we never got to see each other in person, you have always been in my heart. I am proud that you served to protect us. I am angry that your young life was taken. I am also extremely sad that we were kept apart. Thank you for your service! I am so proud of you!

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Patrick, I remember talking with you at base ops during the lunch break; never would have thought it would be the last time to ever see you. You & your family have always been in my prayers through the years& always will be. RIS always.

Dear Sp4 Patrick Rabacal, Thank you for your service as a Huey, Uh-1 Helicopter Repairer with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Independence Day week. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.