THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just four days before your 21st birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear Sp4 Mark Raiford, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Tomorrow is your 72nd birthday, but your 51st anniversary also just passed, sigh. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Mark and I played together around the time of 4th or 5th grade. We would shoot BB guns and run around. I did find his name on the wall in DC and I am very proud of Mark. I arrived just a few days into Vietnam before Mark died however I did not know it for many years afterward. Thank you Mark for your brave service. David R Smith 3/24/2021

Dear SP4 Mark Phillip Raiford, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Mark and I served together during AIT at Ft Polk, La. We may have served in training at Ft Benning also. We became good friends during this time. Being from a small North Carolina town, Mark's quiet, easy-going personality is what drew us together. R.I.P. (101st Abn-Phubai)