THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your cousin Judith Judson is poignant and reflects the division in our country over this war and the affect and consequences it had on so many of our citizens. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

POSTED ON 8.25.2014 POSTED BY: PATRICK "SPIDER"RAINES. EX ROYAL NAVY/US NAVY.
THANK YOU TO A SOLDIER NAMED RAINES.
I did not know you, but as a Royal Navy "Stoker" I served on USS Claude V. Ricketts, DDG 5 as part of the NATO Mixed Manning Demonstration, June 1964/Dec 1965. We recently held our 50th Anniversary reunion in Washington and my wife & I visited the Viet Nam Memorial and looked up your name. So as an ex--Royal Navy/US Navy sailor I salute you for your courage and sacrifice. Thank you from a fellow Raines. Rest quietly and in peace. Regards and our thoughts to your family.
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Dear SSgt Robert Raines, Thank you for your service as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. 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.

Staff Sergeant Robert Stephen Raines, Served with F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, United States Army Vietnam.

Steve was my cousin. He had an older brother who was developmentally disabled. Steve was dedicated to seeing his brother, Phil, would be taken care of; that his mother would have enough money to care for herself and his brother as long as Phil lived.

He visited us in Arizona shortly before returning to Vietnam for his 3rd tour. My father, a WWIl veteran who had served in New Guinea tried to dissuade Steve from going back. I was a child, but vividly remember their debate. My father believed we were in Vietnam for the wrong reasons and that military and political leadership were getting men killed densely. Steve replied, "I don't know how to live in this society any longer. I feel more at home in Vietnam." We never saw him again.

Rest in well deserved peace Steve.