THE WALL OF FACES

*

*

He maka lehua no kona one hanau



One who has the face of a warrior (loyal and honored) in his place of birth.



(From the Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Memorial)



Aloha Oe

Tom was my squad leader in ROTC Summer Camp, Ft. Lewis Washington in 1964. It was obvious he would be an outstanding officer. He knew everything, and was a great help to those like myself who were struggling. No matter what he had to do he always had time to help someone else. We became fast buddies and shared several adventures such as a frantic climb up Mt. Rainier one Sunday morning. Leaving camp at 3:30 AM and returning after midnight. We also had some high times on field exercises and the E&E course avoiding capture and laughing at the same time. We stayed in touch after that summer and were looking forward to serving together if we could arrange it. I didn’t get to Nam until Aug. 1966 and was crushed to learn he was KIA before I even arrived. Tom was a role model for us all and I will never understand why so many better officers than I died.

Tom and I were best friends in High School. We both went to New Rochelle High School in New York. Our fathers were both stationed at a little army base called Fort Slocum. Tom and I took life saving together and were life guards at the two base beaches. In our spare time we spent hours snorkel diving in the cold Long Island sound. Tom was a friend to everyone he met. I cherish the time that I spent with Tom and his family. I will always be grateful for his friendship and for his sacrifice to his country. You will always be in my thoughts Tom.--Keith Soliday e-mail [email protected]