THE WALL OF FACES

I was only two years old when you died in Viet Nam. I often wonder how our lives would have been if you had come home from Viet Nam. The only memory I have of you is listening to the audio recordings you sent home that mom continued to play for us after you passed. I do have many photos, your medals, the flag that was draped on your coffin, your war trophy sword, dog tags, and even your wedding ring. I've had the honor of visiting the Viet Nam War Memorial in Washington D.C. where I was able to scratch your name. Living close to your grave site, I have been able to visit there too. I am doing my best to keep your memory alive in my own family.

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….

SGT Charles T. Roeder was a Field Communications Electronics Equipment Mechanic serving with the 87th Engineer Company, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. The 199th’s base of operations was Camp Frenzell-Jones located on Long Binh Post in Bien Hoa Province, RVN. During the second half of 1968, the 199th Light Infantry Brigade conducted Operation Toan Thang II (June 1, 1968 – February 16, 1969) with other Allied units to provide for the defense of Saigon and surrounding provinces. Operations included limited reconnaissance and prevention of North Vietnamese Army rocket fire on the city. The 199th’s 87th Engineer Company split its efforts between supporting combat operations in the field and improving the brigade’s base camp at Long Binh. On the late evening of October 29, 1968, Roeder reportedly ingested a toxic level of the opioid dextropropoxyphene (trade name Darvon). He was transported to the medical dispensary where he was dead on arrival at 11:30 PM. Roeder was 27 years old. His body was transferred to the 93rd Evacuation Hospital and later turned over to Graves Registration personnel for processing and return to the U.S. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vvmf.org, and “Engineers at War” by Adrian G. Traas]

Dear Sgt Charles Roeder, Thank you for your service as a Field Communications Electronic Equipment Mechanic. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Agent Orange Awareness month. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I never knew you, you were gone before I was born. I have heard so many great things about you from our whole family. Hope ?? you are at peace Uncle Butch