THE WALL OF FACES

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Dear iCap Vincent Sabatinell, Thank you for your service as a Special Forces Qualified Infantry Unit Commander. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Veterans’ Day is this week. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear Vincent,
Two hours ago, I visited the traveling Vietnam War Memorial as it visited Shreveport, La. this week. I found your name and placed my fingers on your name. I was so moved by this experience that tears formed - blurring my vision. I met you during our first year at Peru State College during late August of 1961. I remember you just as if it were yesterday. I can see you in classes as well as those times spent in the student union. You were already showing great signs of leadership which again were evident as you served your country. I am so sorry that you did not have a chance to start a family and share yourself with those who would have loved you.
Thank you Captain Sabatinelli.

We met in Sept. of 1966, at FT. Dix NJ. We were both college grads. and because of that we were picked to be acting Sgts. We roomed togeather through basic training. Thanksgiving of that year, you invited me and another friend to spend the holiday with your familiy. Being from So. Cal. it was the best time I had up to that time. Your sister drove us back to the base. We were both assigned to FT. McClellan, and were acting sgts for AIT and shared the same quarters. The last time we saw each other was in Birmingham Al.. We traveled there togeather. You were staying over night and leaving in the am. for FT Benning for Inf. OCS, I to FT Gorden for Signal OCS. We graduated at the same time, I remember talkig to you about our plans. I was aware of the additional training you were to do, to become a Special Forces Officer. After Thanksgiving at you home in 66, I had returned home to Cal. to celebrate Xmas. I sent your family a California Mission Pak, A basket filled with grapefruits, oranges, and nuts, to thank them for graciousness that Thanksgiving. Forward 10 years. I was talking to to someone from Worcester, Mass. I decided to find you. I called collect because I was sure you were somewhere else, and I could find you that way. I heard the operater ask were you were, a few seconds latter, a voice said you were killed in Vietnam. It took at least a half hour to get the courage to phone and Identify my self. I reminded your sister or mother, I'm not sure who becausing of the passing of time, that I had thanksgiving with them, and had sent the Mission Pak. They remembered me. We have traded XMAS cards ever since. !st with you parents, and with their passing, your sister. We both made Captain, but I'm sure you would have been a General Officer. Everytime I here Barry Sadlers Song the Green Beret, your favorite song, [ you played it all the time], I think of our friendship and of course of you always.

I knew Vinnie in Mary E. Wells High School in Southbridge, Massachusetts. I was the student manager on the varsity football team in 1959-61, when Vinnie played (running back). During this time the team had the longest winning streak in the State (44 games?). I remember helping him with his equipment and lacing his cleats, RIP Vinnie.