THE WALL OF FACES

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

My name is Dan Batitsas and I lived in Fernwood until 67. I went to Fernwood School and was a member of St. Helena's Parish until we moved. I knew Jimmy for many years and we used to play basketball and handball at Fernwood. In 65 we had the joy of going to Summer school to Fenger because we both failed HS Physics. We kinda grew closer to each other but we hung around with different groups. We actually had a lot of fun and he certainly made the task easier. Jim was cooking up a scheme to get us in the National Guard and out of the draft. I didn't give it much thought. I sort of lost track of Jim, we moved to the north side. I turned down his kind offer for 6 years in the guard and got drafted in March 69. Like so many of us, I ended up in the infantry and went to VN in Aug. 69. I had no idea Jim was even in guard or Vietnam. I didn't find out about his death until Aug. 70 when I came home. Glasses? Well, there wasn't a day that went by when I didn't razz Jim about his glasses. He took it well but I never let up. I really learned to love this guy, he was always laughing and could make you feel better with some joke or a prank. He deserved better and I think he would have made a wonderful father. Just needed new glasses. To this day I miss that silly smile and those glasses.

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

Dear PFC James Sachaschik, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. The 52nd anniversary of the start of your tour just passed. 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.

Remembering you from our grammar school days at St. Helena of the Cross School. You lived in Chicago at 101st and Union and had a beautiful German Shepard (I loved dogs ). Lost track of you after grammar school and we moved from 102nd and Emerald . Heard of your death at our 50th Class Reunion. Thank you for your service to our country. So many didn't return from Vietnam. God rest your soul . My family visited the Moving Vietnam Memorial Wall in 2015 and found your name on the wall. It was a very emotional day to see your name with all the others and to be able to take an impression . I encourage everyone to visit The Wall when it comes to your city.