THE WALL OF FACES

Over 40 years ago I purchased your bracelet to hope that someday you would be found and be able to join your family. Unfortunately after several years you were joined back with your family but only in spirit. As a mother of two active military boys I want to say thank your from the bottom of my heart and soul for all that Sgt. Timothy Bodden had done for our country. May all the memories you have help you each day of every year to celebrate how special he was to all who knew and loved him. Proud to still have his bracelet to let you know he has never been forgotten.

Remembering you on this Veterans Day -Fingers

As if it were yesterday.
You are so loved! Bonnie

Post 2 of 2 - Remembering my Dad [from March (Brownfield) Feyko]

I had grown up with my family, brother and two sisters in Washington State but my story changed again when in 2018, I learned, that I had another sister who was two years older than I, in New Mexico. Leona & I have since met and developed a close relationship as a result of our family ties. Although our stories are quite different, neither of us had the opportunity to meet the man we have heard and read so much about over the years, and that we both call, Dad. Our love & admiration for our Dad, runs deep in our souls.

There is nothing to describe what the loss of Tim’s life has meant to his entire family, fellow Marines, colleagues, and friends. We have always held out hope that he would walk thru the door with his big-hearted smile… Always.

I want to sincerely thank every one of you who have posted or shared any information about Tim, over the past 52 years, thru family, friends, media, and the USMC, or while visiting the Vietnam Memorial venues, and wearing Tim’s MIA bracelet.

Everyone that knew my Dad personally or knew of him due to his MIA status, described him as a person who loved unconditionally, always had kind words to say, was a dedicated Marine and family man. There are not enough words to describe the incredible person that Tim was and is to all of us. Whatever memories that we share of Tim, will stay with us forever.

In honor of Tim, Semper Fi
Love your daughter, March

Post 1 of 2 - Remembering my Dad [from March (Brownfield) Feyko]

Hello, my name is March (Brownfield) Feyko. I was 3 months old when my Father, Timothy Roy Bodden, USMC, was declared MIA/POW, June 3, 1967, Laos. HMM-165 MAG-36 1st MAW III MAF.

My Mom (Bonnie Brownfield) told me about my Dad when I was 36 years old. She had been in contact with Tim’s brother, Rich, since he first called to tell her that Tim’s helicopter had been shot down. She waited to tell me because of the pain and grief that consumed her.

Tim and my Mom met in 1965 by LTA in Santa Ana, California. Tim, being the sweet & caring person he was, stopped to help my Mom who was having car troubles on the side of the road. Their encounter led to a relationship that would forever be cherished but ended far too soon.

The day I learned about my Father, I called my Grandmother and Uncle (Tim’s Mother and Brother). Within a month, I was on a plane making the trip from Washington State to Illinois to meet my Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, cousins and friends of my Dad. I have continued to visit my Illinois family throughout the years sharing with each other our stories of Tim. They all welcomed me with open arms and big hearts and I’m forever grateful that we’re family.

Tim & my Mom shared a love of flying, and once he earned his Private Pilot’s license, they were able to enjoy many flights in a Cessna 172. (My Mother later earned her Private Pilot’s License, following Tim’s lead.) Although I am not a pilot, I also share the love of flight and work in the aviation industry.

Tim’s plan was to marry my Mom when he returned from Vietnam. Tim sent many letters home, while overseas, expressing excitement about my birth. He re-enlisted for one more tour but he never made it back home. Tragically, we never had an opportunity to meet.