THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Dear SA Donald Schafer, Thank you for your service as a Seaman Apprentice on the USS GENESEE. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 3rd week of Advent, Christmas is soon. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I served aboard Genesee at the time of Don’s death and remember a man who cared deeply for his shipmates! I recall his brother tossing off the last line from the pier as we departed Guam for Vietnam.
This is so unfortunate and his children should know that their father was a man of integrity and strenght of character, loved by his shipmates!

Don and I served together on the USS Genesee AOG-8. We fast became best if friends from the first day we met on board. Don and I had dinner together an hour before he was killed. He had told me he was going to re-enlist when it was time. He volunteered to hook up those hoses without hesitation. I have never nor will I ever forget my shipmate. I had the privilege to speak with Don’s father several years ago.

Seaman Apprentice Donald Raymond Schafer, Served aboard the USS Genesee, Task Force 73 (TF-73), 7th Fleet.