THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

Dear Sp4 Kenneth Smolarek, Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Spring , and Lent. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

As your 70th birthday approaches, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Upon being inserted, R-8 silently moved towards a location further South than R-30 had ventured. The intent was to locate a site conducive to both communications and defense. R-8 was alert to the danger inherently present whenever increased helicopter traffic alerted the enemy to possible LRRP presence. While moving to choose a relay site, the team came upon what appeared to be a trip wire with a grenade attached. The TL instructed both Rangers PFC Ken Smolarek and PFC Robert Silva, both on their first mission, to remain at the booby trap while he and the ATL surveyed the immediate area for additional hazards. The TL reported that after moving 15 or 20M down the trail they heard the booby trap detonate. There were no witnesses to help us understand what happened, only the two mortally wounded Rangers. While we will never know what caused the detonation, we know they died our brothers. The unusual circumstances of their death cannot diminish the courage and heroism shown by these Rangers when they chose to become Rangers. Some Rangers are destined to die surrounded by expended brass and the bodies of their enemy, others will die many years after their service, unharmed and surrounded by their loved ones. All will be remembered as having been among the best this nation can send to war. All are heroes. They never needed to show their courage with results, their decision to risk everything for the promise of nothing made that unnecessary.

Dear SP4 Kenneth James Smolarek, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter