THE WALL OF FACES

We grew up together never thought you would leave us so early I join the AF after high school family supported me but not happ grandpa “I lost one grandson to that GD WAR I don’t want to give it snows I shipped off for Thailand in 73

Private Jackie Dean Stogsdill, Served with Company A, 299th Engineer Battalion, 937th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, United States Army Vietnam Engineer Command, United States Army Vietnam.

Jack – It’s been so many years…..I was only 10 and got up again in the middle of the night to watch the all night movies of Frankenstein, The Mummy or whatever one was on. As usual I fell asleep on the couch and was awoken by a knock on the door long before anyone else was awake. Standing at the door was a man in uniform who asked if he could speak to Mom. Little did I know that he was there to tell us that you would not be coming home. After all these years I still carry around the memory of answering the door that morning so long ago…..and still find myself choking up and at times breaking down.
Many years ago I had the opportunity to go to Washington DC and visit the Vietnam Memorial. I remember doing a rubbing of your name and when I started there was only one person behind me whom I knew. When I finished and turned around there must have been 50 people there watching me. I looked for the person I knew and couldn’t find them in the crowd and even with all of those people watching I have never felt so all alone.
Several years later I took Mom and our sister Terry to visit The Wall because I knew Mom would never get there on her own. You can only imagine the heartbreak that Mom felt on being there and seeing your beloved name. She always said that a parent should never outlive their children. She loved you dearly as we all still do. Today, Mom would have been 85. She left us in 2009…one day after she turned 77.
I would have liked you to meet my beautiful wife. We have several pictures of you up in our house and am reminded of you and still think back…..and remember the knock on the door that changed our lives forever. We wish you were here….but one day we know we’ll get to see you and Mom again. Until then big brother we have to wait and remember…….

Dear PVT Jackie Dean Stogsdill, 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

Jackie and I arrived about the same time, serving with the 19th Combat Engineers, A Co. We later split up, going to other units. I was saddened to learn of his death years later. Larry Bowlin