THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It remains my fervent hope you will be returned home after the passage of so many years.

Dear SGT Tadios, I learned about you after reading "Five Years To Freedom" by James Nick "Nikki" Rowe. According to his book the two of you attempted to escape together, were caught, and were tortured. Because the book was written in 1971 while we were still in the war, he could not use your real name so he referred to you as a Native American named Davila. However, in his dedication he calls you "Ta". Rowe said you just couldn't force the rice down your throat anymore and the Americans withheld your death from the VC. By the time they took you, claiming they were taking you to a hospital, you were already gone. Because there was no body, our government refused to change your status from MIA. I was truly happy to read the letter to senators written by Dan Pitzer and others requesting that the Vietnamese government repatriate the bodies of you, SGT Kenneth Roraback, and CAPT Rocky Versace. I know that SGT Pitzer passed some time ago, but I pray that this request gets answered so that your families can have some closure. Rowe described you as a very courageous man of honor. Thank you for your service. Praying for your return.

Dear SSgt Tadios and family. In 1984, I was stationed at Fort Bragg NC with SOCOM. I decided to wear a POW Bracelet and because I am from Maui, I chose you because you were from Lanai. For decades I didn't know anything about you. I tried to find family members when I returned home to Maui but was unsuccessful. Thankfully the internet has brought us together after nearly 40 years. Blessings to your soul and I pray you are at peace after what you had to endure. I still wear your bracelet in your honor.

Jeffrey Mahon

Dear SSgt Leonard Tadios, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. You are still MIA. Please come home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is Father's Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Be at peace.

Never forget.

HOOAH