THE WALL OF FACES

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

We were in class together. We were all together, up beat, tight, looking forward. We were all told we were going to Nam. We both hunted for rattle snakes at Rucker. We both applied for pilot training. You got it, I did not. I went to Germany. When I heard about 1972 it hit hard.

Dear CWO Ronald Vanlandingham, Thank you for your service as an Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot. The 50th anniversary of the start of your tour just passed, Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Summer ends in days. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Chief Warrant Officer Ronald Lee Vanlandingham, Served with the 18th Aviation Company (Corps), 164th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Ron and I were in the same unit in Viet Nam and he also was one of my instructors when I went through the CH47 transition course. He was a good man and an outstanding pilot. I will always remember him. Rest in Peace my friend.
Ken Chestnut, Hillclimber 30