THE WALL OF FACES

Joel, although we were friends for only a few months, we became like friends that had grown up together. We were close enough thar you asked me to be in your wedding when 'we got back to the world.' There has not been a day that i have not thought of 6 Nov '68. We were standing together talking while waiting to make a river crossing when we were suddenly taking fire from a woodline. We both ran to our vehicles, you to your tank and me to my track as the fire picked up. I had no idea that you didn't make it to your tank until the Medivac landed, loaded and took off. I immediately got on the radio to ask who had been hit; i could not believe that it was you and that i had no idea that you had been hit. I soon leaarned that you passed on the Medivac. Your death has affected me to this day. May you be resting in peace my bother. Until we meet once again at Fiddler's Green, be well my friend, i will soon join you. Your brother, Mike

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 Sp5 Joel Vruggink, Thank you for your service as an Armor Crewman with the 1st Cavalry. Your 76th birthday is soon, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Tomorrow, we celebrate Columbus Day. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Miss you and I remember going to Hess Lake. You, Bob, and I out on a Friday night in Jiggs' 57 Chevy. Good times.

RIP Joel, I wish I had the chance to know you, but it was not to be. My only memory was of your funeral. I have learned bits and pieces about your life through family and a friend of yours from school. Thank you for everything you did, and enjoying what you were able to in your short life.