THE WALL OF FACES

Kelly, we joined the USMC together right out of high school. We landed on those yellow footprints on Valentines day of 68. The local newspaper followed us through boot camp. I remember getting our heads shaved together. Man, did we laugh at each other! I still have those newspaper clippings. At the end of ITR at Pendleton and with different M.O.S.'s, they sent us in opposite directions. I never saw you again buddy. Until I went to the traveling wall in Oceanside and took a rubbing of your name. I'm not ashamed to say I cried. I have promised myself a ride to D.C. where I will talk with you again and take a rubbing of your name off the big wall. I'm glad to have called you my friend. You honor us all.

Kelly - happy birthday and happy Veterans' Day brother. You continue to be in our thoughts and in our hearts as we stop to reflect on your sacrifice and the sacrifice of 58,000 other Vietnam Veterans. It was nice to spend a few minutes with you at the end of August at the Wall. God bless and rest peacefully brother - Semper Fi Marine.

Kelly - we are brothers in arms, alumni of the same conflict in a far away land, so many years ago. I think about you often cousin, to think we served in the war together, separated only by miles. Kim and I will visit your resting place again. Rest peacefully - we are proud of you Marine. Semper Fi...

Kelly is buried at Ft Rosecrans Nat Cem.

Dear Kelly,
For the Gridley High School Posting Project, I would like to take the time to thank you for all your dedication you gave during the Vietnam War. You risked your life to fight for your country and what you believed in. If America didn’t have people like you, your country wouldn’t succeed. Your loyalty and devotion to this country will never be forgotten. Thank you for all you did.

God Bless,
Ashley Kiefer