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.

He was so very proud to be a soldier. To be a helicopter pilot was his dream and he achieved it. He feared nothing. I salute you, Lee, with great love and pride.

Dear WO Gaylord Westbay, Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Advent, and Christmas is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I went through Flight School with Gaylord . . . he was very nearly exactly 8 years my senior (Gaylord 6/8/38 - Me 6/10/46) . . . we were all in awe of Gaylord . . . a 10 year Army veteran who'd volunteered for flight school!! . . . I've never forgotten him, and never will . . . in fact, last week, in a PTSD Group of OLD Vietnam vets, I brought him up and told a bit of his story . . . we'd both gone to Vietnam in August 1967 . . . It was now September 2021, 54 years since his passing . . .
While still in Vietnam in 1968, I'd run into another former flight school member who was getting ready to rotate home, and he's the one who told me about Gaylord's unfortunate passing . . . hit me hard . . . he has remained by my side, and in my heart, all these many years . . .
Finally, a thanks to those of you who've left remembrances . . . I've read them many times over past several years . . . In particular, thank you to Danny Delgado, for your postings . . . I know, and can feel, your pain . . . we are all a band of brothers, and will remain so for all time . .
Eric West - former CWII - served in Vietnam from Aug 67 to Mar of 69 . . .

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.