THE WALL OF FACES

Tony, I remember when we first met. You and Pete were at AWC together. You used to drop him off at Quartsite on Fridays, and I would pick him, and then you would pick him back up on Sundays.

Remember when Pete and I visited you in Prescott? I tried on a green coat in a store, and Pete wanted to buy it for me. I was hesitant because it was expensive, but you (in your funny way) talked me into letting him buy it.

Then, you both ended up in Kansas for basic training. The memory that is stamped in my mind is when I ran into you at the Denver airport in December '66. You were changing planes to head back to Kansas to ship out to VN. Pete and I had just gotten married in November, and I had flown from LA, and he from Kansas for a "goodbye." He had just left on his plane back to Kansas, and I was crying. And then I saw you. In no time, you had me laughing. You showed me a picture of your newborn son. You were so proud. You stayed with me until my plane left. My last words to you were "see you when you get back." You said (and I will never foget this), "I don't know if I will come back." Gave me the chills then, and then again when I received a letter from VN from Pete. He learned of your death in the Stars and Stripes and sent me the clip. I wrote to your wife, and we corresponded for a while. We learned they put a bust of you in the Prescott Library, so Pete and I went to see it years later.

It was several years later when Pete went to visit your parents. He took our kids with him. Your dad wasn't feeling well, but your mom got him up. He and Pete sat and drank a couple of shots and both cried. He said there was a large picture of you when you first walk into your parents' home.

Tony, you were so special to us. Yours was the supreme sacrifice. I am hoping we see your smiling face again when we leave this life.

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. 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 hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

Antonio is buried at Prescott Nat Cem.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Antonio Gilberto Yescas, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Soldier, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you SP4 Antonio Gilberto Yescas, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

I have never heard your name before but I feel everyone here needs some acknowledgement of their ultimate sacrifice for our country. You died much too young You most likely were just out of school. You had a life that deserved many more years. You left behind people who loved you and who, I imagine still feel the pain of your loss to this day. I hope they have comfort in knowing you are at rest and that they will someday see you again in a much better place.

Your courage and efforts in Viet Nam will never be forgotten in my heart and in a multitude of others who have the upmost respect and honor for the soldiers who lost their lives there.

In peace always
January 22, 2003