THE WALL OF FACES

Donnie was a perfect vision of a handsome Marlon Brando , complete with leather jacket and leather MC boots in the mid 60’s . When I was 10 years old he spotted me at our neighborhood Roy’s Pool Hall attempting to play pool on a Saturday Am , he came over and asked me if I would like to Really Learn the game … I said yes , so he then took me under his wing , He told me that he would meet me every Saturday AM at Roy’s Pool Hall and he would teach me how to play .. that lasted for 8 fabulous weeks . He never misssed a Saturday until he had to tell me that he was shipping out to Vietnam . We would resume teaching when he returned … he didn’t make it back but I have never ever forgotten that bright big smiling kid taking time out of his life to be kind to me .. miss you my friend !!

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from your sister Barbara and daughter Connie are especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

On the remembrance of your 71st birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

HOOAH

It has taken me years to write on your remembrance page because every time I start to, I cry then hit erase. I am so angry that the war took your life and I never got to meet you! When I was little, I would pray and wish that you would just walk through the front door. I turn 50 next year (wholly cow) and still wish you would walk through the door! I think you would be very proud of me as I am of you! My/your VA money paid for a college degree in elementary education. I currently teach 6th grade in Omaha. I married my high school sweetheart 25 years ago and we have 3 amazing children together: Shelby (21), Connor (19), and Lacey (5). Connor was born 30 years to the date of your death - 1-28-98. You blessed us with a son and he is so much like you both in looks and personality! Continue to watch over us all! Love you!! Connie - your daughter

We separated after SIT, you off to jump school, me off to LPC, said hi and bye as we passed each other on our way to Nam, had hoped to meet up after, you didn't make it, we'll see each other again Donnie, Ybarra