THE WALL OF FACES

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

Private First Class Keith Wesley Allen, Served with Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

DEAR PFC ALLEN,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT. TOO MANY ARE LISTED ON THIS WALL.
REST IN PEACE.

Private First Class Keith Wesley Allen, Served with Company C, 4th Battalion. 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

I remember the week before you left home for Vietnam Nam. We went for a ride in your 59 Chevrolet Impala, which excited me beyond all imagination! You were my hero then and you still are today. You asked me about how I was doing and I did not know what to say. I could not believe that you were asking me a question! I was the little brother who you tried to stay away from. After all, you were seven years older than I was.

Now there you were showing an interest in me! I was dumb founded but happy as well. You asked me who I was dating and how much did I like playing football. I mumbled and I am not sure I answered your questions. You gave me your Marlin .22 semi-auto and the old single shot Remington .22 that belonged to Uncle Lucky. We stopped at the old hardware store on the corner of S. Palestine and Tyler streets. You bought me my first rod and reel! I did not understand why you were being so kind to me.

It was not until the rainy night that the telegraph carrier knocked on the door that I realized. It was as if you knew this would be our last time together. I cried and locked myself in my room. I pushed my bed up against the door and refused to come out. My heart stayed locked away for many years after that dreary night. I blamed myself for your death and I could not shake that feeling. Every breath I took I thought belonged to you. It was not until my son, your nephew, was born that I realized I was wrong. My son was my purpose and trying to replace you. It would be impossible to replace you, so I let go of the sorrow but not your memory.

My son deserved a complete father and not a depressed brother of a hero. You are still my hero, Big Brother! I made sure my son, Jonathan, knew who you were and what you did! I am writing you today because Jonathan joined The Navy and graduated from boot camp. I am proud of him but I worry for his safety. Will you look after him and bring him home safe to me? I love both of you very much but I want to see you again before he does! I could not stand another rainy night!

The picture I am attaching is of Jon and me on 21 MAR 2014 after his PIR in Great Lakes, IL. We love you, Keith!