THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Spec 4 Randolph Butler,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. As another summer comes to an end, it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Randy was my friend in the 50's and 60's as were his parents Ralph (Bud) and Lois. I knew Randy, a well liked kid and somewhat "free spirit", through golf at the then Lakewood Country Club. randy loved the game and was quite good, but never reached his potential as he was nt really committed and then the war took him away. I was 5 yrs older than Randy and I guess somewhat of a mentor in golf. We played some golf together and Randy also caddied for me in some local golf tournaments. Myself being somewhat more serious about the game, Randy helped me be less serious and have fun. Along with some of his more contemporary friends (he had many) we also played some not so serious softball games at a field near the golf course. I hope the two scanned local news articles I have attempted to attach are accepted and readable. They are about some of Randy's and his father's golf life before his tragic and untimely passing. There is a lot more I could relate about Randy's short life some 50 years later, but some others on the site have payed better tribute than I am able to express in a short note. Suffice it to say Randy is missed by his friends and I hope he is occasionally enjoying a round or two of golf in Heaven with his dad. I recently had the privilege of attending what would have been his 50th St. Pete High School reunion and there was ample conversation by his classmates about their friend Randy.
A friend, Richard.

Randy,
I write this, still as a young sister who lost her only brother, and still in writing this I am reduced to tears, and I again feel like that lost young girl who did not know how she would go on without you standing by my side, being my friend and big brother. I am 66 now, still that little girl in many ways! I had to endure watching mom and dad through our lives together miss you everyday. I had to bury them alone without you, I was actually mad at you, for that.
I am now alone, without the three of you and can't tell you how much I cry for you all. I hope you are playing golf together, catching up on old times, I know you are laughing a lot, and that is the only way I can really think I can survive, before I get to join you guys and us be a whole family again!
I know all the sisters out there could have written this same letter, and that is what makes it so unbearably sad,that this war had to bring so much unforgiving loss to all of us.
I love you Randy, you were the best.
Lex

Dear SP4 Randolph Todd Butler, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Randy is snacking back at the base camp.

Rest in peace with the warriors.