THE WALL OF FACES

Rest in Peace "Doc"
John Bruneel, HMCM USN (Ret)


"I'm the One Called "Doc…"


I shall not walk in your footsteps,
but I will walk by your side.
I shall not walk in your image,
I've earned my own title of pride.
We've answered the call together,
on sea and foreign land.
When the cry for help was given,
I've been there right at hand.
Whether I am on the ocean
or in the jungle wearing greens,
Giving aid to my fellow man,
be it Sailors or Marines.
So the next time you see a corpsman
and you thing of calling him "squid",
Think of the job he's doing
as those before him did.
And if you ever have to go out there
and you life is on the block,
Look at the one right next to you…
I'm the one called "Doc".


Harry D. Penny, Jr. HMC(AC)USN
Copyright 1975

"Permission to reprint granted
by the author/copyright owner".
(Permission for both poem & graphic

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

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

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

Again, thank you Doc Calzia, for a job well done!


FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

I think about Frank almost every day. It has been over thirty years since we were in Hospital Corps School together. We spent many wounderful weekends with his Mom and Sister. Sunday usually began with a music set at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, followed by a great Italian dinner prepared by his Mom with a little help from the boys (I usually grated the Parmesan), and ended at the beach with our backs against the concrete retaining wall watching the sun go down. Those are my great memories. Thanks.

I remember Frank as a free spirit who enjoyed life. Those of us around Frank enjoyed his company. As a Corpsman he was always there when you needed him, with words of encouragement and a smile. Frank's loss was a shock to all of us. May there never be another Vietman that cost so much.