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's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

I was on close by on the day you were taken away from us.
There wasn't a thing you wouldn't do, and a person you wouldn't help in A company, 3rd
Platoon. 2/12th INF.
Thank you for your
Sacrifice Hero Donald
Cheek.

SP4 Donald K. Cheek was an infantryman serving with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. On December 8, 1968, SP4 Cheek was part of a platoon-sized patrol on Highway 6A, a dirt road between FSB Pershing and Trang Bang in Hua Nghia Province, RVN. The patrol formation generally consisted of a point element on the road walking spaced out down each of the road edges. They were flanked by a column of men 50 to 100 yards out on each side, plus a rear security to react to any enemy behind the friendly troops. As the point moved down the road, an explosion suddenly occurred. Cheek, who was leading one of the columns on the road, was killed instantly after being hit in the chest by metal fragments from an explosive device concealed on the roadside. His remains were flown to the 12th Evacuation Hospital at Cu Chi where he was declared dead by medical staff, then turned over to Graves Registration for processing and return to the United States. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Terrance Eggen and Dick Wiggins (June 2020)]

Specialist Four Donald Kirby Cheek, Served with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

Dear Sp4 Donald Cheek,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. It is Veterans' Day. Thank you for your service. This is the month that we remember all those who have passed-on. We remember you. It is so 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.