THE WALL OF FACES

1LT Mark C. Chenis was a U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. In October 1966, the 35th TFW moved to Phan Rang Air Base, RVN. Missions included close air support of ground forces, air interdiction, visual and armed air reconnaissance, escort, and rapid reaction alert. On October 17, 1968, Chenis was attempting a takeoff from Phan Rang in a USAF North American F-100D Super Sabre (#55-2929) when he was forced to abort. His jet overran the runway and crashed. Chenis suffered fatal injuries in the incident. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Dear Lt Mark Chenis,
Thank you for you service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot (Various.) Your 73rd birthday just passed. Happy Birthday. Yesterday was 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.

I did not know Mark while we were at Rutgers, but the 200th Anniversary Class honors his memory and his sacrifice for his country as we celebrate our 50th Reunion on 29, 30 April 2016.
Rest in peace, Mark. You are not forgotten.

Colonel Theo (Ted) F. Hardies, USA, Retired
President
Rutgers, New Brunswick, Class of 1966

Mark, I wish we could be Facebook buddies and I could post a Happy Birthday on your FB wall instead of this one. I welcome any correspondence about Mark.