THE WALL OF FACES

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.

On the remembrance of your 70th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

I was with Steve coffee when he died. It was very hard for me it was a good guy a good friend I think about him every day that that's happened since 1970 I believe he is now with the Lord. And someday I will see him in heaven. Ed Schmitt

SP4 Steven L. Coffey was a Combat Engineer serving with the 572nd Engineers, 19th Engineer Battalion. On August 28, 1970, SP4 Coffey was with a group of 8-10 other combat engineers at a Catholic orphanage in Gia Nghia, Quang Duc Province, RVN. The engineers were building a mortar pit for the ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) troops who provided security at the orphanage. On the last evening at the site, Coffey and the other engineers were relaxing in a bunk house. Coffey had his M16 rifle and begun to clean it. The clip was removed from the weapon when it suddenly discharged. Apparently, Coffey had failed to remove a chambered round. The bullet struck him in the right temple, killing him instantly. The plastic-bodied rifle fell to the tile floor with a loud clatter. His fellow engineers rushed to his aid, but there was nothing they could do. A poncho was placed over his body, and the engineers passed a sleepless night in bunkhouse with Coffey. The next day, a medivac arrived to remove the body. It was carried to Cam Ranh Base where it was turned over to Graves Registration. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Rodney Skinner (November 2018)]

Dear Sp4 Steven Coffey,
Thank you for your service as a Heavy Vehicle Driver. You are on the same panel as Mike Smith, say hi to him in heaven. December is here, along with all the preparations. It is almost Christmas. 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.