"Standing in the Presence of the Past"
. . Contributed By Chaplain Howard Flexer On Friday, February 20, 2004
"Standing In The Presence of The Past" When my fellow Vietnam Veterans and I pay a visit to our Wall big or small. We are standing in the presence of the past in our mind. That past can be so close any time under any thing that reminds of that past. Some go back from just standing in a warm rain, some the sound of a huey overhead or at a distance. That past is never far away as all those who went before us to any War. War makes standing in the presence of the past too easy. For most of us till the day we become that past. We have to leave this earth with War never in the future by sharing that past. We have to share that feeling of standing in the presence of the past. Those who are our future need to know the horror of that past. They must learn that in War no one wins to just look at the white rows of head stones in our National Cemeteries. Let them know that even those who won have rows of the price of a War. Ask them not to be fooled by the soft winds the blow gently and flowers over those rows. Let them know how those under those rows gave their lives for us. I'll close knowing that I'm still standing in the presence of that past till my last breath has past. Chaplain Howard Flexer February 20, 2004 From a line written by Darryl Worley in a song called "Shiloh"

Cpl.George Allen Alford Jr. USMC
. . Contributed By Brenda Alford Kaiser On Friday, February 20, 2004
I am looking for anyone who knew my brother. HE entered the Marine Corp. in September 20, 1966 at Camp Pendleton. Served on USS Galveston in the Mediteranean as a Capt. orderly in 1967. He went to Vietnam in June 1968 killed on July 31,1968 in Quang Nam Province. He had a friend who was later an honor guard in Mexico City.

571st Air Ambulance Co. Quang Tri, Phu Bai, DaNang
. . Contributed By Scott Hanson On Monday, February 23, 2004
Looking for any guys in my old unit that served during the two year period 70 thru 72. Also looking for information on Col. Cavanaugh from W. Virginia who was KIA and A female Col. named Col Fea who helped me out when i typed up my own orders and returned to Vietnam.

Living conditions of the Vietnam Conflict
. . Contributed By Aimee Marie Archibald On Wednesday, February 25, 2004
I am a High school senior and am doing a presentation on the living conditions of American soldiers in Vietnam. If there are any veterans out there who could help me out and give me a little personal reflection, it would be sincerely appreciated and savored for their personal contributions. Please E-mail me! Thanks sooooooooo much.

Cpl.George Allen Alford Jr. USMC
. . Contributed By Brenda J. Kaiser On Friday, February 27, 2004
I am looking for anyone who may have known my brother, Cpl George Allen Alford. He was in the Marines in the Vietnam era. He was killed in 1968 in Quang Nam. He was in the 1st Marine division,Echo Co. 2nd Batt. 5th marine reg. 3rd Platoon. In 1967 he was on the USS Galveston in the Medterian.

John Porras
. . Contributed By Diane Salinas On Saturday, February 28, 2004
Am searching for John Porras, I want him to meet his son. He was my boy friend in 1965. He had planned to marry 'but he left for Vietnam. I never saw him again. I wrote to him, but he never wrote back.I never married. I've always had that special love for him. Please help me find him. It has been to long. I want him to meet his son. Last known address, somewhere in the Los Angeles area.

>>A Beatiful Place<<
. . Contributed By Michael P. Parker On Monday, March 01, 2004
My wife gave me a trip to 'The Wall' for Christmas one year. What a truly beautiful and moving place it was to go, see and feel. First time there, I just broke down and sobbed uncontrollably for 5 min. then left with that still empty feeling I've had for 30 plus years now. On the second day I went again. I cried again. But this time it was a good cry. I cried for the 53,000 brothers and sisters whos' names were on that wall so the OTHERS won't forget. I'll never forget myself, but I did forget to say 'Good Bye' on day one, but not on day two. That day I got to say Good Bye, and I do think now I am somewhat better for having done so. Want to do something good for a Vietnam Vet. Do what my wife did, get 'em a trip to D.C. Even if they say 'No', just get them the trip. It just may help. M.P. 173rd Airborne

Looking for Sons and Daughters from Illinois
. . Contributed By Tammy Lynn (pendola) Schaefer On Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Looking for sons and daughters from the State of Illinois to attend annual Memorial Vigil in Springfield Illinois the First weekend in May 2004. My name is Tammy Schaefer (Pendola)and I lost my Daddy in the Vietnam War His name was Anthony Eugene Pendola he was 1st Cav 2nd of the 8th battalion Com. C. He was Killed in action in the IaDrang Valley Nov. 6th 1965. we are dedicateing this year 24 hour Guard Vigil to the Sons and Daughters of Illinois this year and I have resurved a spot for the Sons and Daughters to walk a 15 minute guard around the Memorial itself to honor our Fallen and Missing fathers. It is a real honor to be granted this space. If you are interested in joining us I have hotel imformation ect please contact me thru e-mail. I hope to hear from some Sons and Daughters soon. Love to all Vietnam Veterans from me Tammy Lynn

William Lee Anderson
. . Contributed By Brianna On Thursday, March 04, 2004
To William Lee Anderson's relatives. William Lee Anderson was a very pure hearted man. He really took part in the Vietnam War. If I could, I would like to meet him in person.

Marvin R. Young

I appreciate what everyone did in Vietnam but I respect the Medal Of Honor Winners the most. Marvin R. Young was probably one of the greatest men who ever lived. Even though he was ordered to retreat he still guarded the retreating forces while many of the Vietnamese soldiers were coming he stood. I thank him for that. I hope that all the other Veterans from the war are proud that these people who gave their lives are the real heroes and they will tell them how important this is so it does not die with the people who did.