December 13, 1967

At 6:27 AM, on Wednesday, December 13, 1967, I drew my first breath. Every breath I have taken since that one has been as a citizen of the greatest country on Earth. The freedoms and opportunities that I have enjoyed, exist, in large part, because of the people who have fought and died for them.

On December 13, 1967, in a country halfway around the world, 22 of these men drew their last breaths in defense of these freedoms. I knew none of them. I only learned of their existence about 3 years ago when I was able to visit the Traveling Wall, a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. I was overwhelmed.

These 22 men died in various ways, helicopter crashes, small arms, mortar attacks, accidental homicide, friendly fire, and others. The way they died is not very important when placed next to the way they lived. I've read many remembrances and tributes from families, friends, those they served with and those they led. Some served long careers and some served very short tours. They were drafted, they enlisted and some were career men. They served in a variety of branches and units. Very few similarities exist between them. One outstanding similarity does exist though, they served with honor.

None of them knew how much of an impact their last mission would have, when they set out that day. It left 22 families with a gaping hole in their hearts. It left countless friends in mourning. It changed the lives of many people who loved and respected them. It still affects many of them today. It was no small matter. This fact has weighed on me.

They deserve to be honored. They should never be overlooked, much less forgotten. They served and died with honor and they shall be remembered as such. It is with great respect that we call attention to these 22 souls who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.

Thank you for your service to our country. Know that your sacrifice was not in vain. Know that we breathe freely because of your commitment to that cause.

We salute:

Robert E Bennett III

Robert D Berta

Bruce H Bumgarner

Donald R Burgess

Grady I Carriker Jr

Clifford R Carter

Thomas W Cotton

Melvin E Crossman

John E Davis

Calvin D Dawkins

John W Fitzgerald Jr

Paul G Hamilton Jr

Lloyd L Hitchens

Richard D Jenks

Douglas R Johnson

Verne L Johnson Jr

Gene F Lee

Luis M Marquez-Lopez

Michael R McCord

Sim S Steverson

Kenneth R Stubblefield

James G Whaley