[Spunky]

The Traveling Wall is in Modesto, CA this weekend. First Baptist Church of Modesto is hosting the project. FBC Modesto is also presenting a drama each night. The drama presents a story of a day in the lives of a squad of men in Vietnam. The title is "Not Forgotten," and offers a healing message to so many Vets who served in that era. Information can be seen at www.fbcmodesto.com.

Is this wall in Modesto the Traveling Wall I heard talk radio host Rusty Humphries, say he was responsible for getting there? I missed what town he was talking about. He said his father died in Vietman.

He was telling how one night when he didn't have it covered with security someone came and stole $5000 worth of equipment. He felt so bad, but had so many people saying to hang in and not give up it wasn't his fault.

Then yesterday or the day before (I think) he got an early morning call saying the wind and rain had blown the wall down. He said not only was it down but it was a mess. He wanted to cry and was ready to give up. Then he remembered all the e-mails and calls to his radio station after the theft. They had encouraged him to "Hang in there." He then said; "D*m*t this wall is going to be up for Veterans day". He then put out a call and he said over a thousand people showed up to help get the wall back up.

He couldn't say enough about how the community had come together to help out.

[SAMWolf]

RICHARD DENNIS WILEY
was born on July 12, 1951
and joined the Armed Forces while in DECATUR, IL.
He served as a 67A1F in the Army,
F.TRP.8TH CAV.11 AVN GP.1ST AV,
and attained the rank of SP4/E4.

RICHARD DENNIS WILEY is listed as Missing in Action.



You can find RICHARD DENNIS WILEY
honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 1W, Row 41.

I wore this man's POW/MIA Bracelet for years until I wore it out.
I had the Honor of meeting his mother in the late 1980's at a Memorial Day Parade in Decatur where I was providing the Honor Guard for a Traveling Wall.

[MistyCA]

Wow....what a tragedy that sounds like! I know that when the Vietnam Vets brought the wall to our town they could not leave it unattended for a moment...day or night. It is a sick thought that vandals would do damage to something which represents so much to so many, but sadly, they do. :(

[SAMWolf]

I heard that show. He lost his father there when he was three. He was so emotional when he told that story. He accepted full responsibilty for what happened. You could hear the pain in his vice. Thanks for telling us about the rest of the story.