~Dedication ~   

This is an outpouring of my thoughts, feelings and memories of the Vietnam War and the times in which it was fought.  It is dedicated first to the memory of those who gave so much more than I in that war.  Whether they be Marine, Navy, Coast Guard, Army or Air Force, they will forever be my brothers in arms.  As long as we who returned still live, I swear they will not be forgotten.  It is dedicated to the families, friends and loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in that war.  And it is dedicated to my fellow survivors, many of whom, are still struggling to deal with the ghosts of the past. 

It is dedicated in memory of my father, Sgt. Kenton P. Wheatley, whose service in WW II, provided a positive influence on me in my formative years and contributed in large part to my decision to enlist.  It is dedicated to my wife, whose love, sympathetic understanding and caring is my rock in difficult times.  She makes me realize there are others, besides Vietnam vets who share in the pain and sorrow so many of us have felt and continue to feel decades after the end of that war.  It is dedicated to my loving children, of whom I am so proud.   And it is dedicated to my future grandchildren, who might someday ask, "What was the Vietnam War about?... Was Grandpa Wheatley in it?"

Dedicated Memorial Day
Monday, May 25, 1998

Guardians of the Wall
by permission of the artist, Ragen Mendenhall

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