By: James C. Wheeler  MSgt Ret. USAF
361st TEWS Nha Trang, Vietman 1966/67

                  and

Bob Armistead   Air Force Security Service



We Were There


We were there, so long ago,
To fly our mission, low and slow.

Our mission to others, was unknown, 
We flew unarmed, and all alone.

Both day and night, we would fly,
To locate Charlie, so our men won't die.

Of our mission, we dared not speak,
Big ears were listening, the prying sneak.

On each other, we did depend, 
So all would come home, in the end.

Yet big guns shooting, from below,
Some would take, someone we know.

When we returned, few would care,
While others cursed, yelling how you dare.

For we were sent, by our nation,
We did our job, without hesitation.

We did our job, We did it well,
So long ago, only now, can we tell.


James C. Wheeler MSgt Ret.
email  [email protected]






By: Bob Armistead

Here Lies A Silent Warrior

  
We served in silence, never breathing a word 

Of the things we’d seen, or that which we’d heard. 

We worked by a code that few have ever known, 

And we served in countries that were far from home. 

  

We left all our friends and families behind 

To perform the work to which we were assigned. 

We manned our positions – every hour of every day. 

Our work never stopped, and we never did sway. 

  

We did all that was asked and we did it with pride; 

We stood shoulder to shoulder and worked side by side. 

If I’m ever asked, “Would you do it again”? 

I’d just smile and say, “How soon can I begin”? 

  

The time which I’ve served, I’ll never regret 

And the men whom I’ve known, I’ll never forget. 

Now time has passed and our hair has turned gray, 

And our ranks are thinning with each passing day. 

  

But when my bell tolls for the final time, 

And the echoes fade from the very last chime, 

And my eyes are closed and I’ve been laid to rest, 

Just be assured that I’ve served with the best. 

  

Please cover my coffin with the American Flag 

And on top of my casket lay out my dog tag. 

With my dog tag as my I.D. and the Flag as my shroud, 

I’ll go to my grave...an American...and still proud. 

  

I’ll trek to that place to join all the others, 

My comrades in arms: My sisters, my brothers. 

I’ll be with my friends who have gone on before 

And are waiting for me beyond Death’s door. 

  

So, when I’m gone, shed no tears for me, 

For I’ve died as I’ve lived – an American and Free! 

So, once I’ve traveled to my eternal home, 

Just carve the following on my gravestone: 

 “HERE LIES A SILENT WARRIOR”
 
Bob Armistead


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