Shadow box

john holochwost
jhollie@holliestudios.com
2008, fourty, years, have passed and now, your face appears, on this page, thanks, to people who, take the time, to locate families. How young, we all were, then, sent, to a place so far, from home, to do unthinkable things. It was only, that we were together, that made it possible, to exist there. The friendships crossed, all barriers and we became closer, than family we'd known, all our lives. Among my memories, of that time, it's those we lost, that fill my mind, most often.
Oct 22, 2008

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Aug 20, 2007

john holochwost
jhollie@holliestudios.com
Another five, years, have passed. I have tried often, to connect with someone who knew you, before you were in South Vietnam. I did manage to speak, to a local historian from your hometown, who knew some of your family, many years ago. She says, none of your family still live there, but thought, she did know of one high school classmate, I might speak to. Regretfully, I have not heard, from anyone. It really doesn't matter. You are, as real to me today, as you were in 1968, when we wore helmets and carried M-16's. As long, as I draw breath, you are remembered.
Jul 17, 2007

John Holochwost
holliestudios@worldnet.att.net
Platoon Sgt.
John, often told me, of sailing up and down the Atlantic, along the east coast, from the Carolinas and how he planned, to return to sailing, when he got home. We even thought, we might crew together, sometime. A sniper's bullet, ended, all John's dreams, but everytime, I feel a breeze, in my face, or look, into the black sky, filled with stars, from horizon, to horizon, I'am reminded, of a sailor I met, over 30, years ago - Godspeed John - we'll sail, when we meet again.
Monday, January 31, 2000

John Holochwost
Another year has gone by, almost 33, years, since we walked, among the rows, of rubber trees, in the Ben Cui, plantation. There was, a kind of serenity, about the place, yet, it was there you died, as I held your head, on my lap and Jack tried, to insert a needle, in your arm, to slow the bleeding. I have never, known, a sadder day, in my life. I wonder, if you are forever, together, with the other, members, of our platoon, who spent the last moments, of their lives, away, from home and family, in a place, called South Vietnam? - Harry Bartholomew, Jim Scherer, Paul Striepe, Bruce Moran, Jim Antolini, Sam Linville, Claude Protz, Tom Roberts, Akos Szekely, Paul Sullivan and Arnold Wimberly.
Sunday, April 22, 2001

Denis McDonough
Denis1146@aol.com
Fellow Bobcat

John, I just, wanted you, to know, you, are not forgotten. You, are loved and missed. My prayers, to you and your family. If anyone knows, this brave soldier, who gave the ultimate sacrifice, would you, please contact, Randy@Bobcat.WS, so we can honor John, by having his picture placed, on his former, unit, the 1/5, Mech., website, memorial page and on the Wall.
Sunday, August 15, 2004

john holochwost
johnhollie@holliestudios.com
You were short, a two, digit midget, in our lingo and what, were you doing, in the field, with a bunch of FNG., grunts? Well, you were one, of us and because, you didn't fit, in with Army, lifer, officer types, you didn't get, a nice cushy job, in the rear, to wait out, your tour. So you were, pounding the bush, with us and we liked you, for that. You were more, than a Platoon Leader, who gave orders, you were another soldier, who we respected and cared about. So who could know, when we, were told to push, into the rubber trees, a little longer, that it would, cost so much? You saw, a concrete platform, used, to load rubber, onto trucks and wanted me, to use a LAW, to destroy it, but as I was ready, to fire, you changed your mind. I closed and recapped, the LAW, handed it, to you and you turned, to your right, to put it back, on the APC.. It was then, that the bullet struck you, in the left side, of your neck and exited, the other side. You staggered a moment, then fell to the ground, as I tried, to help you, get to safety, behind the APC.. In the moments that followed, Jack and I reassured you, that you would be alright, as we watched, your life ebb. I have always, hoped, you believed, that lie.
Friday, July 12, 2002

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

We never met, in fact I was only 2 years old when you gave the supreme sacrfice for our country. We are from the same hometown and in my heart, that makes a powerful bond. I would just like to say, "Thank You John". Thank you for the freedom that all americans enjoy due to your unselfish actions. As long as I live, your memory will also live. Rest in peace John, thanks f Posted by: Debi Coleman
Email: debico@webtv.net
Relationship: none
Wednesday, August 25, 1999or a job well done

Connell, John Alexander, 1LT