Remembering our fallen heroes and their families

By Wayne Wallingford

Memorial Day is a day when we lay down wreaths at cemeteries and monuments in small towns and big cities all across America. On this sacred day we pause to honor those heroes who gave their lives to defend everything America stands for. Our nation is grateful for their service and their ultimate sacrifice.

Many emotions are stirring on this day. For some it's a deep sense of patriotism, for others it's a deep sense of loss. But one thing is shared by both and that is the desire to honor each of the men and women who answered our nation's call.

For me it's a combination of both. I will never forget a friend that I met at Mather AFB, Calif., where we both were going through flight training. His name is William "Rob" Baldwin. We both had several tours to Southeast Asia. He was in the EB-66B while I was in the B-52D.

Rob was from Orangeburg, S.C. He had a wonderful wife and two small boys. Rob was a year and a half older than me and was a talented piano player. On occasion we would play at a small club off base. I would play the drums but the people came to hear him play the piano.

The last time my wife and I saw Rob was in 1972 when he came to Carswell AFB, Texas, where I was stationed. He was getting his annual altitude chamber certification before being shipped overseas. I would soon follow him for my fifth tour to Southeast Asia. He was stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, attached to the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing while I was stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand attached to the 307th Strategic Wing.

Rob was shot down two days before Christmas on Dec. 23, 1972. He was three weeks short of his 28th birthday. Word travels fast when you lose a plane, and it seems to travel faster when it's a close friend. There wasn't much to celebrate that Christmas. A wife lost a husband, companion, lover and mate. Two sons lost a father, mentor, coach and playmate. And I lost a dear friend.

Dreams tossed and blown. One battle too many. It's never a good day to die.

I have not forgotten William Robert Baldwin, captain, U.S. Air Force. Buglers will play taps to honor the memories of U.S. veterans who have passed on. Our fallen American heroes epitomize the values of courage and selfless service that have kept this country free. We owe them, and those who follow them, a profound debt of gratitude.

Remember my friend and his family and all the soldiers who gave their lives for freedom. May they never be the forgotten history of America.

Wayne Wallingford is the State Representative for the 158th District and a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force.