POWERGRAMS

Memories of the fallen remain Corporate Relations Specialist Mike Oakley and retiree Audrey Vaughn were among 25 guardians of the veterans during the Honor Flight. Oakley helped with transportation for those who had mobility problems, helping to push wheelchairs for several veterans. He got the chance to meet and talk with Bagwell at the wall. "This was so emotional for the veterans," said Oakley, who in nearly 40 years in the U.S. National Guard has served with the 20th Special Forces in Panama, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He barely missed the Vietnam dra, which ended in 1975. "Being a military guy, it brought me back to my own memories talking with these veterans," Oakley said. "You're a part of an elite fraternity that goes back to George Washington, protecting the country. "I did the same jumps out of the same helicopters as these guys," said Oakley, a sergeant major with the 167th Theatre Sustainment Command, a logistics unit whose latest campaign is Vibrant Response 2017, protecting North America during a natural disaster or terrorist aack. Seeing the reaction of fellow veterans, Oakley said, "It was so emotional. It was the enormity of the wall and the names. They all got quiet. "We let them have their moments at the wall," he said. "There were some who knelt and cried. When we le, they all wanted to talk about it. It's like they were all 19 and 20 years old again, right back there in Vietnam." Such was the case for McFerrin, who carried a book with names of his fallen friends. At the wall, McFerrin found the engraved name of a friend he'd known throughout their years at Tuscaloosa County High School. "John White graduated in '66," McFerrin said. "He was a good guy. John flew a helicopter in Vietnam – that's how he died." A park ranger brought McFerrin a ladder, helping him to trace White's name. "We just had our 50th class reunion," he said. "We honored everyone who'd passed on, along with everyone whose name is on that wall. They are all special." McFerrin has tried to put his memories and injuries behind him. In Vietnam, an enemy bullet went through his leg. In February 1968, he was among the Marines who invaded Hue and drove the Communist forces from the ancient imperial capital city during one of the bloodiest and longest bales of the war. He was struck by an AK-47 bullet that lodged on the right side of his head, at ear level. When McFerrin awoke, a priest was giving him last rites. McFerrin was eventually transferred to Millington Naval Reserve Aviation Base near Memphis, Tennessee. Aer he earned an honorable discharge from the Marines, McFerrin became a lieutenant with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff 's Office, where he retired aer 30 years. "It reminds me how lucky I am; I've seen men die around me," McFerrin said. "The ones on that wall never got to come home, get married. I have two children. You go on and realize how lucky you are to be alive, and live another day. The Lord has helped me so much. I was fortunate I was able to go on and make a life. "I remember a song we used to sing in Vietnam. It was, 'Surely we're going to heaven, because we've lived our time in hell,'" McFerrin said. "It was an honor for me to serve my country and the U.S. Marine Corps, and I'd do it all over again. The wall helped me remember why I went." Bringing closure and healing is part of the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club's mission in supporting Honor Flights. "The Vietnam War continues to haunt many of our veterans, who were exposed to the many horrors that come with war," Plaster said. "The way these veterans were treated when they returned home from the war was bad. We hope that this can be part of a final healing process for them. The veterans are so grateful." York said the Rotary Club wants to recognize and honor Vietnam Veterans for their many sacrifices "during an unpopular war in extremely difficult conditions." "Many of our veterans said, 'It's a dream come true,'" said York, who is collecting names for Honor Flight 2018. "We were glad to help make this happen." "Rubbing" names etched in black marble is a ritual. Searching for names on The Wall. 12

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