The soldier stood and faced God, which must always come to pass, he hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, because those of us who carry guns, can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was tough, and sometimes I've been violent, because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep... Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help, although at times I shook with fear, And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place among the people here, They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand, I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne, where the saints had often trod, as the soldier waited quietly, for the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier, you've borne your burdens well, Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, you've done your time in Hell."

I've never met Frank Visconti and I never will. He gave his life for me and the people of this nation on November 22, 1965. His name is one among thousands that appear on a wall in Washington, D. C.

Major Francis Edward Visconti didn't come home to the America he served. He is presumed to have died when his helicopter went down in the sea somewhere in South Vietnam.

On board the aircraft that day with Frank were Victor John Pirker, Richard Arthur Miller and Thomas Evan Douglas.

No bodies were ever recovered and they were all declared "Missing in Action". Years later they would be declared "Killed in Action" - our governments way of solving the problem.

There is no marker there where they fell to acknowledge their sacrifice. Unlike Flanders Field, no Poppies grow on that now forgotten site. Jan Visconti, Frank's wife, his children, his grandchildren and the rest of the families, will never be able to place flowers at a graveside, let alone see the face of the man they loved and lost for one final farewell.

There has been no word of Frank or his fellow crewmembers since that awful day and the Vietnamese have denied all knowledge of them. Their "denial" is not an answer, nor will it ever be an answer for those who wait, pray and hope. To quote his faithful wife Jan.....

"Unaccounted for is......Unacceptable"!!!

This journey of mine began in 1997.
My first visit to the the Wall.

I can still feel the cold, biting wind as we approached.It stretched like an endless black road and as I drew closer I began to see the names.

They were endless...58,178 names in all!

Visitors before had left small gifts and I realized that they were doing this not only for the names on the wall,but for themselves.In leaving a rememberance perhaps the pain would somehow ease.

I was looking for a name that I prayed I would not find...Lonnie Pat Bogard, Major,USAF.... Born on May 11,1942, age 36, from Matairie, Louisana.

My mother was born on May 11, 1902 and she was still living a full life! I had worn Lonnie's bracelet for several years but lost it when I went into the hospital for the birth of one of my sons. A volunteer at the entrance to The Wall told me where to look for Lonnie's name.

I remember standing in front of the panel trying to see through tears that I hadn't realized were thereI reached up to touch his name and was surprised to find the granite, which should have been so cold, felt warm as if I was being touched by some unseen hand.

Lonnie died in Viet Nam. Thousands died and thousands more did not come home. This realization began the quest for answers.

I could not take on the search for Truth for all those names but I might be able to help just one.

I asked "Operation Just Cause" for the name of one Marine and the name I was sent was Major Francis Edward Visconti, United States Marine Corps. On that day, Frank and his crew became a part of my life and a part of my family.

This journey is for them.

Frank and his Crew were lost in a chopper much like this one!

When you close your eyes tonight and count your blessings...
Remember Him!

The first song to play on this site was "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. I felt that the words were written just for Frank and Jan. However, at Jan's request (and she has made few during the making of Frank's Page) I am replacing it with the one that meant the most to Jan and Frank. It was "Misty"..... "their song". Jan, this is for you and Frank. I love you, Sis. No matter which song is heard, Frank's Heart Will Go On and On.