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Charles Michael Evans
Corporal
C TRP, 1ST SQDN, 4TH CAVALRY, 1ST INF DIV, USARV Army of the United States Watseka, Illinois March 28, 1944 to January 19, 1967 CHARLES M EVANS is on the Wall at Panel 14E, Line 53 |
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Uncle Mike, I wanted you to know that you haven't been forgotten. I was only 7 years old, but can still remember the day we got the call informing us that you had been killed in action. You served your country honorably and mere words cannot do justice for the sacrifice you made.
Tim Evans |
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Dear Tim Evans, Hello, my name is Scott McKenzie and your Uncle Mike and I played football together for the Watseka Warriors in the 1962 football season. When the opponent had the ball, Mike and I were the two defensive ends. He was big number 55 and I was number 48. Mike played on the right side and I played the left side and we frequently met at the quarterback and "shook hands." Your uncle knows what I am talking about because those were the instructions from our head football coach, Gordon McKenzie, my father. Seeing this memorial tribute sure sent me back in time. Mike and I were best friends in high school; most everyone else called him "Mike." But to me, he was usually "Chuck" or "Charlie." As the athletic director, my father began a "Mike Evans Memorial Sports Award" display which was in the main lobby of Watseka Community High School. Is that still there? I am a retired Navy veteran and currently teach civics and coach football in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida at the time your uncle was killed in the "Iron Triangle" of South Viet Nam. I vividly remember opening a letter from my father telling me of Mike's death. He included several newspaper articles which I believe I still have filed away somewhere. What a loss that was for his family and friends. I regret that I could not get back to Watseka for the funeral. I can still see his big smiley face as if I only saw him yesterday. Thank you very much for creating this memorial. Seeing the memorial, both virtual and in person at The Wall, has helped fill a void in my heart for my friend. Your Uncle Mike was a kind gentleman, had a big heart, and sure could play football and I still miss him. And Tim, you are absolutely correct when you say that Mike is not forgotten.
Respectfully from his high school best friend |
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