Too often, we take so many things in life for granted and then something jolts your consciousness back to reality.  In this case, I just got an email from my friend Art Williams, a long time supporter of all things Reynolds, who attached the article below, about an RHS grad that lost his life in Vietnam.  It is so timely with Veterans Day this week.

I didn't know Allen Palm. Unfortunately, I didn't even know about him.  Reading the article tells me why; he was an unassuming person just trying to do his best to get on with life until fate had different ideas.  Knowing some of his family gives me an inkling of what a good person he was.  Allen didn't wrestle his whole high school career but you need to read why he gave up the sport - times on the farm in the 60's were much different than today's world.  But in my mind, he is just as much a part of the Raider Legacy as any of us and he is a true hero.

When I returned to PA back in the teens, I met Wes' son and really nice guy, Nate, who continues to help the wrestling program.  When I reached out to Nate about this article, he responded, "We still live on the farm where he, my dad and their sister grew up.  I was walking across the yard one day and a guy stop on the road and told me that he could of sworn that was Allen just the way I was walking."  It's a tribute to Allen that others haven't forgotten.

The 60's were a difficult time with the never ending Vietnam War.  All boys turning 18 would anxiously watch the annual draft on TV to see what their "number" was.  I can only imagine what went through Allen's mind when his number was selected low enough to be called up.  For you younger readers, think of the Hunger Games Tribute Selection for an idea of that moment. But Allen served when called.  

So please read this article.  It goes into some details that reveal a lot of Allen's character and the hardships he went through.  Also, take the time to remember all the veterans that served in every war and conflict.  And if you ever get to Washington D.C. to see the Vietnam Memorial, look up the entry for Allen at Panel W37 Line 47.