Remembering The Fallen

[TXDARKHORSE361]

So this time of year is going to be very difficult for me as it starts the anniversaries of the death's of all the fallen men I served beside. I wanted to start this as a way to publicly pay respects and plan to post up on the anniversary of each of the 25 men we lost on my last deployment. I encourage others to do the same for anyone close to you (or not doesn't matter) who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This is a thread for remembering and paying respects not for debate or opinions on war, I ask only that you keep all posts respectful. Semper Fi

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

I'll start this off with LCpl Sparks who on this day 2 years ago was our first fallen and I will never forget that day, I barely knew him but our paths had definitely crossed and I can say that he was a good hearted man. The following was pulled from http://darkhorse35.com/Sparks/


[h=1]John T. Sparks[/h]Marine Lance Cpl. John T. Sparks, 23, of Chicago, died after being shot while on patrol in the country’s southern Helmand province, the department and Marine Corps officials said. Sparks a machine gunner with Weapons Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines was killed in action, Oct. 8.
At a memorial service held in Afghanistan shortly after Sparks died, Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, in Sangin, paused to honor Sparks with Lt. Col. Jason Morris, the commanding officer of 3/5 commenting, “It is my personal and professional honor to be a part of this memorial service and to pay tribute to Lance Cpl. John Sparks’ life and his sacrifice. I give thanks every day that I had the opportunity to serve with and lead a man such as John, a man that gave his last full measure defending his nation against its enemies.”
Sparks attended Paul Robeson High School in Chicago, where he played football and wrestled. Upon graduation, Sparks attended Westwood College where he received an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Sparks enlisted in the Marine Corps in Feb. 2008.
Sparks was assigned to India Company, 3/5 in Sept. 2008, and was currently on his second deployment.
“He was a physically tough and mentally focused Marine who never quit. He was a mentor, friend and leader within India Company,” said Capt. Christopher Esrey, the company commander for India Company. “India Company is shaken by his loss, but we will carry out our mission in his name. Sparks will be greatly missed as a fellow Marine, a friend and a brother. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Nearly every Marine in Sangin attended the memorial and paid their respects to their fallen brother.
“My friend is gone and it seems that no matter what I do, the pain in my heart won’t go away,” said Cpl. Jeffery Holsey, a machine gun team leader and roommate of Sparks. “John had the best qualities a person could ask for. He was always laughing and always smiling. He never let the troubles of the world get him down.”
Holsey laughed and cried as he remembered and talked of the old days with Sparks.
“Sparks loved machine guns,” said Holsey. “He would always say that ‘Everyone wants to be a machine gunner until it is time to be a machine gunner, because the hurt we carried separated the men from the boys.”
“I would like to thank Mrs. Lenora Sparks for raising and nurturing such an extraordinary man, brother, and son,” said Esrey. “Without his family at home, his second family, here in India Company, 3/5, would have never been blessed with his presence.”
“He always carried his weight and when others couldn’t, John would pick up their slack,” said Holsey. “He was a selfless person. He always gave everything and never asked for anything in return.
“I love you and will miss you John Sparks.”
Sparks awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal.
He had been with the Marine Corps for about two years, but his dream was to become a Chicago police officer.
“He was a young man with great integrity, great character, very honorable, very distinguished,” his cousin ChaJuana Calhoun-Hannah said
Members of the Illinois Patriot Guard also paid tribute to Sparks with a motorcycle escort to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood where he was buried with honors.

 

[itchin]

RIP, and God Bless to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice. And bless those who have made it through these deployements. As well as their fa?ilies. if you ever need anything do not hesitate to ask. even if it's just a beer or a shoulder to cry on. I appreciate it.

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

RIP, and God Bless to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice. And bless those who have made it through these deployements. As well as their fa?ilies. if you ever need anything do not hesitate to ask. even if it's just a beer or a shoulder to cry on. I appreciate it.

Thanks Derrick and we do need to grab a beer soon.

Also I want to add that yes this is posted in the veterans section but I encourage you to post photos and stories of fallen loved ones from all walks of life be it police, fire fighters, grandma, or just a friend taken from you. Something I've learned in dealing with so much death in my short 25 years of life is that death is a certainty but for those left behind to deal with it nothing helps the mourning process more than remembering the good times.

 

[Texasgordo]

Prayers for these great men and their families sentatriot:

 

[Tejano Scott]

RIP and God Bless their families. We owe it to these guys to make our country a better place, and that starts in November at the ballot box.

 

[shortround]

You, Sir, are one of the proud few of 1/2 percent of 320 Million Americans, who went to war in the service of our Great Nation from 2001 -2012.

Your honoring of Lance Corporal Sparks speaks volumes of your love for a fellow warrior.

War is an ugly endeavor, yet peace is but a short respite from more war.

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

Ok so I can't figure out how to embed this but I was sent this link and think it's pretty cool, here in Texas (Houston to be exact) is this a permanent memorial and has anyone been there? If it's here to stay I want to go check it out sometime.


[video]http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=8841356&pid=null[/video]

 

[DirtyD]

Ok so I can't figure out how to embed this but I was sent this link and think it's pretty cool, here in Texas (Houston to be exact) is this a permanent memorial and has anyone been there? If it's here to stay I want to go check it out sometime.


[video]http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=8841356&pid=null[/video]

This is 5 minutes from my house. It is permanent, and a very moving tribute.

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

This is 5 minutes from my house. It is permanent, and a very moving tribute.

Thanks I will have to plan a trip out that way sometime, they just put up a memorial on Pendleton right before I got out for all the fallen Marines and Corpsman from 1st MarDiv, was emotional for sure. Noticed the YATYAS in your sig, did my last 4 months active with 3rdAABN.

 

[DirtyD]

5 years with 3rd Tracs, 3 at the School House after Iraq. Actually planning an Alpha Co. Reunion out at Pendleton for next summer.

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

So I felt the need to repost this and figured this would be a very fitting spot, if you are not familiar with Sgt Jason Arellano USMC he is the owner of resolutiongear.com (great site with some good stuff), was with my old unit 3rd BN 5th Marines, and was wounded in Iraq. The following was his address for the "Remembering The Brave" foundation in 2010, it is a good read and all I have to say is Semper Fi brother.


[h=2]"A TIME OF HEALING" by Sergeant Jason Arellano
[/h]

by resolutiongear.com on Friday, October 29, 2010 at 11:25am ·



A TIME OF HEALING

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow warriors, families and friends. I would like to thank Lieutenant Colonel Beck for this amazing opportunity. I would also like to thank this incredible foundation. “Remembering the Brave” ... what beautiful words and what a beautiful setting. There is no other place I would rather be in this very moment.

I would like to open with a quote to you written by our nation’s 33rd President, Harry S. Truman that is taken from his Inaugural Address.

“Events have brought our American Democracy to new influence and new responsibilities. They will test our courage, our devotion to duty and our concept of liberty.”

I believe that this quote holds true to where we stand as a nation today.

When I think of those who have served and those who continue to serve, one word comes to mind... and that word is “WARRIOR”. As a fellow warrior I've seen not only the dark side of war… I've also seen the good of it.

It is with great pleasure and honor that I stand before such an amazing group of families… the “Gold Star Families”. To be a part of this group can only mean one thing. Together you all share an irrevocable, unimaginable bond. You all share something incredibly powerful and I want you to know right now that your loved one did NOT die in vain; freedom isn't free and in the words of our nation’s 3rd President, Thomas Jefferson, “The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of the patriots”. It is a huge sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice that your loved one paid and our nation is forever indebted and grateful. And though we are grateful, one can only imagine the trials and tribulations that you all have endured. A fierce warrior on the battlefield is what I am… this evening, I will be speaking to you as a tender warrior.

Nine years ago to the date.... you can ask anyone where they were on September 11, 2001 and they’ll tell you exactly where they were at, because no one can forget. We were in the field training for an upcoming deployment. I recall standing next to a waterhole filling my canteen when a humvee rolled up. A few officers exited the vehicles and began to talk with some of the other officers who were already in the field… I picked up on the words “World Trade Center”. Thinking nothing of it I returned to my Platoon. It was at this time that both sets of officers asked for the entire company to “bring it in!” They asked if anyone had friends or relatives that worked in The World Trade Center. A Navy Corpsman raised his hand and he was pulled aside from the rest of the company. They went on to ask us if we were all familiar with the Twin Towers. Of course everyone knew of these infamous buildings. Then one of the officers told us that “The towers no longer existed”. I can't help but think of all of the innocent Americans going about their day, a day that would change our country forever. The reality is that we live in a world filled with good and with evil.

Tonight, I want to talk to each of you about legacies. The definition of the word legacy is “a gift of inheritance by an act of free will.” Now, I did not individually know the fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons, and daughters that we honor tonight. But, because they served in one of our countries fine military branches I do know how they lived their lives. Without a doubt, they lived with honor, courage, and commitment giving their all for you and for me. I know that they are heroes. Because of their sacrifices, there is a continued hope for you and I. Though they are gone now, each of them leaves behind a legacy.... An inheritance of freedom for you and I and generations to come. It is their legacy that can never be taken away. Along with the legacy of freedom they leave behind a legacy of honor. Now that you have this legacy… what are you going to do with it? We can best honor their legacy and memories by mirroring the way they lived. Making them proud by living in courage and commitment, integrity, respect, and standing up for what is right. These men and women stood for freedom, it is now our duty to stand beside our flag and hold high all that they held dear. We honor their memories each time we live in a way that would make them proud.

I have been blessed with many opportunities to share not only my story, but the legacies of the brave men that I served alongside. I’ve done so by reading citations of heroism and valor.

When I talk to friends, family and even strangers I ask them, “When you see our countries flag what do you see? And when you hear our national anthem what do you hear? How does it make you feel?”

When I see the flag and when I hear our nation’s anthem I think of the men and women in uniform defending our freedoms. I see the sacrifices and bloodshed. It breaks my heart to see how many times our freedoms are taken for granted. I often remember those who have laid down their lives and I try to share their stories with as many people as I can. It is my hope that others will see the flag in a different light and hear our anthem in a different tune in a way that will forever resonate in them. Each time that we see the flag and sing our anthem we pay tribute to all of our veterans and more specifically to your loved one. In showing respect we honor their legacy for their gift and the legacy I speak of has come at a high price.
I would like to read an excerpt to you from the devotional “Streams in the Desert.”

The stones in the wall said “We have come from mountains far away, from the sides of rugged cliffs. Fire and Water have worked on us for ages but have only produced crevices. Yet, human hands like your have made us into homes where children of your immortal race are born, suffer, rejoice, find rest and shelter, and learn the lessons that our maker and yours is teaching. But to come to the point of being used for this purpose, we have endured much. Dynamite has torn away at our very heart and pick axes have broken and split us into pieces. Often as we lay disfigured and broken in the quarry, everything seemed to be without design or meaning. But gradually we were cut into blocks, and some of us were chiseled with a sharper instrument until we had a find edge. Now we are complete, are in our proper places, and are of service. You however, are still in your quarry. You are not complete, and because of that, as once was the case with us, there is much you do not understand. But you are destined for a higher building, and someday you will be placed in it by angelic hands, becoming a living stone in a heavenly temple.”

I know that all of you at some point have asked the question, “why?” “Why did this happen to my son?” “Why did this happen to my husband? My Father? Daughter? Wife?” Whatever the relationship may have been. The question is the same. “Why? Why did this happen to my family?”
On the other hand, there are service members—especially those who have been involved in extreme life or death situations and those whom have witnessed brothers in arms being killed who are now coming back asking a similar question. “Why? Why did I survive?”
The answer is, there is no answer.
This is beyond our control, beyond our human reasoning and capabilities to understand why. When we who serve raised our right hands and took the U.S. Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment, we solemnly swore that we would support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies. We know the risks that we face and still in the face of danger we choose to stand with courage and honor, committing our lives to that which we believe in.

How you live your life can be a tribute to our fallen loved ones. Their memories are honored most when we can move forward in life with the courage that our loved ones displayed when they laid down their lives.

Having personally been hit with a grenade and shot at the same time, I can recall those moments of wondering ... 'is this it?' Exactly 6 years ago, the Third Battalion Fifth Marines of the First Marine Division and I boarded a plane and headed to Iraq.

Just a few days prior while sitting in an airport terminal, I said my goodbyes to Lindsey. As we sat there I told her one of the hardest things I've ever told her. I looked into her eyes and told her. “If something were to happen to me, just know, that I will always be there watching over you.” Many of you can relate to hearing similar words.

Fast forward 3 months and I lay bleeding from multiple injuries on a Fallujah street on a gloomy day. I was whisked away on to an amphibious assault vehicle that was waiting for medical evacuation. As they loaded me onto the vehicle with about ½ dozen other marines with various injuries, I remember telling the corpsmen to stop giving me morphine because I wanted to feel some pain. I felt that if I didn't feel any pain I would just slip away without looking back.

I grabbed the cross that was on my dog tags and just held on. The hatch was open on top of the vehicle so I was able to look out at the sky. With a peace that came over me… I remember saying a prayer along the lines of, “Lord, if this is it, if this is the way I am supposed to go, then I am ready.”

While I was in harm’s way, I know that many people were praying for me and I felt it. And if I felt it, I know that your loved ones felt the prayers directed towards them.

I knew if I passed away it would be hard on my family to accept it. But I also knew that they would be proud of me because I was proud of being a Marine.

I heard chatter coming over the radio that said I was the first out of the vehicle. That really made it clear to me just how bad I was hurt. When we finally made it to camp Fallujah—which seemed like an eternity-- they pulled me out and immediately began to run tests. Shortly after they put me under and I began the first of many surgeries.

Eventually, I awoke to hear my Battalion Commander and Battalion Sergeant Major speaking to the other wounded Marines after having visited those that fell that day. They came to my bedside and told me that we had fought a good fight and that we had done a great job, but that not everybody had made it out of there alive. They read the names of the five Marines that had been killed In Action-- two of them were from my platoon, and one was a great friend. They were all my brothers. The saying… “All Gave Some. Some Gave All.” was so painfully true. I just laid there… I closed my eyes and I wept. In the back of my mind that question we often find ourselves asking surfaced. “Why? Why did he have to die and why did I have to live?”
The question I was asked by one of my warrior brothers recently was, “How do you get past the inner beast if he ever showed his face?” Just like breathing and the beat of our hearts are involuntary, I too have an involuntary guard that is up against the traumatic experiences that I have gone through. This guard comes from a solid foundation of my faith and the abundant support of my family, friends, and even strangers. I was raised in church and was taught solid values from a young age that have molded me into who I am today. I have had my ups and downs and I know I am not perfect. My knowledge of knowing that God is my savior is the foundation that I speak of. Without my faith and the support of family, that guard I speak of is likely to come down leaving me susceptible to evil thoughts. Like many before me and many who will come after I have experienced that harsh side of war. I have seen both friend and foe lying lifeless. I have seen our corpsmen do everything humanly possible to save a fellow brother to no avail. I have killed my enemy from afar and also in such close proximity that both of our grunts and struggles could be heard by each other. Despite all I have experienced I can honestly tell you that I am okay with everything that I did. I know that I fought with honor, dignity, and a happy heart.

In my opinion, the worst thing anyone can do is bottle up their experiences and not speak about it. If you bottle it up it will become a poison that will kill you from the inside out. Each time that we nurse our bitterness, our hurt and our pain we are laying bricks around us. We may think that we are protecting ourselves and our hurts when in fact we are building a wall between us and those that love and care about us. We break through that wall and move into a place of healing by sharing our experiences with others.

I never remember my dreams. However, one night recently I dreamt I was in a room and across the way was an old man standing on one side of the room with his back against a wall. Directly across from him were three paintings.... The one in the middle was a child's rendition of the American Flag in a water color. Weeping, the man stood there staring at this particular painting. I walked up to him and put my hand on his shoulder. I told him that I had many friends whose coffins were draped in that flag. He acknowledged and we both walked out of the room.

I have thought often of this dream and after analyzing I have realized that both men are actually me. The weeping could be the struggling of trying to get past a traumatic chapter in my life. The younger version of me is there to remind me that the friends that died did so, on my behalf so that I could have a better life... a life of freedom.

For me, I surrendered it all to the Lord. He met me when I cried out and offered to gladly exchange my inner beast for his peace. He made my life new again. When I thought my “beast” was roaring, he showed me that he was actually weeping. He reached down, lifted up my head, and wiped away each tear. He said, “There is nothing too big or too small that you can't share with me. My child I will never leave you nor forsake you”.

At some point we will all come to a cross road... to a crisis of trust... when life seems to spin out of control. When our sight and understanding fail to make sense of the circumstances around us. In the coming days when we find ourselves questioning, needing, searching, asking, eventually you will find God's sufficiency.
Many of you are tired, drained, exhausted, and hurting. It's okay. I want you to know that it is okay to feel that way. During this time lean on friends and family to draw strength from their embrace.

Tonight I know that there are many of you who have voids in your hearts. While the embrace of loved ones is comforting, those voids can only be filled by the comforts of our faith. Like the stones in the quarry, many of you may feel broken and can’t see reason or meaning. But you are destined for a higher purpose. Now that you are a “Gold Star Family”, there will be others that will come and you will be their strength. You will be able to share your story with them. I want you to know that you have a treasure in heaven waiting for you in a home built by the masters hands.
The longing of your hearts will be redeemed. All of the pains, afflictions and hurts in our lives cause us to hope for a better way… a better life. It is the pain that causes us to hope and keeps our minds steadfast on an eternal perspective. It is our hope and this eternal perspective that anchors our soul.

In closing, know this. Time will pass, our pains will lessen, and the memories of our loved ones will last forever. The sacrifices will never be taken away and that our gratitude can never fully be repaid. Generations to come will hear of the heroic acts of your loved ones and. We must live in a way that honors their memories. Hold close to our hearts that which they gave their life for. Take hold of the legacy that they freely give to you and press into to the comfort only God can give and the hope which he brings fresh every single day. That you will reunite with your hero once again, you will rejoice another day.

God Bless and Semper Fidelis
Sergeant Jason R. Arellano
USMC / 0311

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

Hard time all around, got some horrible news about a close friend last night and will unfortunately be adding his info here when I have more details, but in the mean time I'm not going to shirk my duties here. Two years ago today we took our second through fifth KIA's as the truck these four Marines were in rolled over an IED, unfortunately none of them made it out and we can only hope that the blast killed them instantly so they did not feel the pain. RIP brothers we miss you guys.


[h=1]Justin J. Cain[/h]Cpl. Justin J. Cain, 22, died during combat Oct. 13, 2010. He is a 2007 graduate of Manitowoc, Wisconsin’s Lincoln High School and enlisted in the Marines on June 19, 2007.
Katelyn Birringer, 20, Justin’s longtime friend, said he had looked forward to going to Afghanistan.
“That’s what he wanted to do,” she said. “He wanted to be there, and wanted to fight for our country. He really wanted to do that.”
She described Justin as a “crazy, fun-loving guy” who enjoyed spending time in Las Vegas. He was not married.
Birringer related that Justin’s last visit to Manitowoc was marred by the death of his good friend, Nick Jost, in an Aug. 29 car crash near Newton. She said Justin was on leave at the time, but had to fly back to Camp Pendleton a day before Jost’s funeral because his unit was preparing for its mission to Afghanistan.
Justin had earned numerous awards during his service, including the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Two days after his death, from the woman Justin took to his senior prom to his closest buddies now in college or in the service to one of his teachers, memories were shared of a life cut short.
“He’s a great guy and would do anything for you,” said Kara Raduenz, who went to the prom with Justin and is in the Air Force, stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Md.
Raduenz and another one of Justin’s close friends, Katelyn Birringer, each received a handwritten letter Tuesday, a day before his death.
“He talked about his plane ride over to Afghanistan,” Raduenz said. “[Justin] had just gotten there. In the letter it didn’t seem like he’s scared.”
“This is very hard,” said Mary Goins-Hopkins, a friend of the machine gunner and the wife of a Marine headed for Afghanistan by year-end.
“I never thought this would happen to Justin … he’s only been [in Afghanistan] two weeks,” she said.
With her 11-month-old son, Aaden, Goins-Hopkins is back in Manitowoc after being with her husband at Camp Pendleton, Calif., a common link between Cain and several of his buddies who chose to become brothers-in-arms.
“He was the nicest guy you could ever imagine,” said Mike Luther, Lincoln class of 2007 and a Marine Corps mechanic currently stationed at Pendleton and awaiting his own overseas deployment.
“If you had a problem, Justin would listen when nobody else would,” Luther said.
“Every Marine wants to go to, at least, one combat mission before he gets out. He transferred units so he could deploy.”
Luther said Justin started talking about joining the Corps when he was a sophomore at Lincoln. He enlisted two weeks after graduation.
Jacob Hampson, a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh senior, was part of Justin’s high school group that enjoyed “mudding.”
Hampson remembered their gang going to “The Pipeline” near Crivitz to drive through mud in their jacked-up pickups with special tires.
Hampson recalled, “Justin’s white Chevy pickup broke down. He limped home to Manitowoc, not going over 40 [mph].”
“I turned him into a ‘mudder,’ and Justin called me ‘Mud,’ ” Luther said.
Ryan Zimmerman, a tech ed teacher at Lincoln, said Justin did all his own work on the white Chevy.
“Justin was very easy going, likable and will be greatly missed by friends and families,” Zimmerman said.
Lincoln principal Keith Shaw said Justin participated in Youth Options as a senior, attending Lakeshore Technical College as part of its dairy herd management program.
Shaw remembered Cain wearing a U.S.M.C. T-shirt with an American flag in the background of his senior yearbook photo.
“He looked like he was ready to go into the Marines,” Shaw said.
Hampson saw Justin at a party in August.
“We had just lost Nick [Jost], and they were very close. That really tore him up that he had to go back [to Camp Pendleton] the day before the funeral,” Hampson said.
“I said to Justin, ‘Stay safe.’ ”
“The last time I saw Justin I was getting out of Katelyn’s car and I remember hugging him and saying, ‘See you soon,’ ” Goins-Hopkins said.
“My brain is pretty much fried. But I can say Justin was a brave man and a hero to us all. He gave his life to his country.
“We as civilians should give him and his family the utmost respect for their sacrifice. He will never be forgotten.”
Several of Justin’s friends also have created an “In Memory of Justin Cain” page on the social networking website Facebook.
Brian Fierst posted, “I was able to coach Justin in eighth-grade football. He was a handful but that’s what I liked about him, hard worker/jokester.
“If I was stressed for some reason he would make me laugh. I will never forget his great smile. Thank you for being the man you are, and for protecting our country.”
Ben Matthies posted, “Justin, I have known you since Monroe school and you were one of the best friends a person could ask for.
“You always know how to make someone laugh and you were incredibly genuine. You are a true hero to everybody and will never be forgotten.”
Justin’s sister Jeanne wrote, “You are a hero and always will be. Can’t believe you are gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN! “We will need you to hold us up through this all. It isn’t going to be easy! Words can’t explain how much it hurts but I know you are in a better place.”
The pastor of Justin’s home church and the leader of his confirmation class, the Rev. Kyle Sorenson, agreed.
Shortly after learning of his death, Sorenson said, “By God’s grace, Justin continued to trust in the Lord … those who knew him know he is safer now than he has ever been” and they will see him again.
On Oct. 23, 2010, at Lincoln High School’s JFK Fieldhouse, individuals who did not personally know the 22-year-old had the opportunity to pay their respects to the young man who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.
Just before 1 p.m., a contingent of Patriot Riders, astride their motorcycles with U.S. flags flying, rode south down Ninth Street, ahead of a four-horse-drawn caisson bearing Justin’s casket.
Several hundred who had gathered outside the gym watched silently as the caisson went by, accompanied by a Marine honor guard, and followed by a riderless horse.
Family members and close friends of the class of 2007 graduate gathered just inside a side door of the gymnasium as Marines took the casket off the horse-drawn vehicle.
They placed the casket at the east end of the gym, underneath a large American flag hanging vertically from the rafters.
Then, the public was allowed into JFK to sign a guest book, view photos on easels, watch video slide shows of Cain and his buddies, and pay their respects to his parents — James Cain and Judy Stock — and other family members.
Veterans of different military branches were present to honor their fallen brother, including many from Justin’s beloved Corps.
“Once a Marine, always a Marine,” said Manitowoc’s Tom Schultz, who served in the Corps.
Steve Jensen served in the Corps from 1971-73 and rode his motorcycle from Watertown, a Milwaukee suburb, to be part of the Patriot Riders contingent.
A private funeral for Justin was held Oct. 25 at his home church in Manitowoc. Members of the Marine Corps escorted Justin’s casket from Salem Ebenezer Reformed Church to the cemetery next door where military members honored the Marine with a gun salute.
Justin is survived by his parents Jim Cain and Judy Stock, sisters Jeanne Cain and Jolene Cain and nephew Dominic Hernandez.



[h=1]Phillip Vinnedge[/h]On 10/13/2010 our county lost four of our heroes. One of those heroes is our son Phillip Vinnedge. Words cannot express how proud we are to be Phillip’s parents. Phillip was taken too early and our time together on this earth too short, but Phillip would not want us to mourn his death, but instead to celebrate his life.

Phillip was a loving son, brother and a friend to many , including two organizations close to his heart.
He was on his first combat deployment when he was killed along with three other Marines. Phillip deployed to Afghanistan on September 27, 2010 and died 16 days later.
Phillip was a 2009 graduate of Francis Howell Central High School in St. Charles, Mo. In school, he was recognized for having perfect attendance and being an outstanding student.
“He loved working with younger kids trying to bring them up and playing football with kids in the neighborhood because he was always looking for leadership roles,” said family friend Robert Palmer.
Phillip and several of his family members were very active in Boy Scouting. He participated in Scouting until he joined the Marines. In addition to his love for the Boy Scouts, family members say Phillip loved giving back through the Toys for Tots program.
Our hearts also go out to the families of Cpl. Justin Cain, Lance Cpl. Joseph
Rodewald and Pfc. Victor Dew. They, too, are heroes.
Phillip believed that, “The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing.” This is
how Phillip lived his life every day.
Phillip was known for taking on new challenges with confidence, so it wasn’t a
surprise when he wanted to serve in the military. Since he was 10 years old, Phillip knew what he wanted and didn’t waiver from that decision. Phillip wanted to protect and serve our country. If you asked Phillip to tell you something about himself, or to brag about himself, his words would be “I’m now a Marine.”
Phillip did not take his service in the Marines lightly. He readily and knowingly
accepted that, as it came to pass, by serving our country he might have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Without hesitation, Phillip was willing to do this.
A couple of Phillip’s favorite quotes are, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
and, “I haven’t failed, I’ve found 10,000 ways that don’t work.” Phillip would keep trying until he accomplished whatever challenge was given to him.
Please remember, “When you look upon Heaven’s scene, you will see the streets are guarded by United States Marines,” and one of those Marines will be our son.

- David & Julie Vinnedge
St. Charles, MO​

[h=1]Joseph E. Rodewald[/h]Lance Cpl. Joseph E. Rodewald, 21, of Albany, died after being hit by a roadside bomb.
The Marine’s family and friends say he was brave beyond words and was doing what he loved.
“When they told me that, I couldn’t believe it. It was very numbing,” Jacque Brotherton, Joseph’s mother said.
“Actually, I thought that they were just going to tell me that he was seriously injured, because Joe of all people, you would think that he’d last forever,” Brotherton said.
Joseph’s family says he was riding in a convoy in the crow’s nest as a gunner when he was hit buy an IED or roadside bomb. He was rushed to a hospital, but the injuries were too severe.
“I didn’t expect it because he just went over there. He had high hopes,” said John Rodewald, Joseph’s father.
Joe’s father, along with the rest of his family is now remembering the man they say lived to serve his country.
The South Albany High School grad played football, wrestled, and was a team leader.
“He was really that ultimate teammate that encouraged other people to do their best, so that leader by example is how I’ll remember him,” said Brent Belveal, former football coach.
His family says that memory now serves as an example to others not only for the life he gave fighting for his country, but it shows just how short life can be.
“When you’re with someone and they’re leaving, don’t hold back, don’t just tell them you love them, hug them, because you never know,” said Josiah Rodewald, Joseph’s brother.
Brent Belveal knew Joe Rodewald well and struggled with the news of the young Marine’s death. “It’s hard,” Belveal said. “No question.” He coached Rodewald and his two older brothers.
“I call them my kids,” Belveal said. “They’re kids that played football or wrestled for me.”
He was also Joe’s principal at South Albany High School. The two formed a tight bond and stayed in contact after Joe graduated in 2007.
“He was kind of the kid that would run through a wall for you if you asked him to,” Belveal said. “As long as he knew you cared about him, then he was willing to do about anything that you asked him to do.”
In the yearbook, Joe’s face is almost always in middle of a crowd.
“Joe was that kid that lived life to the fullest,” Belveal said. “If there was something happening, Joe was part of it, not always the right things, but always part of it.”
His classmates voted him “most devoted Duck” and “most likely to work at South Albany High.”
Joe returned to the school last summer before he deployed to meet with Belveal. They talked about life, girls and deployment.
“We had a good conversation about how proud I was of him, that he was going to step up and serve his country,” Belveal said. “That’s a special gift.”
“The idea that he might be able to help some kids or families that were in trouble seemed to be a high priority for him,” Belveal said.
A sea of red flooded the Garden Way Christian Church sanctuary where services were held. Many of the hundreds in attendance wore Joe’s high school colors with his football jersey number 33 written on their T-shirts
Joe was a son, a brother, a fiancé and a Marine. He was born in Eugene but grew up in Albany.
“He grew into being one of the finest young men I ever coached,” said Rodewald’s South Albany High School football coach Andy Lusco. “He was a very special kid.”


[h=1]Victor A. Dew[/h]October 13, 2010 – The day that LCPL Victor Anthony Dew’s life was ended along with three other brave heroes, and the day that our lives were changed forever.
Victor Dew graduated Granite Bay High school where he played football in 2008. He participated in martial arts for many years to acquire a double black belt in jujitsu.
He had many friends and was always the life of the party.
He attended Sierra College for one semester before he surprised his parents by telling them he enlisted in the Marines. In September 2009, he left for boot camp where he graduated in December 2009. On August 26, 2010, Victor became engaged to his girlfriend, Courtney. On September 25, 2010, he left for his first deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan.
Victor was a kind man. Loved with all of his heart and fought with his brain before ever fighting with his fists. He was a humble man and never let any of his many successes go to his head. He treated everyone with equal respect and never looked down upon anyone. He was the very person every parent wishes their child to be. He taught everyone he ever met something new. Whether it be a skill, a trait, a path or just a lesson – he was an immaculate teacher and an impeccable learner.
“He taught me personally a million different things, but the number one was the importance of being to true to one’s self and to others. Another was to always follow your dreams and not to let anything stand in your way. Ever since I can remember, Victor always wanted to be a United States Marine,” Courtney said.
“It’s my dream, and I feel like I need to do this,” he told me when I asked him why he would join. “So, when I learned that he had been killed, I took a strange comfort in the fact that he died doing his dream, and that he didn’t let ANYTHING get in his way, not even an IED.”
Victor lived every day with a purpose like it was his last. He always had a joke to tell you or a way to make your day better. He would have tough days and instead of being negative he would say, “This is the kind of stuff I live for.”
He never had anything bad to say about anyone. He always saw the best in every person. Victor loved his parents, Patty and Tom. He thought they were the best people in the world. Patty never let anything get past her, and because she always had an answer. Tom was the father he needed, and one of his best friends. He always said his little brother Kyle was the smartest kid he ever met and he knew that Kyle would grow up to “make something of himself.”
“Me, his fiancée – I know he loved me. I have no explanation why, but I just know it.”
There is no better way to describe it. Victor Dew is our hero. He is the reason why everyone he ever knew is so close. He is the motive behind our want for success and he is the force that drives us to better ourselves and make the world a better place. Victor was an amazing person, and we all miss him every moment of every day.
Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me”
Victor Dew:”Living Life at Full Speed”

 

[kyletxria1911a1]

Slaute to you girenes from the us army( me 78/82

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

Wanted to bump this for more people to see, I'm heading to the bar for some shots. Yall be safe tonight.

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

[h=1]Irvin M. Ceniceros[/h]Lance Corporal Irvin Martin Ceniceros, born in Tampa, Florida, on August 29, 1989, a dedicated and courageous United States Marine, deeply loved by his family and many friends, died on October 14, 2010, while serving his country in Afghanistan.
Irvin was the beloved son of Ignacio Ceniceros and Maria A. Armendaniz of Knoxville, Arkansas; the devoted brother of Karla Vanessa Ceniceros, also of Knoxville, and Ivan and Abraham Ceniceros of New Mexico, a loving member of his extended family, and a loyal friend to scores of people from across the world.
Irvin graduated from Clarksville High School in 2007, where he was known for his humor and his ability to find the good in others and in life, as well as for his interests in cars, motorcycles, and fitness. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 2007, traveling to many distant places around the globe, and had been based in Afghanistan for only two weeks when he died
Irvin, a highly skilled machine gunner, sacrificed his life while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
“He was a young Marine, only 19 and fresh out of boot camp. Had only been in Afghanistan for a couple of short weeks before an IED exploded next to the Humvee he was driving at the head of a convoy. He was a great kid…smart and kind and the youngest of my first cousins. Our family is devastated right now, but proud of his bravery and service to his country,” said cousin Bob Ducca.
“Lance Cpl. Ceniceros never hesitated when duty called. He served our nation with honor and dedication, and is a true American hero. I join all Arkansans in lifting up Lance Cpl. Cenicero’s family and friends during this heartbreaking time. We will never forget his courage and valor, and may we always honor the life he gave for our country,” said U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, D-Ark.





[h=1]Alec E. Catherwood[/h]Alec, the son of Kirk and Gretchen Catherwood, had wanted to be a Marine from an early age. He was born May 6, 1991, in Heilbronn, Germany.
He was engaged to be married July 2, 2011, to Hailey Patrick of Davis Junction. Haley’s mother, Christine, described him as “the kindest human being who ever walked the face of the earth. Since he was three years old, all this kid wanted to be was a Marine. He was already talking about re-enlisting, and this was only his first year.”
Alec is a 2009 Byron High School (Illinois) graduate who enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 1, 2009. He loved mudding in his truck and riding his four-wheeler when he was home. He was a member of the FFA as a sentry, Boy Scouts and had a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He enjoyed athletics, four-wheeling, mudding in his truck, and shooting his shot gun. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and his fiancée, and was a great friend to many.
Christine said her daughter and Alec met through a mutual friend and started dating in February 2009. “They loved to dance. Their time was so precious when they had it. He was only here for 10 days or two-week visits.”
This was Alec’s first combat deployment.
His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Korean Defense Service Medal.
“Alec was a Marine, who always wanted to be a Marine,” Christine said. “He loved his country and wanted to defend it. He is truly an American hero.”
“To tell you what kind of kid he was, his mom made five phone calls and within five hours, there must have been about 100 people at their house last night.”
He is survived by his parents, Kirk and Gretchen Catherwood of Byron; a sister, Mikaela (Lance Cpl. Matthew, USMC) Montgomery of North Carolina.; his fiancée, Hailey Patrick of Davis Junction; his maternal grandparents, Donald and Mary Ernst of Varna; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.




[h=1]Joseph C. Lopez[/h]“It took him a while to find his niche in the world. Before he joined the Marines, he was doing a lot of little things. I wouldn’t say he had a troubled past, but he never really found his niche till he became a Marine.”

— Arthur Pratti, brother​

Lopez enlisted in the Marines in March 2009. On Oct. 14, the 26-year-old lance corporal was killed by an improvised explosive device during combat operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
It took a while for him to find his place in life. When he did, the young man everyone called Joey asked his older brother, Arthur Pratti, to go with him to the Marine Corps recruitment office. An Air Force veteran, Pratti said Lopez, of the Antelope Valley community of Rosamond, was “trying to find his way.”
”It took him a while to find his niche in the world. Before he joined the Marines, he was doing a lot of little things,” said Pratti, 30. “I wouldn’t say he had a troubled past, but he never really found his niche till he became a Marine.”
Family and friends recalled him as a young man with a soft spot for children. He helped his father, Arthur Pratti Sr., 48, coach youth basketball. “He was a kid at heart,” his brother said. “He spoiled his nieces like they were his kids.”
Lopez’s mother, Tracy, 47, met Arthur Pratti Sr. when Joseph was an infant. His aunt, Delfy Ramirez, 53, said he grew up as a Pratti, and in school he wrote his name that way.
“My father met his mother when he was three-months-old, so we’ve known him his whole life,” Arthur Jr. said. “We didn’t distinguish between him and our other brothers.”
His aunt, Olivia Lancaster, said Joseph visited his grandmother next door and watched Spanish-language soap operas with her “even though he didn’t understand them.”
“That was our Joey,” she said. “He was a gentle and very caring young man.”
Joshua Ostrowski, 29, said he became friends with Joseph not long after he moved next door in 1994.
They were soon inseparable. “” I would be down in life, Joey would find a way to make me laugh,” Ostrowski said. “He always did this little eyebrow shuffle thing and a big dorky smile with a funny voice that would make me start busting out laughing no matter what kind of a mood I was in.”
After he graduated from high school, Joey worked at a series of odd jobs, sometimes with his dad. He also worked at a Costco. But as he approached his mid-20s, he was eager to do something different, his relatives said.
“He knew he had to get out and do something. It was like, ‘Make a choice now,’ “his brother said.
Joey decided he wanted to be a Marine.

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

[h=1]James D. Boelk[/h]Lance Cpl. James D. Boelk grew up in a well-traveled military family. But his path to the Marine Corps was not a straight one.
Growing up in a military family, he had traveled the world. He joined the Marines last year and had promised to finish college after his five-year enlistment. Home-schooled throughout his childhood, Boelk lived in Korea, Iceland, Texas and both coasts of the U.S. before attending Golden State Baptist College in Santa Clara, Calif., where he also worked in security for Google. He talked about becoming a youth leader or doing missionary work, but left college without getting his degree.
Then the secular world beckoned. Boelk moved to San Diego with plans to work and study business. When the job he had counted on to support his studies fell through, he turned to the profession that had sent his family around the globe.
His father, David Boelk, is a retired Air Force master sergeant. But his brother-in-law, a Marine captain, proved a persuasive recruiter and in March of 2009, Boelk enlisted in the Marines. He signed up for five years, promising his mother that he would finish college after his stint in the service.
“He wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to do for the rest of his life,” said his mother, Cilicia Boelk, of Manassas, Va.
The second of seven children, James had five sisters and one brother. “We are a close family,” Cilicia said. “James was there for each of us. He always gave his siblings attention and had fun with them. He called home often and would text his siblings daily. He would always say ‘I love you’ at the end of all phone calls to us. When he was with us he would give hugs, especially group hugs.”
James, 24, who lived in Oceanside, liked to surf and make his friends laugh, but he was also a hard worker.
“As one of my Marines I will always remember his work ethic,” Staff Sgt. Matthew B. Cartier said. “No matter how hard the task, he would put on this half-grin and charge full speed ahead to accomplish it.”
“This was his first deployment. This was his first patrol,” his mother said.
James is buried in Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia. In addition to his parents, he is survived by sisters Amanda, Allyssia, Christina, Oressa and Charlynn, and a brother, Timothy.

 

[Tejano Scott]

Great thread. I wish we had a section on this site where we could devote all of our time and posts to remembering guys like this who fought and died so I can live in the greatest country in the world. God bless them and their families. Thanks for posting these profiles.

 

[TXDARKHORSE361]

Sleep isn't coming easy right now so I figured I would make an unofficial post with some details. Over the past few days I've posted a few things about getting bad news and losing a close friend and while I fully intend to post some pictures and details I figured I'd at least let yall in the loop, if nothing to help ease my own mind a bit. On the 7th a close friend of mine (one of the first real and lasting friends I made in the Corps) took his life. On the 13th I got a call from a mutual friend letting me know what happened. A little back story this friend has been fighting some pretty bad demons since we've got back, long story short between April 2011 and October 2012 he got two DUI's and attempted suicide between them with pills and alchohol, was still active through all of this and got royally screwed by his new command who didn't buy into the hype that he was suffering with PTSD despite what the doctors said. He was held past his EAS but ultimately released from the Marine Corps with an honorable discharge but as the rank of Private last month, he had to stay out in California for the mandatory DUI classes and everything. He rented a room from some people out there and was getting help from the VA, had him on meds and getting much needed psychiatric help and was ultimately starting to be the guy we knew and loved, I tried to stay in contact with him as much as I could and when I talked to him a week and a half ago things seemed to be looking up, and he had even started taking some college classes to pre occupy himself. I do not know all the details and it's doubtful that I ever will but apparently two days before his doctor changed up his meds and his roomate expressed concern that he was acting a bit off (in no way am I blaming the doctor here), well about 4 or 5 am on Sunday the 7th he rolled up on the college campus and put a gun in his mouth. He was a damn good guy and one of the best Marines I've ever met, crazy smart and amazing at his job, we were close and talking with him after his first DUI and suicide attempt when I visited him in the mental health ward at Balboa in San Diego and after I was fairly certain that his mind was still in Afghanistan and he felt like he was fighting a never ending battle. So many questions and thoughts running through my head about what we coulda/shoulda/woulda but the only thing offering me any peace is that I know he is no longer suffering and his pain is gone. I'm trying to think about the good times and have scoured through all of the pictures I have of him but can't seem to find enough, I will eventually post some but letting everything sink in first. Sorry for the rant but I started this thread to be one of reflection, remembrance, and honor, even though his death was not on the battlefield, though I'm sure to him that's exactly what it was, I will always remember him and pray that he is buried with the honors he deserves. RIP Alex we miss you brother August 30th 1989 - October 7th 2012


Me and him at the Army Ordnance museum in 2007 playing with some replicas

 

[TheRealT-Dawg]

great job on this post brother, couldnt have done it better myself