Who do you remember? Fallen and Deceased

2014-11-30T23:09:53-05:00

It is really hard to imagine your friends passing but as you reconnect with your fellow military members you find out things that are heartbreaking. Right now, I am dealing with an imminent loss and an unexpected death of one of my friends while in Germany. Last year it was SMSgt Floyd Parton (Lou Gehrigs Disease -ALS). What a decent man!!!

The other day I found out that TSgt Kimberly Reeb has also passed away to Cancer and she was probably in her early 50s. Still too young imho. Then I have a friend who was in Vietnam and a weather forecaster who is dying with Leukemia. He wants to remain anonymous name-wise, but I have been conversing with him for months. He also had four heart attacks but it appears Leukemia has it's own heartbreak.

I dreamed about him passing last night. The lonely loss of a military brother. Also lost a SSgt in a C-5A crash that took Randy's life. We played softball together at Volgelweh. Kaiserslautern.

Who do you know that has passed or is passing and give a shout out to the heroes that died before us?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 30 at 2014 11:37 PM

2014-11-30T23:37:13-05:00

Very kind of you to start this thread Larry. I just got word that my pre-Army HS best friend in on his last leg. He is only 3 months older than me. I will say that I was one of those people who really needed the military to get away from the bad influences and get on the right path. The part in "Officer and a Gentleman" when he breaks down and says "I got nowhere else to go"......That was me big time. Of the very tight-knit, small group of friends that I had (we were the outcasts) I left and joined the military and they all stayed behind to continue the party. I have lost one to gang violence, 3 to alcoholism, and now my best friend with lung cancer. When he is gone my link to my past life will be gone as well. I won't mention his name, but I finally had to sever the ties (about 15 years ago). I tried for years to do everything in my power to help but some people will not accept help. It is like being tied to someone in the middle of the ocean that refuses to help swim to shore. Your choice is to give up and accept their fate or to cut loose, or "let go or get dragged" if the biker analogy is more appropriate. Goodbye dear friend. I'm sorry you found life so miserable.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 11:59 PM

2014-11-30T23:59:00-05:00

This is the ill-fated crash that took a friend...

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 1 at 2014 2:03 AM

2014-12-01T02:03:46-05:00

I have a small group from Desert Storm that I keep close to me. I also have lost battles in Afghanistan. I think we all have lost brothers and sisters and I try to live my life to the best I can out of respect to those who have paid the ultimate price for our country.

I also remember this poor little baby, in Afghanistan, that died due to injuries that his father wouldn't let the medics treat. He was just a baby, probably 18 months, I see him in my dreams still...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 2:54 AM

2014-12-01T02:54:20-05:00

October 23,1983 06:22. Beirut Barracks bombings, 241 American servicemen: 220 Marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers killed. It is a tragedy that has been boiled in me just as 9/11 has.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Dec 1 at 2014 11:32 AM

2014-12-01T11:32:41-05:00

Here is my tribute to the fallen . . .

I took my Platoon Book from boot camp and looked up every name and compared it to the Vietnam Memorial's list on line. I made sure every everyone one of them had a "Remembrance Page" page on the web sit TWS-Marines. Some had already been remembered but some had not so I created pages for them as their sponsor. Every Veterans Day I send in a contribution in remembrance of these fallen Marines, by name, with whom I started my military career.

I challenge everyone on this site to do like wise regardless of conflict or if they died during peace time while on active duty (or not if you would like). I especially challenge those from the Vietnam era to do this.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 1 at 2014 12:26 PM

2014-12-01T12:26:47-05:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I always remember First Lieutenant Thomas Gary Sikes of Jacksonville, FL. Lieutenant Gary Sikes was a 1962 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Jacksonville, FL and 1967 graduate of Mercer University, Macon, GA.
Lieutenant Sikes was the 2nd Platoon Leader, of C Company, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment (The Professionals), 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal (23rd) Division, United States Army Vietnam.
When Lieutenant Sikes gave his all in the Quang Ngai province of South Vietnam, he was only 23 years old, and he left a wife and a one month old son that he never even saw.
He is buried in Bowman, GA, and his name appears on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC at coordinates 36W 053.
Requiescat in pace.

1LT Sandy Annala and 1LT L S SGT Private RallyPoint Member SGT Mark Anderson CSM Charles Hayden

Response by SGT Jim Perry made Dec 2 at 2014 2:33 AM

2014-12-02T02:33:59-05:00

John Wayne Malapelli KIA Feb 9, 1965 RVN. My next door neighbor and childhood friend, was the first person in the Greater Cincinnati area killed in VN. John was RTO on a four man adviser team that was abandoned by their RVN Allies and were captured by VC who after parading through several villages tortured and executed them. I was stationed in Korea at the time and first heard of it in Stars & Stripes. RIP John.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 9 at 2014 11:28 PM

2014-12-09T23:28:48-05:00

SSG L OI, Here's to us and them like us and most of them are gone! Better yet, Here's to tomorrow and a better world for we'ns and ours. CSM Hayden

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 10 at 2014 10:02 AM

2014-12-10T10:02:54-05:00

Sgt Chris Hrbek 14 Jan 2010
http://www.sgthrbek.com/
http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/united-states/christopher-r-hrbek/
LCpl Justin Wilson 22 Mar 2010
http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/united-states/justin-j-wilson/
LtCol Benjamin "Chili" Palmer 12 May 2011
http://freedomremembered.com/index.php/lt-col-benjamin-j-palmer/
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/03/local/la-me-benjamin-palmer-20110703

Semper Fidelis Brothers, Peace to you and your families.

sgthrbek

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Dec 10 at 2014 12:07 PM

2014-12-10T12:07:44-05:00

Army Pfc. Nathaniel E. Detample
Died August 9, 2005 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom
19, of Morrisville, Pa.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Philadelphia; killed Aug. 9 when a mine exploded and enemy forces attacked using small-arms fire as he was investigating a rocket-propelled grenade incident in Bayji, Iraq. Also killed were Spc. John Kulick, Spc. Gennaro Pellegrini Jr. and Sgt. Francis J. Straub Jr.

Soldier killed in explosion in Iraq

Associated Press

Nathaniel E. DeTample may have been small in stature, but not in courage.

“All 130 pounds of Nate were always ready to stand tall and take on someone twice his size,” said the Rev. David Farina, pastor of the Calvary Full Gospel Church.

DeTample, 19, of Morrisville, Pa., died Aug. 9 in Bayji after coming under attack. He was based in Philadelphia.

A wrestler, an Eagle Scout and a criminal justice major at Shippensburg University, DeTample impressed all with a dogged willingness to serve.

“He led the charge since the day I met him. He was always the guy who said, ‘Follow me,”’ said Vince Paulauskas, committee chairman for DeTample’s Boy Scout troop.

DeTample looked substantially younger than he was, earning him the nickname of “Baby Boy.” He also loved the Phillies, and for a while in high school, he became fanatical about wearing orange.

“We all thought that he looked like a traffic cone,” said his uncle Steve Pursel.

He is survived by his parents, Glenn and Kimberly.

“We may have lost the finest example of a human being on Earth,” Darrell DeTample said of his cousin.

Taken from: http://projects.militarytimes.com/valor/army-pfc-nathaniel-e-detample/1029984

Nate was the first personal friend I had that died while serving. We were in ROTC together and he got the call, decided to go on his deployment instead of contracting, and was killed the summer before our Sophmore year. He was always a character and would constantly get himself in trouble and was generally given extra PT and duties to make up for it. Mostly due to his silliness.

He will be missed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2014 1:29 PM

2014-12-11T13:29:40-05:00

20SEP2009: SPC Damon Winkleman, medic, as part of the 82nd AD was injured beyond the local assets ability to treat when he was ejected from the HMMWV during a rollover in Afghanistan. Every memorial march I go on is in his honor and memory.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 11 at 2014 4:01 PM

2014-12-11T16:01:57-05:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I also like to remember Capt Raymond "Ray" Charles Spaulding, USAF. We graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, Jacksonville, FL, together in 1967.
Capt Raymond Charles Spaulding's death occurred on December 19, 1979. At the time of the accident, Capt Spaulding was flying as Weapon Systems Officer in the variable-sweep wing, Mach 2 capable F-111E "Aardvark" [tail number 68-0003 (although some records incorrectly show 68-0803)]. Assigned to the 55th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), USAF, and operating out of RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, England, Capt Spaulding and pilot, Capt Richard A. Hetzner had been conducting practice bombing missions at Jurby, Isle of Man. They proceeded thereafter to practice low level flying when the aircraft crashed in the Galloway Hills at Craignaw, Scotland. As this aircraft employed a dual seat ejection capsule, neither Capt Raymond Charles Spaulding, USAF nor Capt Richard A. Hetzner, USAF was able to eject and both died in this tragic accident.
Requiescat in pace.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Dec 11 at 2014 4:15 PM

2014-12-11T16:15:51-05:00

My friend, lost the night we took Saddam International Airport, RIP brother.

DAVIS, WILBERT
SFC US ARMY
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 04/04/1985 - 04/03/2003
DATE OF BIRTH: 11/29/1962
DATE OF DEATH: 04/03/2003
DATE OF INTERMENT: 04/18/2003
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 7867
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 13 at 2014 7:48 PM

2014-12-13T19:48:01-05:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, Arthur Manos graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, Jacksonville, FL with me on June 4, 1967, and he's another soldier that I keep in mind.
He joined the United States Army soon after graduation and served as an infantryman in C Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One), U.S. Army Vietnam. When Private First Class Manos made the ultimate sacrifice in the Gia Dinh province of South Vietnam he was only nineteen years old and had not even been out of high school a year.
He is buried in Orange Park, FL and his name is located on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. at panel 56E, row 27.
Requiescat in pace.

1LT Sandy Annala and 1LT L S and SGT Private RallyPoint Member SGT Mark Anderson CSM Charles Hayden

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 11:44 PM

2014-12-15T23:44:06-05:00

SPC. Matthew Pollini, MAARNG, KIA Al Kut, Iraq, 2009
SFC. Victor Cervantes, 7th SFG, KIA Orgun-E, Afghanistan, 2005
SGT. Marquees Quick, 1-1 Cav, Ar Ramadi, Iraq, 2006

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 9:10 AM

2014-12-28T09:10:24-05:00

http://freedomremembered.com/index.php/staff-sgt-alex-a-viola/

Staff Sgt. Alex A. Viola | Freedom Remembered

Staff Sgt. Alex A. Viola, 29, of Keller, Texas, died Nov. 17, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Staff Sgt. Alex Anthony Viola, 29, died of wounds received from an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned...

Response by LCDR Jamie Galus made Dec 28 at 2014 9:20 AM

2014-12-28T09:20:17-05:00

LTC Renne Cory along six other Americans lost their lives on 7 April 2001 when their helicopter crashed in Vietnam. LTC Cory was the Det Cmdr on a JTF-FA mission. I served with him at JTF-6. He was one of finest men I have had ever met. Every April 7th I always take a moment to remember his memory.

Response by MSgt Kevin Willoughby made Dec 28 at 2014 2:26 PM

2014-12-28T14:26:54-05:00

I have lost two friends in my short military career that were gone before their time. Our timing, but not God's time. Both were to a heart attack. Back in 1989 or 1990, Airnan 1st Class Craig Barnhart left us at 19 years old. Craig made us all smile and laugh at his antics on & off duty. He was a good kid liked by all and missed by all who knew him. Second was MSgt Joseph Butler. Unlike Craig, he was a seasoned mechanic, and knew the landig gear & skis on the LC-130H inside out. He passed away at one of the most remote places one could imagine, doing something he loved-teaching aircraft icecap recovery school at Dye2 in Greenland. The guys never gave up CPR on the flight back to Sondy that day. It was a sad day felt by all at our tiny base in upstate N.Y.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Dec 29 at 2014 6:28 AM

2014-12-29T06:28:41-05:00

I think, in everyone's life, there is that one moment, when you realize that you aren't 'bullet-proof' and that bad things can and do happen to those you know, and to yourself.
That moment, for me, came on October 23, 1983, when I woke up to find that my view of life and my casual attitude towards friends had changed forever.
In one moment, we lost 241 Marines in Beiruit. Loosing all those people would have been hard on any service, but you see, all those Marines came from a single base. Their wives shopped at the same store, their children all went to the same schools, and that was so painful.
We didn't have the chance to deal with it, and move on. For days, news cameras were shoved into our faces each time we stepped off base... and every family that had a Marine in Beiruit felt as if it was living on borrowed time. No one knew who was alive and who was dead... letters kept coming, no one had any names of those who lived or died, so the entire base and the housing areas near it, were in limbo for weeks, waiting...praying... and hating themselves as they prayed it was someone elses' Marine, not theirs.
You asked about who I remembered? Those are the ones I remember, because that was the event that made me realize how incredibly fragile we are, and how great a gift life is.

Response by TSgt William Lounsbery made Dec 30 at 2014 11:36 AM

2014-12-30T11:36:38-05:00

I was at Dye 2 that day, our final day of Ice School, we were to have a wake up at 0500, at 0520, I radioed the CP to find out the hold up, was told someone would come down to let us know what was going on. Joe was a great trainer and expected you to give direct answers to his questions, no bullshit. I often think of him and also Major Leroy Kinlocke. I often flew with him on my trips to/from Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo. I crewed a few TDY trips with him and he was always diligent in his treatment of the enlisted personnel. Both of them have left us too early and will always be remembered.

During my Army days and the Gulf War, I remember a young driver from the unit I was attached to being killed in an unnecessary Humvee/Saudi vehicle accident during the early days of our air strikes into Iraq. I never knew him personally, but one of 168 killed during that war by accident. A tragic way to lose a young person.

Response by SPC David S. made Dec 30 at 2014 5:24 PM

2014-12-30T17:24:22-05:00

Not the first time I've mentioned him, SSG Chris Robinson. This is where I go when I need to dig deep and find some motivation. When we were young kids we would get all camoed up and go running through the creek beds late at night on some mock mission to take out Winn - Dixie. He left a wife and 2 kids. I'll see you at the 'Green' my friend.

http://www.groups.sfahq.com/20th/robinson_chris_kia_20th.htm

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher L. Robinson

KIA 25 March 2006 in the Sangin district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan when he was fatally struck by enemy small arms fire during a combat patrol

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 14 at 2015 6:59 PM

2015-01-14T18:59:58-05:00

CW3 Daniel Hunter Killed 6 Nov 1998
2LT Kelly D. Hall Killed 6 Nov 1998
Argus-24

SSG Jonathan P. Schmidt KIA 1 Sep 2012 , in Batur Village, Afghanistan

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-01-14T19:22:59-05:00

I have been to FAR too many military funerals...

My first was for my grandfather. He was a retired AF pilot who served in WWII and Korea. He is the main reason I ever joined the military. SEVERAL more followed (family, friends' parents, friends, combat vets and non). The most recent was the funeral for one of my Fraternity brother's father (I joined the Fraternity at 35, my buddy was 20 at the time) who was retired Navy (and only about 10 years older than me). The one that REALLY hit home for me though was my buddy, Larry, who was an AF veteran. He was a history major, like me, and I had spoken to him in the morning at school, the day before he died.

Most of the family that I've lost were military... The only branch that I haven't seen someone laid to rest from is the Coast Guard.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 10:20 PM

2015-01-14T22:20:29-05:00

1LT Mark Daily

http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/27/remembering-mark/?_r=0

http://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mark-j-daily/

To save articles or get newsletters, alerts or recommendations – all free.

Response by Capt James Clement made Jan 15 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-01-15T12:09:19-05:00

In Memory Of:

Cpl Michael Nolen 6/27/11 KIA Afghanistan
SSgt Eric Summers 11/13/13 Killed in an accident
Cpl Eric Herring 2/2/14 Killed in an accident
Sgt Robert Richards (Ret) 8/13/14 Died from bad drugs administered by the VA

RIP Marines

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 15 at 2015 9:10 PM

2015-01-15T21:10:50-05:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, it seems like so many of my high school classmates are with us no longer and here's another. James Edward McCall graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, Jacksonville, FL with me on June 4, 1967.
He joined the Army and became a helicopter pilot. CW3 McCall died while piloting an OH-58 which exploded in flight during a training mission and crashed into the woods near the town of Eschenbach in der Oberpfalz, in the district of Neustadt, Bavaria, Germany on 25AUG78. Two other service members also died in this crash. It was later determined that it was not pilot error that caused the crash.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 9:14 PM

2015-01-15T21:14:08-05:00

Eugene Albert Corcoran, 74, US Navy. Mr. Corcoran proudly served his country for 20 years attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Please say a prayer for this man's family and a salute to the dying members of our beloved services.

Response by LCpl Cody Dotson made Mar 18 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-03-18T15:27:39-04:00

Lcpl Jared Brown. KIA 6/16/2013
Sgt. William Stacey KIA 1/31/2012

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 6:13 PM

2015-03-18T18:13:42-04:00

http://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-sgt-cari-anne-gasiewicz/542092

Gone eleven years, found out about it here, the days ago, on the women serving in combat thread. A list was posted with all the names of the women who died.
We weren't friends, she was in processing as I was clearing to PCS out. But we chatted as we ran into each other on post and I gave her some useless advice about the 202nd and directions to the next thing on her list.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 29 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-03-29T19:19:58-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, my wife and I attended the funeral of SSG(ret) Adam Lee Gordon today (29MAR15). It was truly an extraordinary service. He was a Christian, and yet the service was officiated by his lifelong friend, a Jewish Army chaplain. The chapel was filled with Soldiers and Marines in dress uniform.
We had known him since he was a young teen, as my wife and children became black belts in karate along with Adam and his sister. My wife and his mother had remained friends.
It was an incredibly sad day.
Requiescat in pace, Adam Gordon.

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 29 at 2015 7:29 PM

2015-03-29T19:29:08-04:00

T/Sgt Donald Dennis Tribble, 3118th Signal Group, SHAEF. He passed away on February 3, 2015 from complications due to Alzheimer's Disease.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 2 at 2015 11:10 PM

2015-04-02T23:10:23-04:00

I have had the unfortunate honor of attending fallen friends and fellow Marines memorials and funirals as I'm sure most here have as well. One hit me the hardest and several years later I still break down over it. I had a good friend while on recruiting duty. After recruiting he went west I went east. We stayed in touch until I got a weird email then nothing after that. I looked for him for 3 years after that. One day my oldest daughter was helping me look and ran across his memorial page. After reading through the many posts and leaving one myself, I saw his father leave a post saying he forgives him for taking his own life.
Sean Healy 12-19-1973 to 5-13-2009 rest in piece brother. You are dearly missed.
http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/Sean-Patrick-Healy-85909357

Sean Healy Obituary - Centennial, Colorado - Tributes.com

Obituary, funeral and service information for Sean Patrick Healy from Centennial, Colorado.

Response by SSgt June Worden made Apr 4 at 2015 5:55 PM

2015-04-04T17:55:46-04:00

My father PFC John E. Worden USA, WWII, Bronze Star Medal recipient and Captain John J. McKenna IV USMC, KIA Fallujah, 08/16/06 and Silver Star Medal recipient. John was a reservist and a New York State Trooper. Rest easy gentlemen!!!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 4 at 2015 6:45 PM

2015-04-04T18:45:29-04:00

My boss - JAMES M CIUPINSKI, SGT 91B40, Age 19, Chicago, IL Panel W40, Line 72

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 5 at 2015 10:41 PM

2015-04-05T22:41:14-04:00

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rvmcmaugh.htm

Robert V. McMaugh, Corporal, United States Marine Corps

Biography of Robert V. McMaugh, Corporal, United States Marine Corps

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Apr 6 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-04-06T15:31:40-04:00

I remember and carry SSG Brian Craig (KIA 15APR02 OEF).

Brian is a childhood friend of mine. He was in EOD, one of those crazy SOBs who not only go to war, but they hunt bombs.

I have worn a bracelet with his name for over 10 years now, daily. Last year at Carry the Load, I carried my friend for about 30 miles with a 50 Lbs ruck and was disappointed I could not go any farther due to blisters.

http://www.ssgbriantcraig.org/

SSG Brian T. Craig

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-04-06T15:47:24-04:00

Thanks for starting this topic.

Washington, Sept. 4, 1960 - U.S. soldiers killed when a howitzer shell exploded on impact in Grafenwoehr, Germany.. All were from the 3rd Reconnaissance Squadron, 12th Calvary, 3rd Armored Division.
My buddy under the “buddy enlistment” plan. We entered service in June of 1959. He will always be just 19 years old.
BAROFALDI, Pfc. Robert E.,
Rio Vista, Calif.
LtCol Vember D Taylor USAF Served from June 1928 to June 1956. Saw service in SW Pacific WWII and Korea. My dad. Died Sept 1988.

Response by CPL Aaron Cottingham made Apr 24 at 2015 3:26 AM

2015-04-24T03:26:44-04:00

I have a few but the emotions just came back. I will need a minute to post. Please understand.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 24 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-05-24T09:32:56-04:00

To my fallen brothers from the "Speed and Power" Regiment, 3rd BN, 69th AR lost during OIF....Rest in Peace brothers, your watch is over and we have the .50, save us a spot on the Green and we'll drink together again one day.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-05-24T12:14:10-04:00

Update on the friend with Leukemia. He passed away just before Christmas Dec. 20th, 2014. RIP Don. May God bless you!!!

Response by PO2 Alden Dean made May 25 at 2015 10:32 AM

2015-05-25T10:32:58-04:00

I remember my boss, Leon Kopacz. He was in Vietnam in some no where place with his buddies when they were attacked by the Kong. Lee had serious and life threatening injuries carrying some shrapnel with him until he died much to early. He saw more death in his tour than most see in their entire lives.
He was in a fox hole when a mortar landed in the fox hole next to him. His good buddy was there. He saw his buddy get blown to smithereens. Don't tell me this doesn't wear on you all your life.
He is my hero of all time.

Response by Sgt Mitchell Sporar made Aug 3 at 2015 9:14 AM

2015-08-03T09:14:01-04:00

Remember those who came before us

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 22 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-10-22T20:19:53-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Seeing old friends slowly disintegrating in body, mind and or spirit cause me the most heart ache! I have buried two wives. Hospitals and care facilities are memorably depressing to me! Regretfully; for my own mental health, I abstain from visits and yes, I am sorry to say, even telephone calls. This is difficult for me to post.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 8:51 AM

2015-10-23T08:51:33-04:00

To many to list - Soldiers and friends, lost in combat in Afghanistan and some to the invisible enemy here in the U.S. Not a day goes by in which I don't think about any of them.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Nov 5 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-11-05T22:49:02-05:00

When I was on the USS Mahan I would keep running into a fellow IC3 at various bases around WestPac. Saw his ship in Subic Bay and went to visit. He died in a flash fire in one of the fire rooms. It still spooks me 40 plus years later.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Nov 9 at 2017 10:08 AM

2017-11-09T10:08:11-05:00

TOO DAMNED MANY! Thank God for my service dog Blackie he helps me sleep at night

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 11 at 2020 12:42 PM

2020-12-11T12:42:57-05:00

Eric Das/Bud Watkins/Troy Gilbert Below are the links to Arlington and their info...that's about all I have to say about that.

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/das-watkins.htm

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/tlgilbert.htm

das-watkins.htm