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Wednesday, August 03, 2016

For 20 Ohio Marines ~ A Butler Tribute

+ Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz

14 Marine reservists from the Cleveland area were killed in the first week of August 2005 by a roadside bomb -- one of the heaviest blows suffered by a single unit in the war. Two days earlier, six others from the battalion were killed while on sniper duty.

A Tribute to 20 Ohio Marines 
from Butler.

A Picture Tribute

 

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are there any details on the six who were killed while on sniper duty? For job-related reasons, I would like to know how insurgents were able to take out a sniper team(s)

ROBOT

www.InsideTheCompound.com

Anonymous said...

I think the trubute is beautiful. It takes a minute edge off the anger I feel toward our government in general and our inept president in particular for sending our troops to ensure freedom for people who are too lazy and/or cowardly to fight for it themselves.

Anonymous said...

Very poignent poem. I am in agreement that the tribute momentarily allows me to feel something other than anger. My heart aches for these young lives snuffed out as they valiantly supported their flawed commander-in chief. Shame on this administration. Stop the War NOW and bring all our sons and daughters home.

Anonymous said...

That is a very nice poem. Thanks for sending to us. My husband come back last spring and we had a baby, I guess you could say she is a freedom baby :) And now we are stationed in Europe, he left twice after 911 and again right to Iraq. All he wants to do is go back to his old unit and get the job done. When he was over there he was on the front lines and really the first ones in. I will never know how it feels to fight a war, but the only thing I will know is standing by all the men and women who serve and freedom knowing that my husband loves what he does.
Semper Fi,

Anonymous said...

This poem is a beautiful tribute to
Ohio's Fallen Heros. Now i'm don't
as much sadness.

Anonymous said...

Charles,
Well done my brother! Every loss is hard. I just wish those in Washington would wake up and do things right. They need to take the arms away from the hostiles instill marhall law and enforce it and some of this would stop. Our guys need the tools and authority to do the job right not being hampered by a duffus like Rumsfield who has no clue in what he's doing just like McMare did in the Vietnam war. As for our guys they like the ones who have went on before will never be forgotten even if it is only the families that do.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sending the link. Please remember hundreds who will be attending the funeral of Lance Cpl. Eric Bernholtz tomorrow. Also the others who will be attending funerals in the coming days. We should not be in this war. I'm sorry but it is for naught. We support our troops and our children but do not agree with the cause.

Anonymous said...

The poem really hit me hard. Thanks for you thoughts about our boys. But how many more of them do we have to lose?

Anonymous said...

I too was very angry when I first found out about the roadside bombing. One of my personal friends was killed in that attack. I felt it was senseless and I didn't understand, but this weekend as I fellowshipped with his family and friends during calling hours and his funeral, I began to understand how Eric saw the war. He was sent for a reason and believed whole-heartedly in his mission and his Commander-in-Chief. No, he did not like having to kill, but he did what he had to do as a marine for our freedom and hopefully the future freedom of the Iraqi's. I support the soldiers and I support the president. There are many things we as civilians do not know and I trust that the president, a man of God, will do the right thing.

Anonymous said...

I sit here thinking what it would be like to lose my son.

Anonymous said...

The poem is wonderful. My son 's best friend was LCpl. Wesley G.Davids of Dublin, Ohio. He was killed on his 20th birthday in May 2005. He was part of the Ohio based Lima company. Your words are a comfort during a time of pain and sadness. Thank you

Anonymous said...

My heart and blessings go out to all the Marines from Ohio. Semper Fi Devil Dogs and God Speed.

There are a lot of things people just don't realize about the operations in Iraq. Things piss me off all the time and it’s hard because I’m over hearing the stories and dealing with bullshit. Its war and just because my political points don’t meet up with what I think should happen in Iraq doesn’t mean I should turn my back on my country nor the men in uniform helping to fight this war or my commander in chief.
We need to stick together and get through this.

Anonymous said...

God Bless all 20 Marines that died that awful day. A good school friend of mine died that day. He was a wonderful person. His name was Jeff Boskovitch. This poem is a beautiful tribute to our fallen marines. May they rest in peace.

Gina Pateras
Laguna Beach, Ca
grkgina22@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I am one of those mourners. This tribute helped to understand that a lot of other people know what we are going through. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Justin Hoffman was close to our family. His loss is not only sad it is joyful. He said he took out many of our enemy while working in Iraq. His father and brothers were all behind him.
RIP JUSTIN.

Anonymous said...

August 5, 2005, Ohio Marines Killed:
Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes
Lance Cpl. Grant B. Fraser
Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed
Lance Cpl. Edward A. Schroeder II
Lance Cpl. Kevin G. Waruinge
Lance Cpl. William B. Wightman
Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Bell Jr.
Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz
Lance Cpl. Nicholas Bloem
Sgt. Bradley J. Harper
Sgt. Justin F. Hoffman
Cpl. David Reuter
Cpl. David S. Stewart

Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes, 25, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Grant B. Fraser, 22, Alaska
Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed, 21, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Edward A. Schroeder II, 23, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Kevin G. Waruinge, 22, Fla.
Lance Cpl. William B. Wightman, 22, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Bell Jr., 22, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz, 23, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Nicholas Bloem, 20, Mont.
Sgt. Bradley J. Harper, 25, Ohio
Sgt. Justin F. Hoffman, 27, Ohio
Cpl. David Reuter, 26, Ohio
Cpl. David S. Stewart, 24, La.

Michael Cifuentes of Fairfield, Ohio; Grant Fraser of Anchorage, Alaska; Aaron Reed of Chillicothe, Ohio; Edward Schroeder II of Columbus, Ohio; Kevin Waruinge of Tampa, Fla.; William Wightman of Sabina, Ohio; Timothy Bell Jr. of West Chesterfield, Ohio; Eric Bernholtz of Grove City, Ohio; Nicholas Bloem of Belgrade, Mont.; Bradley Harper of Dresden, Ohio; Justin Hoffman of Delaware, Ohio; David Kreuter of Cincinnati; and David Stewart of Bogalusa, La., all died Aug. 3 when their amphibious assault vehicle was hit by an explosive device south of Haditha, Iraq.

Fraser was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, based at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Waruinge and Stewart were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, based in Gulfport, Miss. Bloem was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Billings, Mont. Harper was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Norfolk, Va.

The other four Marines were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Columbus, Ohio. Cifuentes, Reed, Schroeder, Wightman, Bell, Bernholtz, Hoffman and Kreuter were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based in Columbus, Ohio.

In Iraq, they all were attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Anonymous said...

The Ohio 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, that was so hard hit last week, was first activated on May 1, 1943, and fought in several battles in World War II. It helped capture a key airfield at the Battle of Iwo Jima in the Pacific. Members of the battalion were activated in January and went to Iraq in March.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the wonderful prose. I echo the sentiments of Sgt. Justin Hoffman's father, my good friend Bob Hoffman, when I say that we need to finish the job in Irag or it will be a disgrace to the memories of these young lives lost. As ANY Marine will tell you, our job is not to question the authority that sent us into combat, but to locate,close with, and destroy the enemy, through fire and manuever. The enemy are the religious zealots in Iraq that have little regard for life because their lives suck so bad. THEY are the enemy, not our president, not our commanders, not our troops. Those Iraqi's are not MY brothers....they are the byproduct of religious bigotry. Their perception is skewed by their lack of compassion for any humanity other than their own and understanding of freedom because they've never experienced it. We are trying to afford them that right. That all having been said.....peace through fire superiority!!!!!

Anonymous said...

The poem was beautiful. Thanks for giving me the chance to read it. Ohio will never forget these Marines. In memory of Justin Hoffman...friend of mine.

Anonymous said...

A very beautiful poem and it is so sad we have to lose so many of our men and women god bless them all

Anonymous said...

What tears me up is having to see all these exemplars of young manhood being sacrificed for something that has nothing to do with defending our country or defending our freedom.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sending me the link to your beautiful poem. It serves as yet another means to ensure that they will never be forgotten.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this poem with me. I want to say that not listed on your list are the following:
Cpl.Andre L. Williams, 23, Galloway, Oh was killed in Cykla Village on July 28,2005 he was with Lima Company 3/25 2nd platton, also best friend and roomate to my daughter's fiance whom is still serving in Iraq with the same Company , and also Lyons was killed on the same day, both from Lima based out of Columbus, Oh. From our same untit we took a big hit that didnt get much publicity but it was Operation Matador....
which began approx Mothers day, the following were killed from Lima 3/25:
Staff Sgt. Anthony L. Goodwin
Staff Sgt. Kendall H. Ivy II
Cpl. Dustin A. Derga killed on Mothers day
LCPL Wesley G. Davids
LCPL Nicolas B. Erdy
LCPL Jonathan W. Grant
LCPL Jourdan L. Grez
PFC Christopher R. Dixon
The above deaths were not in VAIN >>>> They all believed in the CAUSE and would not have had it any other way..... All the above MARINES If they were state side would only have one wish and that would be to go back and FIGHT beside their BROTHERS that are still there...
Lets keep them all in prayer and the families that have suffered tremendous loss in constant prayer, for GOD to give his PEACE that only he can give.

Thank you
Jacque Davis
trulyblessed416@aol.com

Anonymous said...

What do you think about he Mother in Texas. I also live in Texas and i really don't think that her son would like that she is out there causing a scene. She needs to put it to rest and remember he son the way he probably wants her to as a great soldier and a hero.

Anonymous said...

My sincere sympathies for all family members, friends, and neighborhs of these 20 Marines, serving so far away from their loved ones. It is a traggic loss.

ps...new to blogging tried to sign up for an account but it asked my url, which I don't yet have?

Anonymous said...

Charles,

Thank you for giving me the chance to link to your site. I think the tribute was wonderful. I wish I knew why we still have people over there fighting. We should let Bush go over there and duke it out with whoever he wants and send everyone home. Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sending me the site. i have just a few things to say about some of the stuff that people wrote. first off i didnt know Nate but i went and supported his family cause he was fighting for my right and that of my kids to live without having to be frightened, to live in freedom. As for the mother in texas she needs to get off her high horse and give up. PRESIDENT BUSH is NOT going to talk to her today tomorrow never. she needs to put her tail between her legs and scoot on home. What i dont understand is how she can direspect her son like that? he knew what he was doing or he wouldn't of signed up.

Anonymous said...

The poem just goes to show you that the in the USA there are people out there who do really care. I did not know any the Marines that were killed, but they are all like family to me, they are fighting for what we stand for....FREEDOM. We all need to keep standing behind what we believe in and be supportive of the troops. They want to come home too! To the Pennsylvania people, thanks for caring for our Ohio Marines. I am sure they're like family to you too!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the poem with me. It went right to my ~heart~.

Debra Estep
Twinsburg, Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom

AFMomDeb@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sending this link to me. The poem is absolutaly heart touching. When I heard about the 20 fallen Marines from the 3/25, my heart broke. A friend of mine served with the 3/25 as well, and gave his life in service in April, so even though I did not know any of these men, it still touched close to home.

Thank you to all who serve.
Thank you to those families who have lost a loved one to this war. Their memories will not be forgotten. As long as I live, my children and grandchildren will always hear stories of these wonderful, brave men.
Semper Fi my Dear Marines

Anonymous said...

Thank you Charles for sending me the link. I really appreciate it. It warms my heart to know that we, as a nation are recognizing what these young men and women are doing for US.
My cousin Chris Dixon, Marine Corps. Reserve...3/25 Lima company was only 18 years old, when on May 11, 2005 gave his life during "Operation Matador". I have had a hard time coming to grips with his life being taken so early, but I had to remember what HIS dream was...to be a MARINE. The brotherhood that I have come to know of his fellow Marines is awesome. They are truely brothers that care for and about one another. I am so proud of all of the Marines that I have been in contact with, through this tragedy. I am sure this goes for all the other military people involved with this conflict in Iraq.

To my cousin, Christopher R. Dixon:
I am so proud to tell people that we are from the same family. Not only for your bravery and courageous acts, but also for the integrity you carried with you when you became "Chris ...the Marine", because you were special before you joined the military, too.

Again, thank you for this link, and thank you America for honoring our fallen family members.

Anonymous said...

It does my heart proud to see everyone paying tribute for individuals that gave there lives in defense of our country. It was a great poem and please keep up the good work. Semper fi, god speed and godbless.

Charles said...

You can send condolences to the familes of the fallen Ohio Marines by clicking here.
Then enter the name. You can find the names listed in a comment above.

Anonymous said...

Cpl. Andre L. Williams [One of the 20 Ohio Marines]
Killed: Jul. 28, 2005, Iraq


Andre was only 23 when he died after his Company came under attack from enemy small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades while conducting combat operations near Cykla Village in western Iraq. Andre was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserves Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment. His unit was attached to the Regimental Combat Team-2, 2nd Marine Division and the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. Andre had just called home that Monday and talked with his ex-wife Kirsten Williams and told her that he was excited about coming home before the end of the year, when he and Kirsten were planning on getting back together. Three days later he was dead, leaving behind a 5 year old daughter and a 7 year old son. "Dre" graduated from Westland High School in 1999. He was involved in "Toys for Tots". He was also known for his artist drawing, his love for OSU, the Cinninatti Bengals and being able to "talk the talk". He is survived by his parents, Robert L. "Pops" Williams and Mary K. Williams, one son, Dominique Juan Williams, one daughter, Aaliyah Marie "Lea Lea" Williams and her mother, "Dre's" true love, Kirsten Williams. He is also survived by five brothers, two sisters along with his extended family.
Written my Calvin P. E. Nickolai

Anonymous said...

Semper Fidelis Brothers.

You will not be forgotten.

Anonymous said...

Charles, Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem with me. I knew Lance Corporal Christopher J. Dyer. I will be forever changed by his death. There are only three things that are seeing me through right now and they are 1. his Mom 2. his Dad 3. Chris, himself. His Mom and Dad have the most amazing strength. They spoke at his eulogy, and made it very clear that Chris would want us to honor him by supporting the war and his brothers in the field and by being the best that we can be by showing love and support for each other and doing any small act of kindness in his memory, and that's what I plan to do. I will never again take my freedom for granted, and I will be the best person that I can be. Semper Fi, Chris!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your words and your service.

It makes me sad that so many want to make a Vietnam out of Iraq. What happened in Vietnam and now Iraq is not so much the fault of our government as it is the fault the American people.

Those people who don't see the big picture, with so limited vision may want to rethink their stand.

To believe that Sadam and his government didn't have chemical weapons and that they would use them, would be insane. He had used them on his own people.

We MUST STAND UNITED! We cannot afford to be the terrorist's most effective weapon. Cindy Sheehan's 15 minutes of fame will hurt our men and women not help them. It puts them in danger, it affects their morale.

You cannot support our troops and run down their mission at the same time. To effectively support our troops we must stand behind them!

We must let our government officials know that we believe in our troops and that we expect they be provided the equipment required to do the job.

If we bring home our troops without letting them complete their mission, we will have done them wrong. If you don't believe it ask a Vietnam Vet.

THANK YOU TROOPS!! THANK YOU FAMILY'S!!!

Anonymous said...

As a father of an Ohio Marine I was very touched by the
tribute I just read.
As I attended the funeral of LCPL Michael Cifuentes (of the Cincinnati area)this past week, many emotions ran through my mind.

I fully understand the anger and frustration over any war. My own father was killed in Korea. Now my youngest son will most probably soon be heading to Iraq.

This is a time of mourning for our young men & women who bravely, and proudly, set off to do their duty. I firmly believe that, whatever your political persuasion is, this is a time to stand up for our country and our military. It is not the time for name-calling and blaming each other.

What our soldiers need is a country united against the cause of terrorism and those that indiscriminantly kill the innocent wherever they find them.

It's time to pray for our troops and for our leaders at every level. Stand tall as an American!

Anonymous said...

One of the six, Lance Cpl. Jeff Boskovitch, 25, was an aspiring police officer who planned to set a wedding date with his girlfriend when he returned home this fall. He joined the Marine reserves in 2000, his uncle Paul Boskovitch said Tuesday.

“We got a lot of e-mail from him,” Boskovitch said. “He felt he was making a difference there and that the Iraqi people were appreciative of what they were doing.

At least 1,820 members of the U.S. military have died since the Iraq war began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The latest deaths come as the Bush administration is talking about handing more security responsibility to the Iraqis and drawing down forces next year.
[AP]

Anonymous said...

Well said my friend.God´s speed for their safe return.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sending this to us. Very touching to read. I just don't know what to say but BUSH needs to get them out of there so they can be with there families, We are losing to many young lives. Thanks so much for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I lost my good friend Sgt. David J. Coullard, of the 3/25 Ohio based batallion on August 1st. Dave was actually from Glastonbury, Connecticut and his funeral on August 11th was the most poingnant I have ever seen. Hundreds turned out to pay their respects including the governor and many state representatives. They came to salute yet another courageous soldier who volunteered to be in Iraq to do what he felt was right and worth fighting for. Dave was one of the best snipers in the Corps and was described as a "Marine's Marine". He will surely be missed and despite being shot this past spring, never thought of leaving his unit until their job there was done. That is truly heroic in my eyes. Semper Fi Dave. Love you 4ever, Brenda

Anonymous said...

thank you for the wonderful tribute to the fallen MARINES. My nephew was Timmy Bell and we miss him dearly. He did hold his head high every day, because he loved being a MARINE, and we thank everyone that served with him and their families for thier sacrafice. It is good to not feel the saddness when reading the poem, but to feel the honor and pride knowing your loved one did this to keep us all free!!! THANKS!!! Timmy's aunt jen of kcmo

Anonymous said...

The tribute is touching in so many ways, for these comments are on every americans mind. Its amaizing how many people are un-aware of the events that are happening in the world today, util it hits close to home. With all that is going on in the world today, its great that people acknowledge the troops and what they have sacrificed for us. Hopefully the next generation will be as brave as the troops today and ones we have lost. Thank you to all the soldiers that risk their lives to save ours. Please help in anyway that you can, even if there just in your prayers. Maybe then we can bring our family and friends home so they can again see the many people they protect.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your poem. It means so much when people did not even know timmy but still care so much. He was a very good kid, he deserved to live a full life, but timmy was doing what he wanted to do, there was no talking him out of it. I miss him so much, but I am so PROUD of my Marine.

Thank you again, Christine Moulton

Anonymous said...

Thank you Charles so very much for informing me of this website with the beautiful poem. It makes me happy that their are still compassionate and loving people out there:) I am so very proud of every Man and Woman that are fighting for OUR freedom. My heart cries along with the families who have lost a loved one and my prayer for them is that they find comfort in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! I love you CUZ and I will see you soon, Lance CPL Daniel Nathan Deyarmin you are my Hero!!!

Anonymous said...

I am amazed to see that this blog is more one sided. So many people talk poorly about this Admistration and how this war has nothing to do with protecting the US. Well when insurgents knock on your door I hope you say the same thing. Don't run to our U.S. Marines asking for protection. My husband died in the AAV and left behind his son he never met! Tomorrow will be our 1 year wedding anniversary and I have to spend it next to a gravesite. Never would I say a bad word about this war because then I dishonor what my husband believed in 100% and that he died to protect me and his son, and millions of people he didn't even know.
Semper Fi Sgt. David Kreuter God's speed babe and I'll see you in Heaven!

Anonymous said...

CLEVELAND - Ronnie Belliard held his head high as his eyes swelled with tears.
"I felt very sad and at the same time very proud," the Cleveland Indians' second baseman said Friday after presenting his autographed uniform to the family of Jeff Boskovitch, an area Marine killed in Iraq last month.
The 25-year-old never knew that on July 4, Belliard had signed his uniform as part of a team promotion in which all Indians players would send autographed items to troops selected at random.
Boskovitch would have been thrilled, his father said.
"Jeff was such a baseball fan," Jim Boskovitch said. "When he was little, he won a contest to be an honorary batboy for a day at old Cleveland Stadium. He met players like Cory Snyder that day and it was special to him forever."
Belliard greeted the entire Boskovitch family, Jeff's fiancee, Shelly Tevis, and an honor guard of Marines next to the Indians' dugout after batting practice.
"We play the game of baseball for people like you," he told them in a hushed tone. "I'm so sorry for your loss."
Belliard then excused himself and raced into the clubhouse, coming back with more autographed items to distribute.
"You see these people, you share their loss and it puts things into perspective," he said. "You strike out, you feel bad. Striking out 10 times in a row is nothing compared to losing somebody you love." [AP]

Anonymous said...

I just got a chance to read this poem. It was beautiful.

As I read the list of names of marines that were killed, it sadden me to see that a good friend of mine and also a classmate of mine was not listed. In away, it kind of hurt me to not see his name on that list.

Lance Cpl. Daniel Nathan Deyarmin Jr. (also known as Nate) was among the marines of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Divison that was hit in the road side bombing. Deyarmin died that day. Just 2 days aftering turning 22 years old. The last time he was able to talk to his family was the his birthday. Deyarmin was suppose to come home in just a few short weeks. He was a 2002 graduate of Talmmadge High School in Tallmadge Ohio was he was from. As the news spread of his death, a dark shadow fell over Tallmadge that day. Flags began to fly at half staff. Hundreds of people showed to calling hours to pay their respect to Nate. The day of the funeral, thousands lined the streets of Tallmadge to say good-bye one last time to an American Hero. As the procession passed, there was a brief moment of silence followed by the sound of people weeping for our hometown hero. As the procession came to an end at the Tallmadge cemetery, mourners gather one last time for it's fallen hero. As the flag drapped over his coufin was presented to his mother and his family, the 21 gun salute, and bagpipes played, friends embraced one another for comfort. At Tallmadge's first home football game, they took a moment of silence to remember Nate during half-time. Then the high school band began to play as people weeped once again. Nate played football while he was in high school. I have not yet returned to his grave only because it hurts me to see such a young life taken so soon for fighting for his country that he loved so dearly but yet what others take for granted!

In closing, to Nate: Nate, you were a son, a brother, a friend, but most of all... a wonderful young man with a lot of talent. You will never be forgotten. We Love You Nate! Thank you so much!

SEMPER FI NATE!!!

Anonymous said...

Our guys are out of that wretched place now, winging their way home to the warm embrace of their loved ones and hopefully a grateful nation. My son, Grant Fraser, and the brothers with whom he perished, returns with your sons in their stories, in the flash of a prankster smile, in the loyalty and comraderie forged of the training and combat they faced together. Soon, in Alaska, Montana, Louisianna, and Ohio families will herald the return of these patriots; hug them hugely, feed them well and wave the flag 'til your arms ache. And please, please listen -- someday they'll tell the stories of those who preceeded them home in flag drapped caskets. Remember. This is our team; they'll be home together --some in body, others in spirit. We'll be setting a place at our Thanksgiving table here in Alaska in honor of the team.
Sharon Long
Anchorage, Alaska

Anonymous said...

My name is Shannon Stiteler and I am a Master-At-Arms Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. I want to say Fare Winds and Following Seas to all who have given the altimate sacrafice in the war on terror. I am from Butler County and I have been in the Navy for 16 years now so I give all a sharp salute.

Anonymous said...

Charles,

Thank you so much for sending me the link to your poem. I was a friend of Justin Hoffman and attended his funeral. It honestly was a life changing experience for me and made me look at things in a much different, yet positive way.

It is good to know there are people like yourself that add to the creative preservation of memories by writing poems, producing videos, or anything to keep those fallen heroes in our hearts and minds.

I for one will never forget the sacfirfice Justin and so many other people have made. I encourage everyone to take just a moment each and every day to remember those that have fallen.

-Sean Flaharty
irishcoast@columbus.rr.com

Anonymous said...

May God Bless all of you fallen HEROS during this holiday season and forever.

We will always remember you, SGT. David Kreuter. Even though you walked into our lives for just a brief moment, your memory and your bravery will NEVER be forgotten!

Love,
The Michigan Crowd!

Anonymous said...

good post

Anonymous said...

I would like to note that Lance Corporal Christopher Jenkins Dyer was also killed on 3 August, 2005, when that track hit the IED. He was a SAW gunner in Justin's squad, and only 19.

Anonymous said...

With the help of pictures that Teri Price (Justin's girlfriend) sent me, and some video footage I have, I put together a video entitled In Memory of Justin Hoffman. For those wanting to view it just click the URL found below, into your browser. The video is in Windows Media format.
http://media.putfile.com/JustinHoffman31

E-mail: Sean Flaharty