Gold Star mom Debbie Lee remembers Navy son on the anniversary of his death in Iraq

I had the privilege of meeting Debbie Lee a few years ago. She was personable, friendly, and outgoing. I met her, however, knowing the weight she carried, and I thanked her for her sacrifice. Today is the anniversary of her son's death in 2006 in Iraq, and here is her remembrance.

Today is August 2nd. This day will never be the same for me. For most people it's just another sunny summer day filled with normal routines, but for me it will always be "that day." Aug 2nd, 2006 is a day that forever changed my life.

It was another sunny day in Arizona 7 years ago, but across the world in Ramadi, Iraq it was a different story. I couldn't even tell you what I did that day but that evening I was at my small group and we were celebrating my birthday which had been the week before.

Within 30 minutes life would change from cake, ice cream and receiving a gift of a Willow Tree Angel named "Courage" to using that courage to survive the most devastating moments of my life.

I arrived home to find my son Kristofer waiting on the sidewalk to inform me the Navy was there. I glanced at the two Navy Officers in their dress whites on my porch and fell into Kristofer's arms and cried "Noooooooooooo!" I knew why they were there.

We entered the house and they tried to prepare me for what they were about to tell me. They had been in my home for about 30 minutes while Kris tried to find me.

"We can tell by being in your home you are a woman of faith and you are going to need to rely on your faith for what we are about to tell you. Your son Marc Alan Lee has been killed in Action." I couldn't breathe; I felt a pain in the core of my being that no parent should ever have to feel. I began to cry my river.

It's hard to believe it has been 7 years since that young man sacrificed his life defending his teammates, and our freedoms.

I still can't comprehend how you can fight in an intense fire fight for two hours, in extreme temperatures of 120 degrees, carrying 150-180 lbs. and still have the mental focus and strength to make the decision to do the right thing and risk your life for others.  Courage like Marc displayed doesn't just happen. It is engrained in you by your creator, it is the choice to follow the Biblical morals and values taught to you, it is the opportunity to practice in other difficult circumstances that life brings you or your BUD's instructors produce. Marc displayed physical and moral courage often witnessed on the battlefield, but courage need not be displayed only in the battlefields of combat as we fight and defend America and the freedoms we have been blessed with.

Our American History is rich in examples of patriots who displayed courage in numerous circumstances, willing to give everything if need be for what they believed in, to provide liberty and a better life to those they left behind.
 
There is a huge hole that is left from his absence. I will never share the dinner table with him, or feel his arms hug me in the way only a Mother and Son can hug, or see his smirky grin, beautiful brown eyes, dark curly locks, or experience his playful antics or hear his encouraging words. I won't get that dance at his wedding, or hold his children and watch them grow, or have him hold me or care for me when I get old.

Yet, there are so many blessings in the midst of this deep loss. Marc's sacrifice and his last letter home have inspired millions of people around the world. That young man is perhaps more alive in his spirit, that is still here, than he was in life.

I had no choice in the news the was delivered to me on Aug 2nd, but I did have a choice how I responded. God made it very clear to me that night as I read Psalms 27 that He was right there with me, He was my rock and my strength. "I would have lost hope if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. What on the Lord, be of good courage and he will strengthen your heart; wait I say on the Lord." Psalms 27:15 & 16
 
I had seen God do amazing things in my life and I had confidence in Him that He would carry me through and be my strength. I chose to proceed through the grieving process and encourage and help others with the hope God gives me daily.

Accepting Marc's last challenge in his glory letter, and
by God's strength I have dedicated my life to supporting
and honoring our troops and the families they left behind.

Marc's name means Mighty Warrior and today I remember him and as I do every day honor his courage and sacrifice. He left behind his weapon, his armor and his boots and laid down his baton which I picked up and carry on. To everyone who served and sacrificed for my freedoms and yours, I say "THANK YOU."

Marc's final gift to me was his teammates and I am blessed to have so many "adopted boys" and share their families and their love. God multiplied my family exponentially and I am a blessed woman.

So as you enjoy your sunny Aug 2nd and live your normal life and watch your children and grandchildren play today give them an extra hug, count your blessings, and remember our fallen warriors who sacrificed all of their tomorrows and hope for a future so you could enjoy today.

Remembering my son, my hero, my mighty warrior!


Debbie Lee
Gold Star Mother of Marc Alan Lee
Spokesperson and Military Liason
Move America Forward

Update: 'Walking Off the War' ... AT Warrior Hike military vets to be at Devil's Backbone Brewery near Wintergreen on Sunday

Along the Appalachian Trail, there's a group of military veterans "walking off the war," battling the memories of time deployed overseas but grateful to be physically able to hike, well aware that some of their fellow warriors came back with serious injuries. Others paid the ultimate price.

If you've ever wanted to thank a veteran, Sunday is your chance. Buy the Warrior Hikers a beer and make a toast of gratitude for their service to our country. They will gather at Devil's Backbone Brewing Company in Roseland (near Wintergreen) Sunday afternoon at 5:00. (This is a change from my earlier post.)

Reporter David Kaplan with KDBJ TV-7 caught up with the thru-hikers in Craig County earlier this week, and talked with several about their journey. Check out the website and meet the hikers who have been deployed overseas -- Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Army veterans who set out from Georgia in March to follow the Appalachian Trail north.

Father's Day provides a great opportunity to come out and show appreciation for these men and women who have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia, putting their lives on the line to preserve the freedoms we enjoy here at home.

The Warrior Hikers are our American heroes. The website tells how it began:

In 1948 Earl Shaffer told a friend he was going to “walk off the war” to work out the sights, sounds, and losses of World War II. Four months later, Earl Shaffer became the first person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Recognizing the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of hiking the Appalachian Trail, Warrior Hike has partnered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to create the Walk Off The War Program. The Walk Off The War Program is designed to support combat veterans transitioning from military service by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail.

I was alerted to the Warrior Hike by a reader of my SWAC Girl blog who writes a blog covering the Appalachian Trail from Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap -- Rockfish to Reeds. She follows many of the hikers on the trail and has watched the Warrior Hikers since their March departure in Georgia.

Merlot describes her blog as, "Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap ..... that little piece of  'AT heaven' we all love so much. This is a blog for the dedicated volunteers who maintain the 19.1 miles of white-blazed AT and some blue-blazed side trails as well."

So a tip of the hat to Merlot for the hard work that goes into upkeep for the AT, and for the heads-up about the Warrior Hikers. If you can, please join them at Devil's Backbone Brewing Company.

AT Warrior Hikers coming to Waynesboro Sunday

This Sunday at 5:00 at the VFW Post 2424 in Waynesboro, meet the Appalachian Trail Warrior Hikers as they make their way north on their thru-hike.

The Warrior Hikers are our military veterans:

In 1948 Earl Shaffer told a friend he was going to “walk off the war” to work out the sights, sounds, and losses of World War II. Four months later, Earl Shaffer became the first person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Recognizing the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of hiking the Appalachian Trail, Warrior Hike has partnered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to create the Walk Off The War Program. The Walk Off The War Program is designed to support combat veterans transitioning from military service by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail.

I was alerted to the Warrior Hike by a reader of my SWAC Girl blog who writes a blog covering the Appalachian Trail from Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap -- Rockfish to Reeds. She follows many of the hikers on the trail and has watched the Warrior Hikers since their March departure in Georgia. Merlot describes her blogs as, "Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap ..... that little piece of  'AT heaven' we all love so much. This is a blog for the dedicated volunteers who maintain the 19.1 miles of white-blazed AT and some blue-blazed side trails as well."

So a tip of the hat to her for her interest in the AT, and for the heads-up about the Warrior Hikers. Sunday offers an opportunity to thank these military veterans who put their lives on hold and on the line to preserve our freedoms. I'll update with more info as I find it but it's this Sunday, June 16, at 5:00 at the VFW in Waynesboro.

It's over

All American troops will be out of Iraq by the end of the year after Iraq refused to give immunity to any American soldiers left behind. Operation Iraqi Freedom will officially be over....

'Sidewinder' ... Air Force band members rock YouTube

SIDEWINDER, Air Force military band members home from deployment in Afghanistan, are a YouTube sensation with their cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" with almost 2 million hits so far. It was an impromptu concert for their fellow troops in thanks for cargo-loading their gear but someone filmed it and posted to YouTube where it exploded onto the blogosphere:

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson and Sidewinder perform a cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." Sidewinder is part of the 571st Air Force Band, 131st Bomb Wing, Air National Guard. They are deployed as the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band.

Band members are: Capt. John Arata - officer in charge, keyboards, fiddle; Tech. Sgt. Kevin Maret - NCO in charge, percussion; Tech. Sgt. John Cavanaugh - operations/logistics, bass; Tech. Sgt. Joseph Castilleja - guitar; Staff Sgt. Tobias Callaway - saxophone; Staff Sgt. Ransom Miller - trumpet; Staff Sgt. Devin LaRue - trombone, guitar, keyboards; Staff Sgt. Brian Owens - vocals; Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson - vocals; Staff Sgt. Sean Navarro - Audio, Trombone.

Enjoy ... salute to my Air Force veteran husband and all the troops....

A look back: 2009 Christmas Wal-Mart commercial thanks the troops

Originally posted December 2009....

"Christmas Anthem -- Thank You to the Troops"

I get a lump in my throat every time I see this commercial ... the music, the snow, the little boy, the message to our troops, and the chance of miracles that happen at Christmas.

Who came up with such a touching commercial? Richmond, Virginia's, own award-winning Martin Agency. If you missed it, here is the video. Be prepared to have a lump in your throat.

The scene is American soldiers in a desert setting with tents ... light snowflakes begin to fall ... they all look up in wonder ... "It's snow!" The camera pulls out for a long shot of the desert covered with snow as the white stuff continues to fall ... and then it fades into a scene in America with a little boy about seven years old who has just visited with Santa. His mom leans down and says, "So what did you ask for?" The little boy looks up at her and says, "Something for Dad."

As it fades back into the snowy desert scene and the American soldiers, the voice-over says, "To all our troops and their families, we thank you. Because of you, we are all living better."

Thanks, Wal-Mart. And thanks to our troops and their families.

The unknown soldiers ... may we never forget

President George Bush and Laura welcome home soldiers to Texas in August.

On my sidebar is a link to The Unknown Soldiers written by Tom Sileo and now coming through Vets for Freedom. Please check it on a regular basis to read about our brave American military men and women serving on the front lines and beyond. Please also remember their families who sacrifice so much while their loved ones are away at war. May we never forget....

Former President Bush welcomes home troops ... video

George and Laura Bush greet soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport in Texas on August 11, 2010.

It was a welcome that many troops won't forget as they returned home from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. As they entered the terminal at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport terminal on August 11, not only were their loved ones waiting to greet them but also former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, both Texas natives.

The "Welcome Home" project has been a long-standing effort by those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and coordinated by a man named Bert Brady. About 40 people, among them retirees and veterans, show up daily to welcome home soldiers at the airport as they return to the U.S. from service overseas. Soldiers have asked to be rerouted so they can return home through Dallas-Fort worth.

Here is video of President and Mrs. Bush interacting and welcoming American troops back home to America on August 11, 2010.

The American Family Association wants to send thanks to President Bush for his continued patriotism and leadership, writing:

Please help us send 100,000 "Thank You!" messages to former President George Bush for his patriotism and support of our military! Let's let him know we are grateful for his continued leadership. Please continue to remember our troops and their families in your daily prayers. Watch the video and send your "Thank you!"

President Bush's strong words of encouragement, unity, and leadership led this country through the dark days after 9/11: "We're ready, we're steady, we're resolved."

May we never forget....

Thank you

On a quiet knoll in southern Augusta County, a simple memorial, a remembrance every day of the sacrifice given for our country. Semper Fi.

Photo by Lynn Mitchell
31 May 2010

Memorial Day tribute to the troops

Staunton's Stonewall Brigade returns from Iraq, 2008.

American Soldier ... a tribute to the troops by Toby Keith leading into this Memorial Day weekend.

As we work in the yard or wash the car or go camping or catch the store sales, please pause to remember our military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

In Augusta County we have lost three U.S. Marines in Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Lance Cpl. Jason Redifer, 19, USMC, KIA, January 31, 2005
Lance Cpl. Daniel Bubb, 19, USMC, KIA, October 17, 2005
Lance Cpl. Daniel Morris, 19, USMC, KIA, February 14, 2007.

May we also remember those who are currently halfway around the world in the line of fire or stationed here at home or on standby when needed or who protect the homeland ... and may we never forget our veterans.

Here's sending up a prayer of thanks that we have people who care enough about this country to keep us safe from terrorism and protect our freedoms. They are our American heroes.

Reunited with families at the Staunton Armory....

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
2008

Blackfive ... "The Blog of War"

We spent last week at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, enjoying a glorious week on Hatteras with the kids and their friends, kicking back and enjoying sea, sand, surf, and sunshine.

SWAC Husband, a Vietnam era veteran who spends his spare time reading military books, read The Blog of War by former Paratrooper and Army Officer Matthew Currier Burden aka Blackfive. When he began to tell me about how good it was, I told him Blackfive was on my blogroll which surprised him. He had nothing but praise for the book.

Blackfive ... still writing about the troops. Here's a tip of our hats to him on this Memorial Day weekend for his service to our country ... thank you and God bless.

In memory of Blackfive's friend Mat Schram ... KIA 5/26/03

Read this moving account of Major Mathew Schram's death in Iraq seven years ago today, written by his friend Blackfive.

It was the passing of Mat, whose death was never reported by the reporter whose life he saved, that propelled Blackfive to begin writing and reporting and remembering the soldiers at war. He has gone on to become one of the most respected military blogs in the blogosphere.

Perhaps one of the most touching parts of the post are his words upon hearing of his friend's death:

I was at my desk at work on Tuesday, June 3rd. The phone rang. I looked at the caller ID to see that it was a call from Ft. Leavenworth. I picked it up.

It was John, a friend of mine and Mat Schram's. We had all served together years ago and had stayed in touch. He told me to sit down. I did. He told me that Mat had been killed in Iraq.

After composing myself, we finished our conversation and I promised to see John's wife, Patti, at the funeral. John had to be at Special Operations Command and couldn't make it.

I shut the door to my office, sat back down at my desk and wept for a long time.

Here's sending up a prayer for Major Mathew Schram and his family. Gone but not forgotten....

"I'm ridiculously happy right now" ... Navy SEAL Matthew McCabe not guilty

In an interview at 6:30 Thursday evening with Brett Bair on Fox News, U.S. Navy SEAL Matthew McCabe, 24, said he was "ridiculously happy right now" minutes after he was found not guilty of charges of assaulting an alleged Iraqi terrorist, failing to protect him, and lying to investigators. Two fellow SEALs were found not guilty at earlier trials.

From Fox News:

Ever since charges were brought against the Navy SEALs last year, there has been a huge outpouring of popular support for the defendants. Rallies were held at which the men were described as heroes rather than criminals. Websites helped raise defense funds and at least 20 members of Congress called for the charges against them to be dropped. The military, however, insists it has a zero tolerance for detainee abuse and that all members of the services are duty-bound to follow the law.

Shades of Vietnam ... we need to support our military and be grateful they are willing to sacrifice for our freedoms.

This Easter, remember our troops

A friend contacted me this past week to say her son was deploying to Afghanistan. One of our SWAC area home school graduates is currently in Iraq. In thanks to them and all our American heroes, here's a heartwarming story of patriotism passed along from a friend who anonymously pays for soldiers' meals whenever she sees them dining in restaurants....

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. "I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap," I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. "Where are you headed?" I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. "Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan."

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch.

"No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base."

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. "Take a lunch to all those soldiers." She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. "My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him."

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, "Which do you like best - beef or chicken?"

"Chicken," I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. "This is your thanks."

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. "I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this." He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked. I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, "I want to shake your hand."

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, "I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot." I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. "It will take you sometime to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You."

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals."

It seemed so little....

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

Easter blessings to all our troops ... may God be with them.

Job well done, U.S. Troops ... please remember our military

U.S. Troops in Afghanistan

As we debate health care in the United States, our military men and women continue to fight in Afghanistan. Is President Barack Obama paying attention to them? Or is he merely interested in his legacy?

Please say a prayer for our troops ... and please thank them for their service when you see them on the streets.

Want to send a care package to them? Move America Forward has not forgotten our troops and has been sending care packages for years:

You can help make the daily routine of our troops serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay a little better. This Easter season, as we at home give thanks and welcome spring and the fresh rebirth that comes with it, show your troops serving overseas in a time of war that you are re-committed to another year of supporting them and their efforts!

To add a touch of Easter greetings, we have included items that will remind our troops of the holidays and make them feel right at home. Our Easter Package comes with Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, a favorite Easter treat and Gobstoppers Easter Egg jawbreakers. We also now have officially licensed NASCAR Bug Buttons that will not only repel pesky insects but also let our troops root for their favorite drivers!

And don't forget that our Easter care packages still come loaded with all the favorites that our troops appreciate from our previous other care packages, like Premium Gourmet Coffee and Genuine Oreo Cookies and thick meaty beef jerky!

They are over there for us ... we should be here for them.

Jerry on George W. Bush: "Mission Accomplished"

He kept us safe on his watch. He made the war on terrorism his number one priority because the protection of the American people was his most important concern. Amazingly, Newsweek paid attention ... and Jerry Fuhrman at From On High said it better than anyone else:

He never wavered. He never faltered. He never surrendered. Despite all the naysayers. Including a host of whiners at Newsweek.

It seems so long ago. When the word president meant so much more than it does now.

Thank you, Mr. President ... and kudos to Jerry.

Vietnam all over again? Betrayal on the Iraqi battlefield

~He saved American lives in Iraq but betrayal by "friends" put Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran in prison for life~

It is written all through history about betrayals of "friends." Christ and Judas, Caesar and Brutus, Benedict Arnold and America are some of the better known betrayals.

When at war, a soldier/Marine has to know he can beyond-a-shadow-of-a-doubt trust his fellow soldier/Marine to watch his back. When that soldier/Marine betrays, it is especially bitter.

And that is exactly what happened to John Hatley, an Iraqi veteran, who reportedly was betrayed by his soldier brothers. John Work, a retired Colorado law enforcement officer, wrote about this case:

Former U.S. Army Master Sergeant John Hatley is now serving a forty year sentence in Leavenworth prison. He was convicted by a 2009 Court Martial of murdering four Iraqi insurgent arrestees in Baghdad following a 2007 ambush and firefight, and dumping the bodies into a Baghdad canal. Two other Sergeants with the Alpha Company 1-18 1st Infantry were also convicted and sent to prison.

Shades of Vietnam ... but the story goes much deeper. Sgt. Hatley was a decorated member of the military:

John Hatley was a highly decorated combat veteran of nineteen years and six months military service. He was deployed in Bosnia, Kosovo, Panama, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Operation Desert Storm and three tours of duty in Iraq. The soldiers of Alpha Company 1-18 1st Army Infantry knew him to be the first into a hot spot and the last to come out. Mrs. Hatley says that her husband was a legend in Alpha Company and treated the soldiers under his command as though they were family.

"... treated the soldiers under his command as though they were family...."

Sgt. Hatley's wife is on a crusade to clear his name and she relays the entire, sordid mess with insight into the story that exposes a soldier getting into trouble and reportedly offering Sgt. Hatley's head on a platter to save his own hide.

War wears on soldiers and Marines in a way that we, sitting in our safe, comfortable homes, can never understand. Our priorities are the latest sports game or that golf date at the country club ... while our soldiers are a world away dealing with life-and-death situations on a daily basis. And, yet, those who are not in those situations try to second-guess their actions even under the new restrictive Rules of Engagement (ROE) such as have been put into place in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Hatley's wife told of his grief at losing one of his soldiers:

...on February 27, 2007, an insurgent sniper killed Staff Sergeant Karl Soto-Pinedo, who was like a beloved son to Hatley. Mrs. Hatley told me that her husband was grief-stricken to the point of dysfunction by Soto-Pinedo’s death. On March 17, Spc. Mario Guerrero was killed by a road-side bomb explosion. All the same, the patrols went on ceaselessly, from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. – every day. For months on end Hatley and his soldiers fought the war on three or four hours of sleep per night.

The article goes into detail about the events leading to Sgt. Hatley's arrest, trial, betrayal by fellow soldiers he had treated as family, and his conviction of life in prison that reportedly left press members weeping.

We should all be weeping ... and shouting ... at the outrage.

Biden's bizarre claim on Iraq ... Schieffer says, "Doesn't Bush deserve thanks, too?"

From BiasAlert:

Words never spoken before by a CBS News journalist: “Do you think also that George Bush would also need a little thanks for that? I mean, does he share in the credit or not?” That very unusual quest to credit former President Bush came from Bob Schieffer on Face the Nation, since even for him Vice President Joe Biden’s claim -- “Iraq, I think, is going to be one of the great achievements of this administration” -- was too much.

Biden's comment was too blatant even for CBS.

Freedom is not free ... remembering a fallen hero

In memory of
Daniel Morris, 19
United States Marine Corps
Augusta County, Virginia
Fallen hero -- Operation Iraqi Freedom
Killed in Action
February 14, 2007

"All gave some ... some gave all."

Remembering Daniel Morris.

In memory

In memory of Lance Corporal Jason Redifer, 19, USMC ... First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Alpha Company ... from Augusta County, Virginia, who was killed in action in Iraq five years ago today, January 31, 2005. Semper Fi.

"For those who have fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know."