A Marine's Prayer, Lance Corporal William D. Spencer

My pal Kyle brought the following press release to my attention to those in the Cincinnati, Tri State area. If you are able to show support for the family and pay final respect to a fallen Marine.... please read on....

IMMEDIATE IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELEASE

Subject schedule and events of Lance Cpl. William D. Spencer USMC causality of war from Iraq.

Lance Cpl. Spencer will arrive at Lunken Airfield Cincinnati Ohio Friday January 5, 2007 aboard military aircraft. US. Marines will be escorting him homeward in a parade at: 0900 – 1200 specific times will follow within a short time.

Military Parade Homeward route will be as follows:

Lunken Airport
Route 50 thru (Fairfax, Mariemont, Terrace Park, Milford) to Five Points in Milford. Left North onto State Route 28 onto OLD State Route 28 thru Miami Township Turning Left onto Branch Hill Guinea Pike thru the township to Right onto Loveland Madeira Rd. into Loveland onto W. Loveland Ave turning left onto Riverside Dr. at the Loveland Veteran’s Memorial Park into Tufts Schildmeyer Family Funeral Home where Lance Cpl. Spencer will lay in state for a public visitation Friday January 5, 2007 (2:00pm – 9:00pm)

Public Military Honor Funeral Services will be held at Milford High School Auditorium Theater on Eagle’s Way off of State Route 131 in Milford will be held Saturday January 6, 2007 at 11:00am.

Procession/ Parade to Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mt. Healthy, Ohio will follow the services at the school where the procession route will be State Route 131 to Milford Pkwy to Interstate 275 to Interstate 71 south to Ronald Reagan Hwy west to Hamilton Ave to Compton Rd. into the gate of Arlington. Full military burial services will be performed at Arlington Memorial Garden for Lance Cpl. Spencer where he will be laid to rest.

Unfortunately, I will only be on the route in spirit because of another commitment. Please keep the family of this Marine in your prayers.

A Marine's Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

Related: Journal News -"He didn't go alone."

Noel Melton, one of Spencer's best friends from elementary school, and one of
the six from Paris, Tenn., who enlisted in the Marines and volunteered to serve
in Iraq, held Spencer's hand as he died.

A Marine's Prayer, Corporal Tyler Warndorf

A change in music seemed appropriate -- A Sort of Homecoming by U2

On August 29th, my hometown lost her first Marine to our nation's war on terror. He was only 21. He had turned 21 just a month ago. He was born a couple of months after Michael and I started dating. To provide more perspective, Tyler was born two days after the first Live Aid Concert; the Achille Lauro was hijacked by terrorists- Leon Klinghoffer is murdered; Mexico City was hit by a huge earthquake killing thousands upon thousands... weeks after the earthquake, rescuers were pulling babies out alive from the rubble of a hospital... remember?

Tyler never had the chance to have a legal beer. Tyler never had the chance to grow old.

Last night was the visitation.
I went with my partner in crime, Kyle, a Marine Vietnam Veteran as I usually do. He and I are cut from the same cloth on this. Attending visitations and funerals, although at times are uncomfortable and even inconvenient, it is the least we can do to pay respect to the family of a fallen hero. So when one of us is not up to it or searching for excuses not to go, we nudge each other a little.

We stood in line to walk by the American flag draped coffin guarded by a Marine in dress blues and meet and offer our condolences to the family. Tyler came from a large family. His mother was one of 12 siblings- we learned this from the first aunt in the receiving line... Receiving lines at funerals should have a different name. Receiving lines are for weddings...joyful occasions... Tyler's aunt could not have been much older than her nephew. As I recall there were about 3 or 4 aunts and a few uncles- all looked exhausted- emotionally drained, but smiled and thanked everyone for coming - Strong Kentucky stock.

I feel like an idiot.
There are times when I should just not speak. I don't know what I said to the family... except a brief explanation of "you don't know me, but I'm here to pay respect" and "I'm so sorry" and "thank you". What a stupid thing to say-- thank you... thank you for what? I sounded like one of the characters in The Godfather paying tribute.... My choice of words... pure and simple... were awful-- What?? Thank you for sacrificing your nephew, your cousin, your brother, you son!! Again...Sometimes I should just keep my mouth shut... When I came to Tyler's mom... she and I had to be about the same age... Looking into her eyes- I will never know the pain she feels. I can never understand the loss of a child. It's not supposed to be that way, anyway, right? The parent is always supposed to go before the child, right? I wish I would have prayed for the right words- are there any right words for a grieving mother? I suppose not- but I wish I had chosen words that would have expressed my profound appreciation for her son's sacrifice and her courage to endure this pain. To be able to say to Tyler's brother and sister... I can't begin to understand the pain you feel, but know that there are folks everywhere that are praying for you and your family. I was facing Tina, Tyler's Mom when guard's changed. Everything stopped. Looking into her eyes I watched her watch the Marines, a slight nod and thank you- and a twinkle in her eye surrounded by meloncholy. I couldn't look in her eyes anymore, I had to look away - I'm not strong enough. She said Tyler died doing what he loved.

Tyler Warndorf was only 21, but he was a Marine and he knew the dangers. He stood with his brothers on the battlefield. He was only 16 years old when we were attacked by hatemongers on September 11, 2001. I can only imagine that had a profound effect on the young man. His life choice to become a Marine during wartime is staggering- a man of courage, a man of honor.

My appreciation for this young man's service is humble as his sacrifice is immeasurable. God Speed Tyler Warndorf.


6/20/06 CBS News - photo of Tyler broadcast on all international papers
6/27/06 Enquirer - family response to the photos
8/29/06 Honor the Fallen - Military City
8/31/06 WKRC - local coverage
8/31/06 Enquirer - local coverage
9/4/06 WCPO - a sad homecoming, more photos
Boone County - our Judge Executive ordered all county flags at half staff. So, I took a few photos...

click on each photo for a larger image











A Marine's Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

Post Script: LCpl. Justin D. Sims

"[...]But those present soon realized that this service was different. For on this day the quiet streets of Taylor Mill are suddenly filled with the awesome sound of “thunder.” A sound which overwhelms all else. The sound is coming from a group of over a hundred motorcycles from the group Patriot Guard Riders Most of these motorcycles is proudly displaying an American Flag . The license plates on these motorcycles reveal they are from 5 different states and almost all counties in Kentucky. Each of these motorcycles is ridden by a man or woman with a combined look of respect, reflection, pride, honor and loss on their faces, mixed with the tears flowing from many of their eyes. Each of them is wearing a tag over their heart which states “Proudly riding in honor of LCPL. Justin D. Sims.” [...]

Sim’s mother, at the height of her grief, taking the time to walk up the hill of flag bearers, hugging and personally thanking each one. I could still feel the her hot tears on my cheek. [...]"
For the complete mission report, go to Patriot Guard Riders.

Related:

Go here for a moving slide show.
Hundreds Honor Marine

Photos By Ernest Coleman/the Enquirer

A Marine's Prayer, Lance Corporal Justin Sims

Partly Cloudy - Hi 95 Lo 73 for Baghdad, Iraq
Partly Cloudy - Hi 70 Lo 51 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Fragile, Sting

Ramble:

Michael, The Dark Celt replied via email to last Sunday's post with the following comment on snakes and I wanted to share...

"[...] Anyway, regarding your comment on why soldiers pose with dead snakes... I never really thought of it but, you know what, I'll be damned if you aren't right... it has and does happen frequently. I wonder why? Maybe it's in a soldier's or American's subconscious. Maybe, in an indirect way, American soldiers are merely echoing what their forefather's did during the American Revolution with the whole, "Don't Tread on Me" thing. [...]

To be sure, the snake or serpent has always represented evil. Maybe soldiers like to have photos taken with dead snakes because it's symbolic of defeating the enemy. Consider, for a moment, St. Michael - the Archangel... almost every image or painting you see of St. Michael, he's stomping the almighty hell out of a snake. The snake, of course, is Satan. St. Michael, by the way, is the patron saint of U.S. Army paratroopers. And what about St. George and the dragon? St. George is the patron saint of the U.S. Army infantry. Now, as far as I know, there ain't any dragons around.... but there is an abundant supply of snakes. A grunt in the field, holding aloft a dead serpent... couldn't that soldier subconsciously be emulating images he's seen of St. George? Saint George with a newly slain dragon 'neath his feet?"

I like that Michael... it makes sense to me... although when I said something to Kyle and apparently he never posed with a dead snake when he was active military... so that blows my theory...

Anyway.....

So, Friday evening after a long painful day at work, my buddy, my pal, Kyle and I attended the visitation of fallen Marine, Lance Corporal Justin Sims.

Did either of us know him? No. Why go? This young man gave the ultimate sacrifice. The least I can do is show up and pay my respects.
Funerals at best is a sad occasion - a time when folks can reminisce about the good times... at worst it is a time when you see loved ones fall to pieces with heartache so great, you believe they might never recover.
Attending a visitation or funeral for a young soul is particularly painful and heartbreaking.

Look at Justin's face. Justin was only 22 years old. Justin was only 26 months old when President Reagan gave his speech about the Space Shuttle Challenger. "We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye and slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God."

Look more closely. The photo they gave us at the funeral home, shows that Justin had piercing blue eyes... A handsome, gregarious man. He signed up for The Corps, knowing full well, where he could end- yet that was never even a consideration.

Look yet even closer. According to his mother, Alma - being a part of the Marine Corps was a life long dream.

Look beyond the dress blues... this is a man, who loved his life... loved his family, loved his wife, loved his friends. He knew what he was doing. He knew that being in Iraq and fighting terrorism there is a far better thing.

When we arrived, young men and women were in dress blues. The funeral home was packed. In speaking with one woman, she stated that the line had gone out the door. We walked into the parlor where Justin's coffin was covered by the American flag. On either side of him on guard were 2 Marines in dress blues. I said a prayer. We moved from room to room, several folks had done memory boards with pictures from happier days. One was done by his widowed wife. We have widows now.... she is only 22... In the adjoining room, members of the MCJROTC were standing at attention. There were pictures of a younger Justin from high school when he was a member of the MCJROTC.

Flowers were everywhere and were sent by everyone... the cards were just snapshots of the love people had for this young man. In lieu of flowers, someone sent a platter of chicken wings from Applebees with a tall neck beer... better days... good times...

Kyle and I made our way about. Kyle was calling out and embracing every man that had on the uniform and calling out "Semper Fi" to them. Kyle spoke to a young man and asked if he could point us in the right direction of the parents. The young man rounded up the father first. Kyle embraced him and said something in his ear. I don't know what he said, but tears welled up in my eyes. It was then my turn... I don't remember what I said, except that I was sorry for his loss- that I'm sorry that he had to endure this pain. (what a dumb thing to say...) The young man then took us to meet the grandmother. Kyle instantly hugged her and said something in her ear. Grandma wasn't crying. She was one tiny petite tough as nails cookie. She was watching everyone. She then reached out and embraced me.... she hugged me! She thanked me for coming. At that point I remember asking for the words from Him and He gave them to me. I told her that I was so sorry that she lost her grandson. I thanked her for the sacrifice she and her family has made. I thanked her for the courage and bravery of her grandson. The young man, who I can only assume was a family member waited quietly and when we finished speaking with Grandma, led us to Alma, Justin's mother. The young man introduced us and Kyle without hesitation hugged her and they embraced for a very long time. She started to weep. Kyle and she were both speaking to each other. As I watched them embrace, I remember feeling my own tears going down my cheek. I didn't try to stop crying. I just let them fall. It was then my turn. I asked Him for the words again. I hugged her, she thanked me for coming. I thanked her for her sacrifice, I thanked her for her son and his ultimate sacrifice. I told her that I was so sorry that she had to feel this much pain and sorrow. The whispered conversation ear to ear seemed to go on and on. She hugged me and I hugged her the way I hug those I loved dearly. You know what I mean? Tight and unguarded... We then all talked about many little things- the funeral details... things to keep the conversation going- small talk... thank goodness Kyle was there... I suck at small talk... She then started to weep again. She had one of Justin's dog tags on a chain around her neck and she started touching it. She then started laughing and said, that if Justin were there, he'd kick her a$$ for being all weepy. She told us he loved the kids in Iraq, she told us that he wrote her about all the good work they were doing in Iraq and that it is right thing to do. Justin's mom is one tough woman. She wanted to make sure we understood that. Alma wanted everyone to know that her son loved his country, loved his family, loved The Corps and he was proud to be part of an elite group fighting the bad guys....

Thank you, Alma.

Articles and Links about Justin:

Patriot Guard
Yahoo
Courier Press
Cincinnati Enquirer
AP weblog

Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

I only have one link this week, because I haven't had much computer time this week. but go check out Diane and read this one by her... a portion of a speech given by Teddy Roosevelt... pretty poignant stuff...

Update:

Capt B. continues to write.

Jedi Master Rob shares his experiences on Earth Day.

A Marine's Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

So, this week, when I get whiney about how much I detest my job... I'll remember Alma and the week she is having....

Have a great week everyone!

Remember to leave a light on...

Sunny - Hi 90 Lo 63 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 57 Lo 49 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Didn't pick one-- Leaving Natalie Merchant, Wonder.

Ramble:

We lost another local Marine...Lance Cpl. Bryan Taylor. He was a 2004 graduate of Milford High School. Just down the road from where I grew up. Go here for the article. I can't tell you how much this saddens me- another young man, his entire life ahead of him. Bryan had a calling, he knew what direction he wanted to take his life. He didn't take the easy road... No, instead Bryan enlisted and became a Marine. He knew what he faced- he did not enlist in a time of peace. He was one of the most noble of men... our bravest... our finest... He at the age of 20 had better sense of purpose than I do at 41. To take on that kind of challenge - pause and wrap your arms around that thought for a moment... set aside his youthful bravado... Bryan enlisted knowing what he faced... Bryan felt he could be part of change, of setting the path to liberty and freedom for souls that had been living under tyranny... In so doing, he gave the ultimate sacrifice of which none of us can repay.

The least we can do is to support our fighting men and women that are still over there. Don't forget them - support them... and be active in your support. There are countless organizations available, many are listed on my sidebar. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers... Pray for their families... In speaking with Sgt. O'Rourke, the news our soldiers and marines are getting about their efforts is there is little to no support back home. We can not lose the American people on this- if the hearts and minds of the American people are lost... then there is no hope. I don't believe that... it can't be... it simply can not be...

2004 April 9 - Just as Lance Cpl Bryan Taylor was probably in his final days as a high school senior and preparing for graduation, another young man- PFC Matt Maupin was captured. He was 20 at the time. Matt graduated from Glen Este High School in 2001. Glen Este is yet another school just down the road from where I grew up. My Uncle Steve, a retired Marine, graduated from Glen Este. We don't know where Matt is. We pray Matt is alive. We pray for Matt's family and ask God to comfort them. Today, as I go about my day, there is a handsome young man somewhere in Iraq, all alone and no doubt afraid. I will keep a candle lit and I will remember him and pray for his safe return and I ask you to do the same. We must keep hope alive. That IS our duty.

related: Matt Maupin listed at Wikipedia

And lastly to The Dark Celt: Welcome home SGT. Michael O'Rourke, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. It was an honor to speak with you the other morning. Thank you for your service, thank you for the sacrifices you and your family have made. As a defender of our nation, you saw things that can not be imagined. You did things that put your life in jeopardy. There are no words in the English vocabulary that can show you enough appreciation for what you and your men did for us and for what you did for the people of Iraq. Now it's time for you to get back to the task at hand and get back to your life, but with the satisfaction of knowing you were part of something bigger than all of us- that you were part of bringing liberty and freedom to the people of Iraq. My wish was to meet you face to face, but getting to speak with you on the phone will have to suffice for now. Now, go have a cigar and a Guinness.

Remember these men... Keep them in your prayers and remember to leave a light on for them.... They are doing thankless work. They keep us safe.

Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

Yellow Ribbon Support Center

Friends Working to Free Scott Speicher

Any Soldier

Operation Dear Abby

A Million Thanks

Semper Fi Fund

Ohio Weeps

I originally posted this Wednesday, but since then, there were three more Marines from the Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio area that were added to this horrid list.

Thank you brave Marine for your selfless sacrifice for the freedom of others. I am deeply grateful and profoundly humbled by your courageous service to our great country. May God bless your family and bring them peace and comfort.

Lance Corporal Timothy Michael Bell Jr., 22, West Chester

Lance Corporal Michael Cifuentes, 24, Fairfield

Lance Corporal William Brett Wightman, 23, Sabina

Lance Corporal Christopher J. Dyer, 19, Evendale

Corporal David Kreuter, 26, Miami Township



For more.... read this...

An excerpt: "A Marine officer, said the attack occurred as troops were traveling in an armored amphibious vehicle to assault insurgent positions around a village near the Haditha dam, a longtime way station for foreign fighters infiltrating Iraq from Syria."

And to the woman in the article that "angrily tore up her coffee cup".... Put a sock in it!! These men had a greater calling, something I sincerely doubt you would understand.

If we don't take care of the terrorists... who will? You??? God help us. Go eat another donut.