5.8.10 Dustin,
Hey there buddy....I can not believe that it has been 5 years since you left us! It does not seem like it has been that long ago!! Sorry I couldn't make it to your cookout last night, we had to go to the hospital for them to stop my labor because the baby was trying to come! They put me on some medicine I have to take everyday to stop my labor for at least two more weeks....I soooo wish I could have been there to see everyone! I still think about you all the time, and know that you are doing great things in Heaven...We all miss you very much!!! I will stop by and see you in a little bit today, I don't get over to the cemetery too much these day, but just know I haven't forgotten about you or our good times together! Keep smiling down on us from time to time, and keep doing great things up there! I misss ya buddy!!
Love ya,
Jenn
1.23.10 Still miss you and thinking of you brother.
{K}evin
12.23.09 Hey Derg,
Merry Christmas Buddy!!! Sorry I havent been on here in such a long time, I've been sooooo busy with school and the kids! I came to visit you on Labor Day, it had been forever since I had been out to your grave site! I hope you are doing well in Heaven and keeping everyone laughing! I miss you buddy!
Well, I just wanted to stop by really quick and say hello and let you know I was thinking about you! Keep doing great things up there! Love ya bud!
Jenn
12.23.09 Dear Dustin ~
It's hard to believe we are celebrating another Christmas and New Year without you. We think about you every day and we love and miss you very much. Please continue to watch over us and always know that you are close in our hearts.
Merry Christmas Dustin!
All of our love always ~
Uncle Chris, Aunt Kathy, Sarah & Andrew
11.11.09 Hey there buddy,
I just wanted to wish you a Happy Veterans Day. Hope all is still going well for you in Heaven. Keep looking down on us from time to time, and keep our men and women who are still fighting safe. I miss you very much and still think of you all the time! Thanks for all the great memories buddy! Love ya
Jenn Lackey
6.24.09 Still thinking of you buddy..........Chris
5.25.09 Hey Dustin,
Just wanted to say that you're still in our thoughts
everyday. I still have the picture that Marla drew of
you and the Matador guys on my wall at the fire house.
You're my hero.
See you soon and say "hi" to Nick and the
others for me,
{K}evin
BJFD / NTFD
5.7.09 Dear Dustin ~
It's hard to believe that it's already been four years
since you've been gone. We just want to let you know
that we haven't forgotten and we still think of you
every day. We love you and miss you!
All of our love always ~
Uncle Chris, Aunt Kathy, Sarah and Andre
5.7.09 Dustin: On this solemn day as on all days,
you are not forgotten...nor is your sacrifice. As we
do every 8 MAY, the Post will go silent for a moment
and then all hands present will raise their glass in
your honor and memory...we know that you will be with
us in spirit.
American Legion Post 283 & your brothers from MIKE
CO 3rd Battalion 5th MARINES (Vietnam)
2.20.09 Dustin,
It's been an extremely long while since I've written
on here, but know I did not forget. I've been up late
tonight writing a paper about my support for the war
in Iraq, and began thinking about you. I think sometimes
people wonder how a person could lose someone in the
war and still be in support of it. I feel because it
has touched me personally, I have even more reason to
feel passionate about it. No one could ever replace
the lives lost in the war, and that is the worst part
of it all. What people on the outside do not understand
is that the business there is not finished and cannot
be left unfinished, for the sake of those that sacrificed
we have to continue to work and to protect our nation.
The country owes it to you and all your fellow marines
in Heaven to complete what we started in your honor.
I'm including your story in my paper so that others
can read of the impact you made on our freedom, because
it has had a strong impact on me. You are truly a hero
and are incredibly missed. You'll forever be in my heart.
Love,
Peanut
11.4.08 Still miss you Dustin...we will never forget...see
you soon...
{K}
5.11.08
It's Mother's Day. How can one day be filled
with such joy and such sadness all at the same time?
We still think of you constantly and hold you in our
thoughts and prayers. Saw your dad this morning on the
news. God bless him. He's still my hero. Michael got
married two weeks ago. And there at the reception, there
was a place for you--a place for all the fallen. I know
several of the guests stopped to spend a moment there
and I'm sure many were thinking of you and Lima Company.
We plan to go the the State House on Memorial Day weekend
to see the new tribute to Lima. You and Nick will be
side by side, just like I'm sure you are now.
Still miss you. Sweet rest, sweet Marine.
Linda Newman
5.8.08 Dustin ~
Just wanted to let you know that we're thinking of you
and remembering you today (as we do every day). We miss
you.
Love ~
Uncle Chris, Aunt Kathy, Sarah and Andrew
9.11.07 Hey there buddy! It's been a while since I've
been on here so I thought I would drop by and say hello.
Justin and I are having a baby in January. We find out
this month what we are having. Pretty exciting stuff!
I am getting so big though...haha. Keep looking down
on us from time to time. Take care buddy!
love,
Jenn
5.29.07 Dustin,
Another memorial day has passed, a day for everyone
to remember more what you and countless others have
selflessly sacrificed for our beloved God, Country and,
Corps!!!
As you guard the gates of heaven, may we all paas and
greet each other once again!!!
Semper Fi Bro!!!
Paul E. Conningham
Veteran - United States Marine Corps
Manager - Columbus Processing
5.17.07 Wow! I can't believe it has been 2 years since
we said our last goodbyes before you were laid to rest.
Not a day goes by that we don't think about you. I have
a daily reminder on my foot of you. And Nick takes his
shell casing with him to work everyday. You are a part
of us and will always be. You should see the plants
that I have from your funeral. They are big and keep
getting bigger. I just hope that I can take them to
my new job. I hope that you aren't causing too much
trouble up there. I know you come around to visit every
now and then. Take care. See you on the other side.
Love you lots! Sara
5.8.07 Two years...wow that seems like such a long
time. I can not believe it has been that long already.
I have been thinking about you a lot lately, wondering
how things are for you up in Heaven. We are going over
to your mom's tonight, kind of helps with everything.
Just know that we all still miss you and think about
you all the time. Can't wait to see you again someday!
Keep smiling down on us from time to time. Love you
buddy!
Jenn
5.8.07 Hey Dustin. Just wanted to stop by to remind
you we haven't forgotten. Never will. We still think
about you every day. I cried this morning for your mom.
For your dad. For all your family and friends. How sad
they must be, but how proud they must be too to have
had you in their lives. Your dad is still fighting the
good fight. I swear, when I grow up, I wanta be just
like him. I know when you look down on him, you've got
to smile.
They've put your cross up at the Memorial. We're going
up to see it soon. I'm going to take one of the flags
we waved the day Lima came home. You should have been
there, Dustin.
You might have worn a Marine's uniform, but you're a
Submariner now too. You're part of the scrapbook I made
for Michael to give to him when he earned his Dolphins.
One of the pics in there is from when you both were
boys, back when the biggest thing either of you had
to worry about was whether Pickerington was going to
win Friday night or who you were going to take to the
next dance. God, I miss those days. He's prowling the
Pacific as I write this. I know you're with him--watching
over him. Just like you are all of our men and women
in uniform. I thank you.
You rest now, sweet Marine.
3..22.07 Hey man...
It's been a while, but I've been thinking about you
a lot. I resigned from Basil about 4 months ago. Too
much going on now...but I miss those guys, and I miss
you too. I still have Marla's picture of you and the
other guys on my wall at work....give you a glance,
a smile, and a "Thank You" every day....I
hope it means something to you...because you mean so
much to me. I'll never forget you...tell Nick I can't
wait to meet him.
See you soon bro,
Kevin
BJFD / NTFD
2.11.07
Hey buddy,
Just wanted to drop by and say hey. I haven't been on
here in forever. I wanted to tell you, tonight on tv,
extreme home makeover honored a Marine who lives in
Ohio. He was in New York when the towers fell, and saved
these two police officers lives. Lima Company was there
to help build him a new house and stuff. His name is
Jason Thomas, and he lives in Whitehall. Anyway, a bunch
of the guys from the unit were there and welcomed him
home. First Sgt. Helberg honored him when he arrived.
Watching it made me think of you and I realized I havent
been out to see you in a while. I went to Atlanta two
weeks ago and hung out with Doc. Griffin. I got him
a copy of the documentary cause he didnt get to see
it when it was on tv. We talked about you a lot while
I was there. I went down to Cincinnati last weekend
and hung out with Schnider, Fox, Griff and a bunch of
those guys. We got way too drunk,lol. Well I just want
to let you know I was thinking about you and I hope
things are going well for you and the others up there.
Keep smiling down every once and a while! Take care
bud...Love ya!
Jenn
12.27.06 Dustin,
I can't believe Christmas has come and gone and you
aren't here. Waiting for that phone call to Nick asking
if you are going to get each other the same thing that
you got each other the year before. Nothing. New Year's
is coming up. Being waiting for that phone call saying
come bail me out, you got busted at some party. I miss
you a lot. I was sitting around thinking that you won't
be here when we have children. They won't get to know
what a wonderful man you were. You would have taught
them things that shouldn't have learned. Also thinking
that it is not fair that you didn't get to have any
children. What a great dad you would have been. It is
just crazy that you aren't here. I think about you all
the time. I hope that you are staying out of trouble
up there.
Love, Sara Jane
10.9.06 HEY MAN,
THE POKER RUN WENT PRETTY WELL. ALL KINDA OF PEOPLE
SHOWED UP. I EVEN GOT TO SEE YOUR DAD AND MARLA WHICH
WAS NICE. ANYWAYS IT SEEMS WE RAISED SOME MONEY FOR
A GOOD CAUSE. HOPEFULLY EACH YEAR WE'LL GET BIGGER AND
BETTER. THE BAND PLAYED AND BRANDON AND I GOT TO GO
UP AND EMBARASS OURSELFS TOO....ANYWAYS GOT TO GO...AT
WORK HAVE A RUN...........CHRIS
10.4.06 Dustin,
I never knew you but I work at the same company as your
Dad. After reading some of the posts, you have some
wonderful loving friends out there. I will be riding
along side of some members of our Diebold Employees
Motorcycle Club to honor you in the Scholarship Fund
poker run on Oct. 7th. Thank you for protecting our
country and some day, if God willing, I will shake your
hand in Heaven.
Denis 9.8.06 Hey buddy,
I stopped by to see you today...couldn't stay too long
cause I had to be at work. Hope everything is going
ok up there. I just wanted to stop by and say hey and
let ya know I was thinking about you. Keep looking down
on all of us....love ya buddy..
Jenn
8.19.06 Hey buddy,
Happy Birthday!!!!! We all got together last night and
celebrated...it was a good time...drank way too many
miller lights for you....you would have been proud to
see my drunk ass.....take care buddy, keep looking down
on us from time to time....miss you tons...love ya derg...
Love, Jenn
8.18.06 Hey Dustin! It has been forever since I have
written to you. We went out to lunch with your mom this
past weekend. It was nice seeing her. So, I just stopped
by to say hello and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I miss you so much!
I know one of these days I'll get to see you again.
But until then watch over Grandpa and everyone else!
Lots of Love, Sara Jane
8.10.06 Hey man...
I finally put up the picture Marla drew in my dorm room
at the fire house. All the guys love it. Now you and
the others will always be with us at Station 83, as
well as in our hearts. You're a true hero.
Miss you and still thinkin' about you,
Kevin
8.8.06
Dustin,
Even if you were a sack of rotten potatoes I would not
throw you away.....you mean that much to us...and let
me tell you...thats alot!!!! The world would be such
a better place if there were more moldy loafs of bread
and rotten sacks of potatoes just like you!!!!!! Take
care buddy.....Love ya...
Jenn
8.3.06 Dustin, I just wanted to tell you that I am
still in love with you and I'll never replace you like
a loaf of moldy bread. You are my hero like a knight
in shining armor. - Brandon
7.20.06 Dear Dustin,
You were a great Marine and I love you so much it makes
me sad you are not here.
love zach
7.18.06 Hey Derg....
Just wanted to drop by and say hello...it's been a while
since I've been on here...Brandon, mom, Kristin, Doc
Wentworth, Camp, Maria, Zach and I all had dinner together
tonight....We went to O'Charley
's were your sis and I ate pretty much everything on
the menu...lol...Camp and Maria got married in Vegas...they
look so happy....We all miss you so much and wish that
you were here with us...not a day goes by that I don't
think about you...I hope heaven is treating you well....I'm
sure you are keeping everyone up there laughing....you
were good at that.....Just know that all of us that
really loved you are thinking about you and you're still
close to our hearts....Those of us that loved you will
never forget about you or move on from what you thought
us about ourselves....Keep looking down on us and I'll
talk to you soon....See you on the flip side brother.....I
love you !!!!!
Jen
7.14.06 Hello Dustin,
Although I don't know you personally, I hear so much
about you from my surroundings. I feel like I have a
connection to your spirit. It is just great to know
that you were such a dedicated person and that you have
friends and family that truley keep your memory alive.
I just wanted to Thank You for fighting for our country
and supporting what you believe in. I will keep you
in my mind and your closest friends, family and fellow
Marine's in my thoughts and prayers..... Ginny
7.14.06 Hey Derga, still thinking of you and the others
everyday...as I always will be. We Love You!
Teri Brill
6.30.06 We still carry you in our hearts, Dustin. Tomorrow,
Ohio will honor you along with your brothers. We plan
to attend and will take prayers for your family with
us. You would be so proud of your family. Your father
is my constant inspiration. God bless him and all who
loved, and still love you. I wonder if you know how
much you are missed.... Linda
6.29.06 Hey Dustin, It has been a while. I still miss
you so much and think about you all the time. Some people
think that since I have gotten engaged, that I have
moved on and I do not care about what happened last
year. Well their wrong but they can feel how they want.
That is what you faught for right! Just because you
are gone does not mean I stopped loving you. You can
just stop loving someone like that... it is not that
easy! There are times that I think about what happened
and I just start to cry. I miss you so much. I miss
our long talks on the phone or just watching movies.
We did so many fun things together... I feel like I
lost my best friend. Well Just wanted to say hello and
I miss you.... I will love you forever Dustin..... love,
Kristin
5.31.06 Hey bud, I finally decided to get on here and
write you something, sorry it took me so long. I can't
believe it's already been over a year since you left
us, it still doesn't seem real sometimes. There hasn't
been a day that's gone by that I haven't thought of
you and that hella funny sense of humor you had, I miss
that. I talked to your mom yesterday, she is the most
amazing woman I have ever met. We are going to have
dinner together on Thursday, we try and get together
once a week to chat and just hang out. We had a big
cook out at your house on the 8th, so many people were
there. That day was so hard on everyone, but all of
us being together made it a little easier to get thru.
We all did a shot for you, even your mom. You would
have been proud, lol. Well, I just wanted to say hi,
and tell you that I miss you more than words can say.
Thank you for everything you did in life, you are a
true american hero and I will never forget you. I am
honored to have known you, keep looking down on us.
I love you, and you will forever remain in my heart.
RIP Derg.... Jennifer Lackey
5.29.06 Hey Derga, just thinking of you and all the
others... I watched the documentary again today and
the pictures and videos of you make me smile and I try
to remember you're in a better place than we are. We'll
see you again when all of us are together in heaven...be
with your family and Kristin til then and give them
a smile to get through each day.
Love always, Teri Brill
5.29.06 Hey baby... my father and the honor guard went
to your burial site and did a 21 gun salute. Im sure
it was really nice. I couldnt make myself go this morning.
Last memorial day was hard enough, this one would of
been just as bad. I will make it out there sometime
soon to see you. I miss you so much and there is not
a day that goes by that I do not think about u. It is
amazing how people have no idea what you accomplished
over there and what was lost. You are a hero and today
is your day! I am so proud of everything you did over
there and everything your unit accomplished. I will
forever miss you and love you,....
Kristin
5.27.06 God it was so good to see you again on the
A&E special. I cried alot, but it was really nice
seeing your face. You mom, dad, and stepmom did a good
job. So did Trevor. Can't wait to see you on the flip
side. Love, Sara
5.23.06 Wow.. I just went with your dad, Marla, my
dad and Ash to see the A&E 'Combat Diary.' It was
amazing to see what all you did over there. Trevor did
a great job speaking, you would of been really proud
of him. He was very professional and honest... I think
my favorite comment was the last thing he said! He is
such a good friend, you can tell how much he cared a
lot about you and Erdy. It was so real seeing the vidoes
of you... u looked so sexy!! Just like u said in your
letter!! Well I miss you so much... it is hard to see
you in pictures and believe u will never be back home...
Well CPL Derga, I miss you and love you so much!!! Your
my hero! Love always, Kristin
5.9.06 Dustin, I know it has been a while since I
have wrote you. Things have been kind of crazy for the
last couple of months and I have to admit I have been
preety wrapped up in myself right now with work, (please
forgive me). The last couple of days has been rough
knowing that it has already been a year. Everything
is being relived it seems. It is so hard you not being
around. Your mom and sister have been holding strong
but, still have their moments. They are such strong
people. I will always keep my promise to you and watch
after them. I just need you to look down on us from
time to time. You are my hero and will never be forgotten.
Say hello to the big man for me !!!!!!!!!
Love You
Brandon
5.8.06 DUSTIN,
IT'S BEEN A YEAR TO THE DAY SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE.
I'LL NEVER FORGET THE DAY I HEARD. I WAS AT WORK THAT
EVENING. I FELT AS IF MY HEART HAD BEEN RIPPED FROM
MY CHEST. IT'S HARD YOU NOT BEING HERE IN ALL. I HAVE
SO MANY QUESTIONS I'D ASK YOU RIGHT NOW. SO MANY THINGS
I'D LIKE TO HAVE YOUR INPUT ON. IT SEEMS OVER THE PAST
YEAR THERE'S BEEN GOOD TIMES AND BAD. IT'S UNBELIEVABLE,
IT SEEMS AS IF EVERY COUPLE MONTHS A NEW ARITIST COMES
OUT WITH A SONG THAT RELATES TO YOUR TRAGIC DEATH. I
DO FEEL VERY FORTUNATE THOUGH. I'M LUCKY TO STILL BE
HERE WITH THE VERY FRIENDS AND FAMILY YOU LEFT BEHIND.
YOU KNOW HOW GREAT THEY ALL ARE. IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETIMES
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT KEEP ME GOING. ANYWAYS, I
MISS YOU MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE. IM SORRY
I COULDN'T BE WITH EVERYBODY TONIGHT. ACTUALLY IT'S
KINDA YOUR FAULT. AFTER ALL YOU GOT ME INTO THIS LINE
OF WORK :-). BUT IN ALL SERIOUSNESS I LOVE YOU AND YOUR
FAMILY LIKE THEY ARE MY OWN.....SAY HI TO ERDY FOR ME
.............YOUR BEST FRIEND CHRIS
5.8.06 Derga ~ not a day goes by that I don't think
of you. Today, I remember all that you've done for us
and I thank you. Be with Kristin and your family - they
need to feel you with them and may you and God let them
be at peace. Semper Fi!
Much Love, Teri Brill
5.7.06 Hey baby... in about a half hour it will be
a year that you have been gone... It seems so unreal.
It is hard to imagine when I look at pictures that you
will never be back..... I miss you so much.... u were
such a great friend and lover.... i will always miss
you and love you... Please do not forget that.... love
you always and forever.....
Kristin
5.7.06 Hey Dustin,
We miss you. The sadness doesn't really go away. We'll
all be with your Mom and Kristen on the 8th. I know
it will be a tough day for them and everyone else. I
wonder if it will hail tomorrow. I'll never forget that
day. Love, Deb
5.3.06 So, today has been a year since we last talked.
I still remember that last phone call like it was yesterday.
It was really late and I was just leaving work. You
told me you were going out for a while so not to freak
out if I didnt hear from you. I thought everything was
going to be ok... but I guess I was wrong. I remember
you told me that you loved me probably about 20 times.
It was cute but u just kept on saying it. I didnt understand
it then.. but I do now. If I would of known it was going
to be like this, I would of said a lot more that night.
But I just want you to know that I will always love
you and u will always have a special place in my heart.
Your my Hero. And I have missed you so much... please
stay with us this next week, it is going to be hard
for everyone, especially your family.
I love you CPL Derga.... cant wait to see you again,
love always Kristin
4.30.06 Man, I miss you so much.. I can't stop thinking
about you. I made a large sign on my desk for you. I
have pics of you on my slide show on myspace so everyone
can see you!! You are and always will be my hero!!!
I can't wait to see you on the other side. Hope you
and Erdy are doing well, and taking care of everyone
with you. I hope you are taking care of Double Stuff
and my girls Aimee and Madison. No more taking my animals
to have to play with. I want them!!! Okay, I gotta go
I going to start crying. I miss you and love you!!
Sara Jane 4.29.06 Dustin, i finally got the courage to write
to you im not to well at this kind of stuff. its almost
been a year and i have been thinking about you more
and more. i want to say thanks for everything you did
for my sister, you made her so happy and let me tell
you she misses you a lot. i want to thank you for fighting
for our country.. you truly are a hero! it makes me
so mad when people try to talk about the war because
they have no idea what the people who are fighting for
our country go through. its come up in a lot of my classes
and im not shy about putting my opinion out there. I
will continue to pray for you and your family! i'll
see you again someday! luv ya... laura
4.23.06 Well it is two weeks shy of a year since u
have been gone. It seems just like yesterday when it
happened. It is all I seem to think about these days.
It is getting hard I cant even imagine how your family
is feeling right now. Just watch over them the next
few weeks and get them though this. It is going to be
tough on everyone. There is not a day that goes by that
I dont think of you and it hurts just as much as it
did in the beginning. I miss you Dustin... u were my
best friend... It just doesnt seem fair! Cant wait to
see u again someday... love you and miss you always...
Kristin
4.23.06 Hey dude...man...I'm sorry...I can't stop thinking
about you. I'm so proud of you. I can't wait to see
and talk to you again. I wish I could've been a better
friend. Anyway, thank you for your bravery. - Kevin
4.21.06 It has been nearly a year and your presence
is still sorely missed at Columbus Processing. You will
always be held in our highest regard.
Paul E. Conningham
Production Manager- Mittal Steel-Columbus Processing
4.14.06 Hello Dustin.. Well I pulled up the Zanesville
Paper the other day and I started to choke on my own
spit because right there was your face. The flags that
they have in rememberace of the soliders are going to
be in Zanesville this weekend. They were showing your
flag. They were in Lancaster last month, but they were
gone by the time we got there, but we are going to see
them this weekend. Miss you everyday! Love, Sara Jane
4.6.06 Hey.. Just wanted to say HI... I am having
a rough day and wanted to talk. Well send me some smiles...
love ya - Kristin
3.28.06 Everyone once and a while I start asking myself..
what if... what if I didnt leave UC... what if we decided
to stay just friends... what if you didnt take me to
the Marine Ball.... what if you were not the first towards
the house... but the more what ifs I ask... the more
I realize nothing can change what happened... and I
would never change having the time I did with you. If
I would of done things differently I would of never
had the chance to have such a wonderful loving relationship
with you. I am thankful and lucky for the time we spent
together.... and we can thank Lauren for that!!! haahha!!
I think about you everyday... and u will always be in
my heart.... and when the sky is clear and u can see
the stars, I look up and pray that you know I loved
you as much as you loved me.... You will always be with
me Dustin.... I love you... Kristin
3.7.06 Not a day goes by that I dont think of you!
I miss and love you Dustin.
3.3.06 To The family of Dustin, We are from Oklahoma
& our nephew was a marine in Iraq about the same
time Dustin was. He came home to us just before Thanksgiving
of this last yr. We were heartbroken to find this site
& to read about your horrific loss! We cant even
imagine how you must have felt to have gotten that news,
because we feared that on a daily basis, but was blessed
to finally get our brave hero home safely to us. We
just wanted to send a line & let you folks know
that we here in Oklahoma are so proud of all our young
men & women, especially our marines, who have sacrificed
& paid the ultimate price for our freedom here in
our country. We know now their is a true hero awaiting
for us all in Heaven, may the good Lord bless you all!!
Thank you Dustin, from your friends in Oklahoma
3.2.06 Hi Dustin, This past week has been a mix of
emotions. A year apo about now you and all the guys
were shipping out to Iraq. Your Dad and I miss you so
much. The hardest part is not having you here. The best
part is knowing your in Heaven and we'll be together
again forever, sooner than we can imagine. But I still
cry wanting you here now. I'm still working on more
pictures (as you know) Thanks for all you help and the
help of all the guys in this. I can so often feel you
all near me as I draw. Miss you so much Dustin and love
you always. Marla 2.26.06 hey babe... well I see my sister already told
u about my puppy. She is so cute! I am in Turkey right
now, so I miss her so much... almost as much as I miss
you. I will be deployed here for a little over two weeks
and then we start our way home. We make a final stop
in England. Turkey is a beautiful country and the people
around the base are very friendly. I went off base on
a tour toward the Syrian border, most the people I came
in contact with there were friendly also. The weather
here is so much better than at home. it gets into the
70s everyday but the nights are cold. I am still trying
to take class and the week after I get home, I will
have finals. You better help me through them!!! Anyways
there is not one day that goes by that I dont think
of you and i miss you so much.... as I always will....
love you always Kristin... rumor has it, you love me
too!
2.22.06 Dustin, I don't think there is a day that goes
by when I am not thinking about you. I truly miss you.
I bought that print, that Marla drew, for Nick and framed
it. It is in the living room for everyone to see when
they come to visit. I am so proud of what you did. What
happen to you wasn't fair. And I know life isn't fair,
but why did God have to take you. Alright well Nick
just got home. I come back and write more later. Love,
Sara Bear 2.21.06 Well it's been a while since I've written in
here..just thought I'd fill you in on a few things haha.
We got two new puppies after Christmas time, they're
adorable. Mine's name is Riley and Kristin's is Tobi.
And I had my 16th birthday about 2 months ago and I
finally got my license about 3 weeks ago so that was
pretty exciting. Now that I can drive I'll most likely
be out to see you soon since I haven't been yet. I guess
its just one of those things I'd rather do on my own.
I think about you often and miss you everyday, but I
know I'll see you again someday..and until then I'll
keep you updated haha. Much love,
Peanut
2.10.06 Dustin, my husband is one of your brothers
and like him, I think of you everyday. I am proud to
be in the same Marine family as you and Nick and the
others...you will always be my hero. I know someday
we will be graced by your presence again in heaven...but
til then, I pray that you and the good Lord keep giving
Kristin and your family strength and peace in their
hearts to stay tough as you want them to be while they
are still here on earth. You've got an amazing and courageous
girl that keeps your memory alive. I admire her and
your family very much. You must be proud of them, as
they are of you. We love you Derga! Always in our Hearts!
- Teri Brill
2.8.06 Hey baby! Thought that overtime the pain would
start to go away. But I was wrong. It still hurts and
I think about it everyday. I find myself being angry
a lot and when Im not angry I am sad. People in my classes
make me mad when they start talkin about the war. How
can they have a right to speak when they havent had
to live the life!? They havent had to go through what
you boys did or what the families did with you gone.
It just makes me so mad!!! There are a lot of good times
but when I think of you I still get sad. I wish you
could be here, telling us your stories and making fun
of people!!! You always had a way to make me laugh.
I just wish I could pick up the phone and call you when
I am sad.... or when something good happens in my life....
I miss my best friend!!! Well I just wanted to say hi
and tell Erdy to lay off the beers (you too)!!! hahah!!!
Miss you guys so much..... love you CPL Derga..... rumor
has it you love me too!!! Kristin
1.10.06 Hey Dustin. I have been sitting here reading
all the entries posted since you've been gone and let
me tell you....even though I don't know you, I would've
liked to. I was a Marine as well and I live in Canal
Winchester, Ohio. I wish I would've had the opportunity
to know who you are instead of just reading about you.
I ordered a portrait that your stepmom created so I
can have something to remind me of you and my other
fellow Marines that are heroes. Dustin, I am so proud
of you and what you have done for our country. I feel
a deep sense of loss that only Marines can feel when
they lose a brother or sister in arms. I pray to God
everyday that we never forget everything that you sacrificed
so that we could enjoy the freedoms we do. Semper fidelis
Dustin....I know you are guarding the pearly gates of
heaven. Semper fidelis--Casey, USMC.
12.20.05 Hey dude,
I saw you on the CBS Evening News the other night. You
make us all in this Great Nation so proud. I can't wait
to see you again soon, and I can't wait to meet Erdy.
Love you bra,
Kevin / BJFD
12.12.05 Hey babe... so it is gettin closer to the holidays
and it is starting to get hard. Everytime there is ice
on my car, I think about the morning Chris, You and
I spent scraping off ice during the storm. Or our mission
to go sledding!! We had so much fun last winter... the
time it took us an hour to get to the Melting Pot during
the snow storm cause you wanted it so bad... we even
took your moms car!!! haha.... and it is getting close
to the 23rd bday!! It wont be the same without you!!!
My sister talked about wanting to go back to the Melting
Pot for our bday but I dont think I can do it yet! and
then of course new years. I am closing this year at
the bar... figure that will be a good way to get my
mind off of last year!! Not that they werent good memories...
(Dog Bones at Danes???) haha... ahhh and this season
is my favorite... but it is really starting to suck
without you!!! I miss you soo much!!! and love you too.....
oh ya there is a movie coming out with our saying (Rumor
has it) haha nothing like our story line but cute!!
you probably wouldnt of liked it!! Well Im going to
head to bed,..... love you baby.... kristin
11.29.05 hey babe... I went to the high school today.
The tech prep program built an outdoor classroom and
it is being dedicated to you! Donely Homes donated the
money for the project and for the plaque with your name
on it. They are going to hang it on the back deck of
the project. It is really neat. It sits back in the
woods in between the library and the street. It is located
along the cross country running path... if you even
know where that is!!! The kids are going to love going
out there for class. Well i just wanted to let you know
that... I miss you so much and love you just the same....
love always kristin
11.22.05 Hey babe!! So it has been a week since all
the ceremonies and dedications we attended... they were
soo hard but so many people helped us through it. Your
sisters bday is coming up!! WE should be going to Vegas
with them... but im sure they will have fun... it wouldnt
be the same as if we didnt have mirrors one the ceilings!!
haha!!! I have so many good memories of Vegas from Feb
I dont think i could go again anytime soon. but im sure
they will have fun!!! I got your sis a really good present...
I just hope she likes it!! Brandon starts soon at the
academy you would be soo proud of him... havent talked
to the rest of the boys this week... i will prob call
Trevor and West soon... Everyone keeps talkin about
that ice storm from last year... now that it is starting
to get cold again... it was funny cause i keep remembering
that women with the meat beater beating her car for
an hour!!! that was soooo funny!!! That day was fun!!
I wish we could of had the chance for more memories
but we will someday.... make sure you tell erdy hello
and that we miss you and love you both very much!!!
and like your dog tags said... Missing you and loving
you everyday!!! Semper Fi!!! I love you babe and miss
you so much it is unreal.... See you in my dreams....
Rumor has it you love me too!!! kristin
11.21.05 Dustin, Its been awhile since I wrote to you
last, I miss and love you so much! Words can't even
begin to describe how much I miss you! I often find
myself talking out-loud to you as if you were standing
right here beside me! Dustin I don't think I've ever
really said this before but Im saying it now.. Im so
very proud of you, Im proud to say that you were part
of my life, And I know that one day we'll all be together
again! But until then know that you'll forever be in
my heart!
11.12.05 Hey babe.. Well today was a nice ceremony...
very sad but nice... this weekend was really hard but
i am hoping that tonight will be nice... I am meetin
West after I get out of drill and then I can finally
get ready... it sucks that I always have drill the night
of hte Marine Ball.... It is going to be so weird without
you but I am goin to try and have fun... it will be
nice since I know everyone this year... now i wont feel
as weird... maybe we will even be able to dance... but
there wont be a moment tonight that i will not think
about you... i always think about you... love you always
kristin
11.2.05 Hey, I stopped by and saw you today, They were
mowing, so I didnt stay long!! But I did go and catch
you up on everythings thats happening in life, youd
be suprised, but then again you already know! I miss
you soo much, I wish you were here with me making me
laugh, and giving me your advice, I really need it right
now! But I know your guiding me through life now! I
miss and love you tons... 10.03.05 Hey babe... well the marine ball is less than
two weeks away... haha that was kinda like our first
real date... or the beginning of everything... that
night to going to be hard but I am going to get really
drunk with West and it will be all better. It has been
so nice to see the boys since they have been home...
Everyone misses you soo much... you were so loved...
I got some of the pictures from your memory card...
they are great... I know trevor has a ton more!! Cant
wait to see them... Hope you, erdy and the rest of our
boys are keeping each other company.... Miss you guys
so much... tell Erdy hi... Dustin I think about you
everyday... not a day goes by that I dont wish you were
here... I love you and miss you... Kristin
10.20.05 Hey babe... So my sister was so excited when
I gave her the towel. She has it by her bed, it is something
that she can keep that will always remind her of you.
Well, since the boys have been home I havent had quite
as many break- downs but believe me I still have my
moments. It was great on Thursday, I got to see Britton
and Smith and some others... I asked Britton if we could
get way drunk at the ball this year... and he was like
ya of course cause someone is finally 21 (Kristine and
Ash)... ( but hopefully this year I wont lose some much
stuff)....We had a lot of fun! Of course we always have
fun at the Battalion 8!! Chris was there... we danced...
and that is our time to talk about you cause no one
else is there. As much as I love that place... it always
reminds me of you. So Im finally going to my first wedding
this weekend since you've been gone... I cant back out
of it like the others.... cause I am in it!!! But it
should be fun... we went to the VIP for her bacholorette
party... and I couldnt stay in there cause I keep thinking
about the night you ran the jeep off the road and your
last night in town when I meet you, chris, and B up
there to get your key... Then you crawled in bed at
like 330 in the morning and keep on saying baby I love
you.... haha i was like shut up and go to sleep!! haha!!!
Trevor started telling me some stories about how you
would always making them laugh when you were talkin
to me on the phone cause you would make me feel bad
about you being gone...haha go figure... kinda like
the whole getting me to stay the extra night in Vegas!!!
But hey it was worth it... We are suppose to go to Hoffbrauhaus
soon... cause you now we have a table!!! haha I got
drunk and our initals are in it somewhere.. that was
a great night and you boys were so mad at us!!! But
we want to take Trevor and Andy there.... hopefully
it works out... Well baby.... I have never stopped thinking
about you... And soon it would be our year since we
started dating!!!! Cant believe it... but our memories
were great... and I will cherish them forever.... I
love you and miss you so much... Rumor has it you love
me too!! love ya... Kris
10.18.05 The other day, I was going through some pictures,
and I found some of you and in the bottom right hand
corner of the pictures were the dates, it was a year
ago this month. Its crazy in just one year how so many
things can change! But the love I have for you will
never change! You'll always be my "summerfriend"
;) Im so happy that I have the pictures, because pictures
can never fade, as I hope the memories I have of you
will never fade either. I miss you, until I see you
again, Take care..
10.16.05 Well the guys
came home a couple of weeks ago, I got to go and see
them with my sister..She did better than I expected
her to, which is good..It was a really rough day though..I
guess I finally realized that you wouldn't be coming
back...when they were still over there it left a little
bit of hope inside of me that maybe, just maybe you
would somehow show up with them. I just wanted so bad
to believe that it was just a joke..I guess it just
really hit me that day, as I assumed it would. But in
all truth I know that you did come home with them, they
brought you with them in their minds and spirits. I
know you, Nick, and all of the other guys were marching
right next to them. My sister got a package of your
stuff a few days ago, I was so excited to finally get
my towel haha. Thank you so much for everything that
you've done. We miss and love you.
Peanut
10.14.05 Dedicated to his friends and family memebers!
"Who You'd Be Today"
Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
I feel you everywhere I go.
I see your smile, I see your face,
I hear you laughin' in the rain.
I still can't believe you're gone.
It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place.
An' sometimes I wonder,
Who'd you be today?
Would you see the world? Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family,
I wonder what would you name your babies?
Some days the sky's so blue,
I feel like I can talk to you,
An' I know it might sound crazy.
It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place.
An' sometimes I wonder,
Who you'd be today?
Today, today, today.
Today, today, today.
Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
The only thing that gives me hope,
Is I know I'll see you again some day.
Some day, some day, some day.
10.9.05 Hey babe... So they finally made it home...
I am so glad you got Trevor back to us... As much as
I wish you would of been with him... it is soooo great
to have him home. Just giving him that great big hug
when I saw him, meant so much to me... Andy too... It
was great seeing them both and being around Trevor and
his family and friends made yesterday go so much easier.
I still miss you and wish u were here with me... Everyone
misses you so much.... But Thank you baby for bring
Trevor home to us... cause he carries a memory of you
that none of us know... and he is here to help fill
us in on the last months.... He is a great man... know
wonder he was one of you best friends.... Well baby...
I love you and miss you so much... Rumor has it you
love me too.... Love you baby.... kristin
10.2.05 So.. the boys are coming home soon... Thank
you so much for watching over them the last few months...
they should be so honored to have a man like you taking
care of them... These next few weeks are going to be
hard for all of us... be with your family and help them
get through this emotional time. And me, cause God knows
I need all the help I can get right now... I cant wait
to see Trevor... It will be so great to give him a great
big hug and not let go... but it should of been our
time... but we got to look at the bright side... you
are in a better place and you watched over your best
friend and got him out of there safely. Im so proud
of you CPL Derga!!! You are a true hero and I love you!!!
I will always love you!!! Keep your head up and be proud
because you did your job and you did it right!!! I just
miss you so much and I cant stop thinking about you....
I just wish I was able to be greeting you on thursday
so we could of started our life we were planning...
but i guess we will just have to take it day by day...
I love you... rumor has it you love me too.... SEMPER
FI..... Kristin
10.1.05 I was so so so happy hearing that the Marines
made it home yesterday, but then it hit me that you
weren't coming back. Wow! I really miss you Dustin.
I think that it is going to hit Nick so also. I do have
a feeling that you were watching over Craig when that
guy took his guy and pointed it at him. I am sure that
you were helping Nick get there as quickly as he could.
Ok well gotta go I am really starting to cry now. I
miss you so much! - Sara Garver 9.29.05 Everytime I hear this song, I cry, amagine
that!!! But I think of you and it tears me apart. I
miss you so much... I wish you were coming home to me
Oct 6 but I guess you are in a better place and watching
over the others. U have my utmost respect and love...
dont forget that... but here are the lyrics....
"Probably wont be this way"
"Got a date a week from friday with a preachers
son
Everybody says hes crazy, ill have to see
I finally moved to jackson when the summer came
I wont have to pay that boy to rake my leaves
Im probably going on and on
It seems im doing more of that these days
I probably wont be this way
I probably wont hurt so bad
I never pictured every minute without you in it
Oh you left so fast
Sometimes I see you standin there
Sometimes its like an angels touch
Sometimes I feel that im so lucky to have had the chance
to love this much
God gave me a moments grace
Cause if id never seen your face
I probably wont be this way
Mama says that I just shouldnt speak to you
Susan says that I should just move on
You oughta see the way these people look at me
When they see me round here talking to this stone
Everybody things Ive lost my mind
But I just take it day by day
I probably wont be this way
I probably wont hurt so bad
I never pictured every minute without u in it
Oh you left so fast
Sometimes I see you standing there
Sometimes I feel an angels touch
sometimes I feel that IM so lucky to have had the chance
to love this much
God gave me a moments grace
Cause if id never seen your face
I probably wouldnt be this way"
Love you... rumor has it you love me too.... Kristn
9.28.05 Hey Dustin,
I know you already know this, but I finally got over
to visit you today. Sorry it's been so long. We were
training at the fire academy, and I stopped by for a
little while to say Hi and that I miss you. I wish you
could've been there. I also thanked you for your service
and your bravery. But like I said, you already know
all of this. Man...I wish things could've been different.
I'm sorry for that disagreement we had at the fire house
just after 9-11-01. I know you didn't think it was a
big deal...not everyone can see eye-to-eye all the time.
But, I sometimes think about our conversation...and
I just feel bad. I can't remember if I ever apologized
to you or not. I'm sorry.
Anyway...you're in a much better place now, so God Bless
you, your family & friends, and all the brave men
and women of the United States Armed Forces. I'll always
remember that smile you brought with you to the firehouse!
Love you and miss you man...
Kevin Strawser - BJFD
9.26.05 Hey Dustin,
Just hope you know that I still think of you every day.
I've had the honor of meeting some of the guys that
were with you and I know they miss you too. I'm being
selfish but I wish things would have turned out differently.
Love, Deb
9.21.05 Hey baby... I dont know why but today was super
hard on me. I dont know if it is because the boys are
coming home soon or it was just one of those days. I
cant wait to see Trevor and give him a great big hug.
I miss him so much, dont worry not as much as I miss
you. It is just going to be so great to see him again.
He has been great through this, I still get my phone
call from Iraq. Of course it is not as good as having
you on the other end but it isnt too bad. Went to the
Batallion the other night and got to see everyone. I
had so much fun. The was the best time I have had in
awhile. it was great!! It is just hard going there sometimes
cause everything reminds me of you. It is hard. But
I got to get over that I guess cause that is where everyone
likes to be. Well baby I miss you and love you bunches
and think about you all the time. I just wish you were
coming home to be this october so we could go to the
cabin like you talked about.. you know to make out 24/7
hahaha!! jk!!! or take that trip to disney with Erdy
and Ash. but I guess we can go in our dreams... Well
baby time for bed... Sweet dreams... miss you love you...
rumor has it you love me too..... love you Kristin
9.13.05 To the family of Dustin Derga,
My deepest condolences for your loss. I also have two
close friends in the 3/25 and have worried much about
their safety. In looking at your son's pictures, he
appears to have a Great Light inside of him. He seems
to be the type to light up a room with his smile. WIthout
a doubt, his demeanor and the way he carried himself
is a tribute to the great family who raised him. May
God bless you today and always. Keep in mind, you will
see your son soon. The Creator had greater plans for
him, much greater than we can sometimes understand.
I did not know Dustin but the photos made me want to
write you and say Thank you! - Aaron Woods
9.12.05 Hi son,
Saturday was a special day. We dedicated engraved bricks
at the Uniontown Community Park Veterans Memorial for
you and all the fallen 3/25 herores. I set the brick
for you. Your good buddy Collen West came up and set
the brick for 3/25. There were lots of people who came
out for this ceremony. The Young Marines presented the
colors and people from our church sang the National
Anthem and played taps. We also had a bagpiper play
the Marine Hymn. Marla and I read the names of all 23
of the Lima fallen. Later we had food at our house.
We had a house full of people including Trevor's mom
and brother. You would have enjoyed it!
I talked at the ceremony about what are heroes....the
fallen heroes and the living heroes. Son you are a hero
by every possible definition. So are the guys still
fighting in Iraq. So is West , Bunker, Camp and all
the others wounded. I broke down when I told everyone
that they need to honor the living heroes and don't
wait to place a brick at a Memorial park to tell them.
We also talked about how your mom is a hero too. She
reallly is. She really loves and misses you, you know.
No mother should have to endure this pain.
I know you don't like me telling you "I am proud
of you" but I am. I remember how you didn't know
what to say when I would say that. Then after a little
delay you would softly say "thank you". Son
I am still proud of you! I always will be. I am proud
of your sister too. I am a lucky father to have 2 great
kids like you.
Please be with the rest of the guys as the days to Homecoming
tick down. This is the scariest and hardiest time for
the families. Don't let the guys loose their focus.
Keep on their butt to keep safe. Get Erdy on their case
too!
We love and miss you every single day.
Dad
9.6.05 Hey baby.. I'm starting classes today and I
finally have no reason to skip them (no gengi dates!)
I was suppose to go visit your father and Marla this
weekend for that ceremony they are having but I am not
going to be able to. I wish I could, it sounds like
it is going to be really nice. Things are slowly getting
back to normal but I still have times that I just break
down crying. For some reason I feel like it is never
going to end. I can not even drink when I'm out cause
then I start getting depressed, so I drink one and call
it a day. Hard to believe huh? No "one after another"
for me. Laurens mom brought you a lay for you bday...
she figured you would want a nice lay for your bday...
haha I thought that was cute when she said that. Trevor
called on Saturday and sounded really good and ready
to come home. You better take care of him the rest of
the time he is over there. He is a great guy! Well I
gotta finish gettin ready for class... hopefully this
year will be my last and I will finally get that degree!!!
Well baby I love you and miss you sooo much.... Rumor
has it you love me too... The fam misses you too...
especially Peanut... xoxo... love you, Kristin
9.4.05 Dustin, If there's life after this I wanna
met you there with a warm embrace and talk for hours
and catch up on so much, I miss you so much. I thought
of you today and when I realized it was this time last
year we were having the time of our lives, and now that
summers ending it seems as if its so final.. that this
is really goodbye.. as long as I had summer I felt as
if I still had a piece of you to hold onto, (I know
it sounds crazy) but please know one thing, You were
the best *summer friend* ;) you taught me so much, things
that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, And
I'll always be able to look back on the many times we
spent together and laugh and even sometimes cry, Im
so grateful that you came into my life.. Until we met
again, Take care, I love and miss you! Thank you for
everything!
8.23.05 Hi Son,
Marla and I were thinking of you on your 25th birthday.
It was a difficult day in many ways. It is so hard to
let go of what could have been and should have been.
I know you are in a better place and we will get to
catch up on things some day in the future. It is hard
waiting as we all miss you so very much.
We had a big 5'x8' Ameriacn flag flown on the US Capitol
in your honor for your 25th Birthday. I hope you saw
it. The flag flew on August 18th. I know you know how
much I treasure the flag my dad gave me that we flew
at the base at your deployment and your memorial service
here in Uniontown. This one will be special too.
We were in Boston this past weekend for some down time.
We were at the "Old North Church" where the
lanterns were hung for Paul Revere's midnight ride.
Just outside the church enterance was a tribute of small
handmade crosses for each of the soliders killed in
Iraq. We sat a while and cried when we saw yours. I
put "5/8/05 Lima 3/25" on the cross below
your name. So many crosses....so many lives. I am so
glad people at the cradle of our democracy took the
time to honor your sacrifice and the sacrifice of all
our troops. It means a lot.
Love
Dad and Marla
8.18.05 Happy Birthday, babe! I will be out to see
you later tonight. Everyone is really excited for the
Poker Run this weekend - I know you're proud of what
we're doing for you. Miss you and love you. Love, Stephanie
8.18.05 HAPPY 25th Birthday!! Miss you bunches!! Love,
Sara Jane
8.18.05 Hey baby, Happy 25th Birthday. Today has been
not so good. It actually has been horrible, from the
first minute I was awake. I am working at the base today
and then at fridays tonight. I figured I would keep
myself busy! Tomm we are suppose to be going cabrewing!!
We are taking Strahle, West and Bunker. Your sister
and maybe Brandon are also going. Boots will be down
for the whole weekend I cant wait!! I love when she
comes down. She was really upset yesterday too... so
you boys better take care of us!!! I dont like to be
down all the time. I am coming out sometime today to
visit. It will be hard to go out there. Fridays had
a really nice dedication to you. We planted a tree and
had a plaque in your honor and fed grandpa potstickers
since he loves them soo much. The president of Carlson
Resturants came and gave a scholarship in your name
to central high school tech prep program. Mr Kemper
and Schnider were there along with the new tech prep
teacher. it was a really nice service and fridays did
you well...We took West and Bunker to Cleveland the
other day. It was fun. Cpl Wakins girl Julie went with
me boots and your mom and sister. It was fun but both
the boys hate cleveland. Boots bought Bunker a maganet
that said Scott #1 Fan... ahha it was soo funny! Then
Bunker Boots and I went to Gengi... I know you were
jealous.. they seemed to really like it!! It was really
good!!! I know you were wanting some. Well the poker
run is Sat and it should be pretty fun... Chris Scott
and Brandon are doing a good job organizing it. Brandons
shirts are selling like hotcakes. Everyone wants one.
But hey I just wanted you to know that I love you and
miss you so very much. And do me a favor and watch over
your sister, mom and Chris today, they need you... cause
today is a sad day for everyone! Well baby I love you...
Rumor has it you love me too...
8.16.05 Hey bud,
Been thinkin a lot about you lately. The Ohio State
fair was this past week. It's hard to believe this time
last year we went and had such a great time. I remember
it like it was yesterday. It was so funny. I bet we
stopped at every food stand we could until we just couldn't
eat anymore. We must of had 4 or 5 gyros a piece plus
all that other great fair food. I felt so sick afterwards.
I even thought I was going to puke. It so was funny
when you told me not to b/c I would just be wasting
all that food we just bought.......
The poker run is getting closer and closer. I hope all
goes well. We'v had so much input and everybody wants
to help. Everybody has done a great job. Hopefully we'll
be able to raise a good amount of money for this cause.....
Things are going good at work we all went to Cleveland
for one of the guy's bachlore party. It was great. We
went to the Indians game, bar hopping, etc.....
Well take care man, I'm working at Basil FD tonight.
Sure do miss ya I'll be thinking about you on your birthday.
Say hi to Erdy for me and please watch over all your
fellow soldiers still fighting overseas. Talk to you
soon brother..........Chris
8.13.05 Thank you for all the great things you men
have done! if it wasnt for you we might not be living
in the peacful place we live!! You are all heros!!
~~Paige~~
8.6.05 I didnt know dustin that well but just hearing
of everyone lost this week just killed me. and i just
want everyone up in heaven to looks down over everyone
over seas and let them come home to their family and
friends unharmed. Thank you so much. Love always Morgan
8.4.05 Dustin.. Man we miss you so much here. I called
the woman today to starting making your sticker. I can't
wait. They are going to be all over the place. Everyone
will know your name and know how great of a man you
are. Take care of the Marines that are coming home to
be with you and Erdy. Keep them out of trouble if that
is possible with you and Nick. Lima Company needs you
guys to watch over them. We pray for all of you Marines!
Love, Sara Jane
7.28.05 Hey man, just thought I would stop in and say
hi. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and
what you did for our country. I see the pictures of
Cancun on the computer and I wish so bad that I could
turn back time and and go with you guys. I know you
gave me the option but at the time I didn't have the
money. Now I would work 365 straight days of landscaping
just to be able to have went and had those great memories
you, Chris, and Trevor have. And you know how much I
hate landscaping. Well there's a lot of stuff I wish
I could have done but I guess not all wishes can come
true. One thing I do know is you are a great person
and everyone will always remember you for that and we
will never quit thinking about you. All we can do is
think about the memories and look at the pictures of
all the fun everyone had until we all see you again
some day.Take it easy brother (you deserve some rest),
Tim
7.27.05 Hey baby.. I miss you so much as I am sure
you know. I thought that vacation will help me a little
bit, but it just pushed it away for a short bit. But
believe me a I even missed you then. It was hard going
to the beach and knowing that we should of been there
together and that eventually we would of been living
there... where you could mow what grass we had in your
speedo!! haha!! It would of been great and your right
we were so cool that everyone would want to come visit
us!! Been spending a lot of time with West and Handsome
has made his way around a few times. Nick designed these
shirts in memory of you guys.. they are really nice
and Brandon got it all together and had them printed.
We are selling them to raise money for a charity in
your name. It was a really good idea!! But I guess all
the credit has to go to Brandon and Nick!!! We are planning
on selling them at family day.. hopefully they will
be a big hit... If not then people dont have hearts!!!
I mean come on who wouldnt want a shirt with your sweet
name on the back of it!! I hear I have another package
coming from you today... hopefully I get it soon...
I am gettin a lilttle anxious. Boots is coming in town
on Sunday I cant wait to see her and then she is coming
in town again I believe the next thurs for a clippers
game. I guess West, Bunker, Ash, Me, Strahyle and his
girl are all going to the game. I am sure there is more
but that is all i know. I have started back at school.
It is pretty interesting and I hate it!! but i gotta
get that degree somehow. I am watching your cats this
week... and yes I am being nice to them... If im not
im sure your mom will send me to be with you!!! haha
she loves those things. Malibu is a pain like always
but so pretty... and everyone loves Timmy, how could
you not!! Well baby I gotta get to class... I miss you
and love you so very much!!! Rumor has it you love me
too!!! Love always and forever, Kristin
7.22..05 Hey Dustin, Just thought I would stop by and
say Hi! We are getting closer to having a window sticker
made for you. Nothing to fancy though. Your Jeep will
have one on it. If you know anyone who would want one
let them know who to contact. We are probably going
to get about 125 made up. I miss you and think about
you every day!
Love, Sara Jane
Anyone interested in getting a window sticker that states:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DUSTIN A DERGA
1980-2005
SEMPER FI
7.13.05 Hey man,
Sure am missin ya. Things have been going alright lately.
Just been trying to stay busy. Had a nice get together
the other day. It was awesome. It seemed like almost
everybody was there. There was all kinds of food and
alcohol, which I know you'd be excited about. Not much
else going on just work and stuff. Started working on
brick patios with my brother. I think its working out
well. If all goes as planned we might even start up
a company next year. It's kinda nice we get to hang
out and work with him at the same time.
I heard they had a nice parade in Pick town for you.
I had to work so I couldn't go. I'm not too sure I would
have went anyway. I'm not sure exactly why, I think
its b/c maybe I feel like I'm doing a little better
and that would just bring back to how I felt at the
funeral. Maybe I'm just retarted, I don't know. I guess
there are just so many different emotions its unbelievable.
Anyways I was going through some pics on the computer
and found some from cancun. I tried to narrow it down
to a few appropriate ones. Hopefully they'll turn out
alright on the website. Well I have to go....I'm at
work. Sure do miss ya and are thinkin about ya. Your
benefits coming up soon. The bands playing and everything.
Take care brother.......Chris
7.11.05 hey baby... Ahh u missed a great party... u
would of loved it!!... Of course it was for you and
nick and i think it was the first time in a long time
that everyone had that much fun! Boots and Erdy families
came down and Ash and I went and picked up West. There
was prob 50-75 people there. We even went swimming and
then afterwards we went to the battallion. It was a
lot of fun. It was grandpas bday too so we all sang
to him. My mom and dad played flip cup and so did steph
muse's parents. My mom was actually pretty good... Boots
and West were a little toasted but very funny. Your
sister posed for some pictures u would of been proud.
Your friends you graduated were all there. I was glad
they came... pretty sure they had fun too. It was a
really good turn out. Wish u could of been there. Well
baby Im going to get going .... just wanted to tell
u about the party and how much fun we had.... but the
whole thing was for you and everyone talked and tought
about you and nick the whole time... Handsome even gave
a toast as we drank "heros in heaven!" It
was a great toast... and what he said was right and
very funny.... Well baby I love you so much.... (rumor
has it u love me too) and miss you bunches... love always
kristin
7.10.05 Hey Dustin, Just wanted you to know that I
still think of you everyday. It's still hard to believe
that things happened the way they did. Like many others,
there are many songs that remind me of you. You probably
already know but we got a new Harley too. I know you'd
like it. We still have your bike in our garage. Terry
thought about asking your Mom if we could buy it so
I could ride it. I don't know if I'm coordinated enough
to do that, lol. I'm sure it's different than riding
the kids' dirt bike since I didn't have to shift it.
At least we'll have one when they have the benefit in
honor of you. I'll always be proud of you. Later, Love
Ya, Deb
P.S. Hope you're hanging out with my Dad!
7.7.05 Well I know I put a message on here earlier...actually
it was about 1:30 last night...but my sister told me
that this is her song to you and I thought that I'd
share the lyrics with you..Its called "You'll be
there" by George Strait
Hope is an anchor and love is a ship
Time is the ocean and life is a trip
You don't know where you're going
Til you know where you're at
And if you can't read the stars, well you better have
a map
A compass and a conscience so you don't get lost at
sea
Or on some lonely island where no one wants to be
From the beginning of creation I think our maker had
a plan
For us to leave these shores and sail beyond the sand
And let the good light guide us through the waves and
the wind
To the beaches in a world where we have never been
And we'll climb up on a mountain, ya'll we'll let our
voices ring
Those who've never tried it, they'll be the first to
sing
Whoa my, my,
I'll see you on the other side, if I make it
And it might be a long hard ride, but I'm gonna take
it
Sometimes it seems I don't have a prayer
Let the weather take me anywhere
But I know I wanna go cause you'll be there
Oh my, my
You don't bring nothing with you here and you can't
take nothing back
I ain't never seen a hearse with a luggage rack
So I've torn up my knees praying
Scarred my back from falling down
Spent so much time flying high til I'm face first in
the ground
So if you're up there watching me, would you talk to
God and say
Tell him I might need a hand to see you both someday
Whoa my,my,
So I'll see you on the other side, if I make it
And it might be a long hard ride, but I'm gonna take
it
Sometimes it seems that I don't have a prayer
Let the weather take me anywhere
But I know I wanna go
Where the streets are gold
Cause you'll be there
Now everytime I hear that song I think of you! You should
feel so special haha...I miss and love you
Peanut
