11.11.05 Well, Today is Veteran's Day. I have been thinking
about all you, and how proud I am of what you fine men
did for our country. I want to thank you all! I didn't
know all of you, but I miss you just the same. Take
it easy up in Heaven! Please watch over the other Troops
that are still fighting, and bring them home safe. God
Bless!
8.4.05 Thank you for all that you men have have done.
I don't have enough words to say how greatly you are
Appreciated! Please take care of the Marines that are
coming home to be with you and God. We love you and
miss you all! Love, Sara and Nick Garver
8.2.05 Eternal Father, grant, we pray, to all Marines.
both night and day. The courage, honor, strength and
skill their land to serve, thy law fulfill; Be thou
the shield forevermore from every peril to the Corps.
- 3rd Class Petty Office Robet L. Pitts USS
BENNION
7.27.05 They gave me this plot of land,
Me and some other men, for a job well done
There's a big White House sits on a hill just up the
road
The man inside, he cried the day they brought me home
They folded up the flag and told my mom and dad
"We're proud of your son."
And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company
I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've
done
I can rest in peace;
I'm one of the chosen ones:
I made it to Arlington
I remember Daddy brought me here when I was eight
We searched all day to find out where my grand-dad lay
And when we finally found that cross
He said: "Son, this is what it cost to keep us
free."
Now here I am, a thousand stones away from him
He recognized me on the first day I came in
And it gave me a chill when he clicked his heals
And saluted me
And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company
I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've
done
I can rest in peace
I'm one of the chosed ones
I made it to Arlington
And everytime I hear twenty one guns
I know they brought another hero home to us
And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company
We're thankful for those thankful for the things we've
done
We can rest in peace
Cause we are the chosen ones
We made it to Arlington
Yeah, dust to dust
Don't cry for us
We made it to Arlington.
This song symbolizes the honor and pride of our fallen
Marines . Whether they are buried in Arlington, Reynoldsburg,
Cincinnati, Dublin, Groveport, or anywhere else in the
United States, their committment to our country and
our freedom is what is important. They touched all of
our lives in many way, some more than others. But for
that we can never forget them, they will always be a
part of us and should define how we go about our lives.
We should live up to them because they are the most
honorable people we know. May the fallen members of
the 3/25 Lima Company rest in peace. And let them be
aware that we will never forget and will always love
them. SEMPER FI
7.12.05 A soldier's heart
So courageous and brave
Committed to his country
And the life's he saves
Always giving all he's got
Wanting to give more
So proud to serve his country
And what our flag stands for
Away from home in
A forgein land
Standing on the frontline
Waiting for his command
Fear is unknown
As he battles another
So eagerly he would die
To save a fellow brother
All this bravery he showed
Right from the start
That's why God gave him
A soldier's heart!
Semper Fi.... We miss you all!!! Take care of each other
and the boys still in Iraq... get them home safely...
Dustin and Erdy... I cant wait to see you both someday...
Thanks to all for what they have given up for this country..
You are OUR HEROS!!! Love always, Kristin (Derga's Girlfriend)
6.23.05 From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job--
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
To the wounded, fallen, and to those Marines still serving
in Iraq you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care over there, and know that the two greatest
men I personally have ever known (aka the dynamic duo
DERGA and ERDY) are watching over you. I love you guys....SEMPER
FI! Love, BOOTS
6.6.05 The soldier stood faced God, which must always
come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as
his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier, how shall I deal
with you?
Have you always turned the other check? To my church
have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No,
Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who carry
guns, Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk
is tough.
And sometimes I've been violent, because the world is
awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got
just too steep.
And I never pass a cry for help, though at times I shook
with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't derserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so
grand.
I never expected or had too much, But if you don't,
I'll understand. "
There was a silence all around the throne, where the
saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly for the judgement of his
God.
Step forward now, you soldier, you've borne your burdens
well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your
time in Hell.
Remember, it is the Soldier, not the reporter who have
given us the freedom of the press. It is the Soldier,
not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath
the flag, and whose coffin is drapped by the flag, who
allows the protestors to burn the flag. So the next
time you want to give thanks... give it to the men and
women who give the ultimate sacrafice for their country
and the ones who are still over there fighting for you!
6.6.05 for all of you from the 3/25 who gave the ultimate
sacrafice, we salute you. There are not enough men out
there who would pick up a gun and go fight for their
country. It is a shame that more people could not be
like you... You served and lived for a purpose and that
is more than most can say... you fought for freedom,
your families, friends and the future of America...You
had an honorable job and you held up your end of the
bargin... It is like that Toby Keith song.. "American
Soldier." "And I dont want to die for you
but if dyings asked of me, I'll bare that cross with
honor cause freedom don't come free!" You all are
the true definition of HERO and that will never be taken
from you. I regret not being able to meet all of you....
but the ones I did know... CPL Dustin Derga and LCPL
Nick Erdy, were among the greatest people I have ever
met. Fun loving, carefree, and full of commitment to
the United States Marine Corps and their fellow Americans.
You boys will forever be in our hearts! And the only
thing we ask of you now is to watch over you fellow
soldiers and bring them home to us! To the rest of the
3/25... You are in our thoughts and prayers! Just remember
those men who lost their lives will now be fighting
next to you for the rest of their lives... and in return
just live your life with them in mind... never forget!!
Fight hard... Come home safe!!! We will all be waiting
for your return....
SEMPER FI... Kristin (Derga's girlfriend)