Our Corpsman was killed back when I was still in the Corps, he was the funniest squid you would ever meet. To this day, I'll never forget the man. He was one of us, well as close as a sailor can get anyways. R.I.P. Petty officer Brian.
Category: In Memory
General John w. Antonelli was the BEST
He smiled with a smile that said it all; a warm and loving face that could give you the world; but wanted back what he asked for in his family. He was the Captain of his ship, the gaurdian and the teacher. We still miss him and love him. He was a Marine that I remembered as a little girl and I use to cry every time he left to go away. I would get sick with my father not there. Dad in uniform; but he carried it with absence of self for it was proclaimed in his duty and how it was carried out with his men. Trust and the Marine Corps shows all that there are men, willing servents for the country and so I saw this with my father as he delt with others. Dad was a Marine, a defender, in the wars and as he cared for a family in need; a country, I love him still.
In honor and memory
Sgt. Grit
I personally wear these two Memorial Bracelets in Honor and
Memory of some great men who were never able to return home
again to their families… I urge all Marines to find a MIA /
KIA out of the thousands who are still missing or were killed
defending our country and wear a bracelet to keep these men's
memories alive…
Guarding the Streets of Gold
Sgt. Joseph B. VanderLaan, January 2, 1971-December 17, 2011
United States Marine Corp Scout Sniper,
Radio Operator & Primary Marksmanship Instructor.
Served 8 years, 3 tours in Iraq, Operation Eager Mace in Kuwait, Operation Nautical Mantis in Saudi Arabia, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Stay, U.N. Transport of Pakistani Forces in Somalia, Operation Fiery Vigil in The Republic of the Philippines, 1 float on U.S.S. Schenectady, Earned Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 stars, Meritorious Unit Citation, 2 letters of appreciation, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Over Seas Medal, Naval Unit Commendation Medal.
J.B. was a quiet and unassuming man who took pride in being a Marine, a Son, and a Brother. He kept to himself mostly, making sure to attend to his Father's needs with little regard for himself in the process. Those that new J.B. or served with him saw past his quiet reserve and knew the true nature of his heart. J.B. suffered a brain seizure along with other complications, passing in peace in the arms of his Father, Michael Vanderlaan.
J.B.'s brother, Ted Vanderlaan (also a former Marine), quietly posted the following statement about his brother:
" It just disappeared without any warning or a word. Today I lost one of the few things in this cesspool of a world that even made being on this planet even partially tolerable. One of the only people I’ve ever had touched my life in such a way. Today I lost my baby brother. Most have never known him; he was a shy and quite unassuming man. He lived his life in obscurity, living with my parents and not venturing far from home. He spent every day worrying about them, taking care of them, and living a quiet life that few, if any, can understand or appreciate. He was a true angel. Maybe some people are blessed with many, and maybe some will never have the opportunity to know a single one….but for me, I’ve been blessed with far more than anyone ever deserves. The only other angle in my life was my grandmother on my mother’s side, not an angel not in waiting, but someone who touched everyone in her life and made everyone’s life a little better just by coming in contact with her. The other, my brother and the person I’ve worried about and fretted over my entire life. The only person that looked up to me his entire life, but who I could never help. He was a true patriot’ that loved this country as much as I did and risked his life in the service of this country in the Marine Corps. He, like so many of our fallen brothers, believed that everything this country stand for is worth dying for, even if it is to protect those that live here and hate everything about us. He was unique among those I’ve know in my life. I‘ve never experienced him being mean, cruel, or even temporarily self-serving. He was a beautiful human being of the like which we can only strive for in this world. "
Wishing my friend and brother in arms a peaceful rest, and peaceful hearts and minds to his family and friends. Until we meet again J.B…..Semper Fidelis
LCpl T.L. Palmer
7th ESB, 1st BF Co. – FMF PAC
USMC
Kirby S. Baird & Thomas Patrick Corcoran.
My uncle Thomas P. Corcoran was killed in WWII.16 Jun 1945 in Okinawa, Japan. My father Kirby S. Baird lost his battle with Brain Cancer on 10 Dec 2006. Well this last summer in St. Louis we had Marine week and i decided to go down to it. I am glad that i did because I had the honor to meet Major General Murray who is the President of Marine Corp University. The MajGen took the time out to hear about my father and my uncles service records and honor them both. We have become friends and I have to say to all Marines out there Thank you for your service and SEMPER FIDELIS
A China Marine
My father was a late China Marine 1940 to 1941. He was on his way back from China to the US when the Japanese invated the Philippines. He was captured on Corregidor. It took him 3 1/2 years to get back home. He believed that the Corp was the reason he made it through the prison camp when others didn't.
From the CACO
Reflection from the Casualty Officer I wish there were something I could do, To help you make it through. I wish there were something I could say, To help you make it through the day. I was the one who knocked on the door, I was the one who watched you fall to the floor. As we lay your loved one to rest, I want you to know I did my best. Now it’s time for me to leave, I only hope you will always believe, That even though your loved one is no longer here, They will always and forever be so very near. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN! For the Families and in memory of: WO1 Charles Wells Jr Sgt Kenneth Conde Jr LCpl Antoine Smith LCpl Jason Burnett “Rest easy Marines. Mission complete, job well done” Timothy Ellenbecker MSgt (Ret.) USMC
FLAG OF MY FATHER’S
My Dad, Cpl. William M. Beatty USMC(1942-1945), received the Purple Heart for wounds received on Iwo Jima, March 7, 1945. After the war he returned home, got married, and had 4 kids. I was the oldest with 3 younger sisters. He died of a heart attack after dinner Feb 13, 1953 age 33. I was 4 and my youngest sister 2 months old. He had a military funeral complete with 21 gun salute and is buried in the military section of Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. I joined the Corps in 1967 and served in Vietnam and my son also served 4 years from 1987. 3 generations of Marines.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Gaines B. “Dude” Gilbert – IYAOYAS!
Master Gunnery Sergeant Gaines B. "Dude" Gilbert was a Marine Aviation Ordnanceman. Tough as nails, but as compassionate as a child. Stories about the Dude are many. My last memory was sitting beside his death bed in 1985-86, he was lying there looking at his Dress Blues hanging in his closet. With all his strength, he uttered to me as he nodded toward his blues "I'm gonna get that 10th one". Dude passed away just weeks shy of getting his 10th service stripe.
In Rememberance of the victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing, April 19th 1995.
Amongst those who were lost in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Bombing on April 19th, 1995, were two Marines: Capt. Randolph A. Guzman and Sgt. Benjamin L. Davis. They both worked at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting office located on the 6th floor of the building. Please take the time to remember those lost in this tragic event.