3/25/2006 4:00:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
Farewell to a hero
Ceremony honors fallen Marine

By MARK LEWIS
The Daily Courier


Courier/Jo. L. Keener The family of U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Justin Martone walks past an Honor Guard of veteran military bikers with American flags Friday at St. Germaine¹s Catholic Church. A local memorial service and Mass was at the church and concluded with Taps by American Legion Post 6 of Prescott.

PRESCOTT VALLEY ­ Twenty-one gunshots sounded Friday morning over Prescott Valley.

In a touching display of reverence, more than 150 people gathered in front of St. Germaine Catholic Church Friday to honor the sacrifice of Gunnery Sgt. Justin Robert Martone.

An improvised explosive device killed the former Prescott Valley resident March 8 while he was on patrol in Iraq. He was 31.

"It was uplifting to see so many people come out and show their respect," said Cecile Marsh, Martone's aunt. "I thank them for what it would have meant to Justin. He would have been so honored."

The Patriot Guard Riders, a nationwide coalition of ex-military motorcyclists committed to honoring America's fallen, led the ceremony.

More than 90 riders from four different states rumbled in solemn formation down Highway 69 to honor Martone. From the rear of each motorcycle, a flag fluttered in the wind.

"The respect given by these people was just unbelievable," said Martone's mother, Paulette Martone. "It just oozes out of them."

The Martone family emerged from an honor guard of American flags held by the Patriot Guard Riders moments before a Prescott detachment of the American Legion struck the first notes of "Taps."

At the Martone home a few hours after the ceremony, the family sat in the living room reminiscing on Justine Martone and the ceremony held in his honor.

One of Justin Martone's aunts, Annette Wright, held in her hands a tall stack of cards sent to the family from all over the nation.

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., sent one. Another was simply signed "a fellow American."

Martone entered the Marine Corps at the age of 19, fulfilling a desire his mother said he always had.

In his almost 13 years of service, he received 25 military awards, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

The last medal he earned, a Purple Heart, is now in the family home.



Contact the reporter at malewis@prescottaz.com

March 28, 2006



Remembering A War Hero



By Kiersten Throndsen



ARCO, Idaho -
Sergeant David Bleak killed enemy soldiers with his bare hands, deflected a grenade with his own body, and helped carry injured soldiers to safety. He did it all while serving in the Korean War.

Tuesday friends and family buried the 74-year-old Medal of Honor recipient in Arco.

Flags at the Statehouse flew at half staff, a symbol to honor one of Idaho's own war heroes.

"It was quite an honor to grow up with him actually because it was always surrounding everything that he did," Bleak's oldest son, Charles said when asked about his dad.

Charles remembers his father as a quiet, simple dad and soldier who served as a medic during the Korean War. It's service that eventually awarded him the country's top honor.

"He never spoke very much about it at all, he figured that was his duty that was what he was suppose to do," said Charles.

Bleak received the medal for using his hands to kill five enemy soldiers while his unit was under intense fire on June 14th, 1952 and treating injured American soldiers despite being wounded himself.

"Sergeant Bleak was the most outstanding medic that I've seen in my entire career for 25 years and I was involved in four wars.He set the standard," recalls retired Colonel William Downey, who served with Bleak during the Korean War.

Family and friends gathered in Arco to celebrate his life and his achievements, achievements soldiers at the VFW in Garden City recognize.

"He was a hero, whoever receives the Medal of Honor is a true hero in every sense of the word," Vietnam War Veteran Deke Johnson told KBCI Local 2 News.

"When you lose one of your national treasures, that happens to be an Idahoan, it's kind of a sad thing, it's too bad any of them have to pass on no matter where they live, especially when their from Idaho," Veteran Bob Finney told KBCI Local 2 News.

Even though both Finney and Johnson never met Bleak or served with him, losing a fellow serviceman is never easy.

"We mourn the passing of each and every veteran, particularly a Medal of Honor recipient," said Johnson.

It's that honor and that glory that brought family, friends, and servicemen across the state together to remember Bleak's life.

Bleak enlisted into the Army when he was 18-years-old. He died Thursday in Arco after being diagnosed with emphysema.

According to the Idaho Division of Veteran Services there are currently five living Medal of Honor recipients in the state, three of which live in the Treasure Valley.

Their were 2 MOH recipients who had passed in March. Mr. Blead and

Desmond T. Doss' actions in Okinawa during World War II were recognized with the Medal of Honor. Doss was a Private First Class who found himself on an exposed summit getting bombarded along with the rest of the 1st Battalion that made it to the top. He refused to seek cover, instead he carried all the wounded he could find one by one to the cliff's edge and lowered them down a rope-supported litter. He was further recognized for actions performed over the next several weeks. Reported for duty at the "barrack in the Sky" 032306

A sad note to add today:

The bloodiest day for U.S. troops in three months — Sunday — claimed the lives of three Camp Lejeune Marines, and a fourth was killed Friday, the Pentagon announced.
Lance Cpl. Kun Y. Kim, 20, of Atlanta, Ga., Staff Sgt. Eric A. McIntosh, 29, of Trafford, Pa. and Cpl. Scott J. Procopio, 20, of Saugus, Mass. were killed by an improvised bomb Sunday.

Lance Cpl. Jacob W. Beisel, 21, of Lackawaxen, Pa., was wounded by small arms fire while on foot and later died.

Since the war in Iraq began in March 2003, 174 N.C.-based Marines have been killed there, but finding out about four at once is unusual even at Lejeune.

“It’s a tragedy to have even one Marine killed, but it’s a huge blow when four names come in,” said 1st Lt. Barry Edwards, a spokesman for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force.

Will post details when available.

Borrowed this from Sgt Cyn:

This is a condensed version of the actual e-mail I received. I felt only this information was relevent; RIP Marine!!

Cyn~

DoD Identifies Recent Casualties

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2006 - Defense Department has identified four other recent casualties.

The Defense Department has identified three soldiers and a Marine who died recently in Iraq:

- Marine Lance Cpl. Juana Navarro Arellano, 24, of Ceres, Calif., died April 8 from wounds received while supporting combat operations in Anbar province. Arellano was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

(Compiled Defense Department news releases.)

Related Site:

Multinational Force Iraq

NOTE: View the original version of this web page on DefenseLINK,
the official website of the U.S. Department of Defense, at
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2006/20060411_4784.html.

Marine Lance Cpl. Juana Navarro, ifin by chance you see Mrs Puller, give her a kiss.

books

From Ms. beakless:

The service for Cpl Waller will be held at...

Greenwood Funeral Home
3100 White Settlement Rd
Fort Worth, Tx. 76107
817-336-0584
Att: Jim Cleaver

No date yet but will post it here when I get it.

RIP Marines

MGen Kenneth J. Houghton USMC (ret), 86, La Jolla, CA

quote:

Originally posted by GyBill:
Major General (Retired) Kenneth J. Houghton passed away on March 27, 2006, at his home in La Jolla, CA. General Houghton was born October 17, 1920, in San Francisco, CA. He attended local public schools in the city, and was active in youth sports. He was the batboy for the San Francisco Seals for two summers, in the dugout with Joe DiMaggio and his brothers. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1938, and from the University of San Francisco, where he played both baseball and football, with a B.S. degree in Political Science and Economics in 1942. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals as a catcher, but opted to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps on April 15, 1942, and was commissioned a Marine Corps second lieutenant September 26, 1942. He married his beloved wife of 53 years, the former Elizabeth Ann Reed of Berkeley, CA, on March 14, 1943. During World War II, General Houghton saw action at Tarawa, the Marshall Islands and on Saipan. He was promoted to first lieutenant June 22, 1943, and to captain December 31, 1944. During the Korean Conflict, he was Brigade Reconnaissance Detachment Commander, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, and Reconnaissance Company Commander, 1st Marine Division. It was during this period the he won his first Silver Star Medal and Bronze Star Medal with Combat and gold star in lieu of a second Bronze Star Medal. Wounded in action in October 1950, he was evacuated to a U.S. Naval Hospital where he remained until January 1951. He was promoted to major January 1, 1951. In 1962, he attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks PA, and also that year received a M.A. in Political Science from George Washington University, while stationed at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. There he was awarded the Legion of Merit and promoted to colonel July 1, 1964. He was assigned as Action Officer to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, serving in the latter capacity until February 1967. In February of 1967 General Houghton took command of the 5th Marine Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. During that period he commanded the 5th Marines, from which he was awarded the Navy Cross, a gold star in lieu of a second Silver Star Medal and two gold stars in lieu of a second and third Purple Heart Medal. He was subsequently assigned as Assistant Chief of Staff Third Marine Amphibious Force until February of 1968, and for this service he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Legion of Merit. Upon return to the United States, General Houghton was assigned as Executive Officer, G-l Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, in April 1968, and promoted to the rank of brigadier general on August 21, 1968. In May 1972 he was assigned as Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, (Honolulu, HI), and in October 1972, he was assigned as Commanding General, Marine Corps base, Twenty-nine Palms, CA. He was promoted to the rank of major general on April 2, 1973, and assumed command of the First Marine Division (Camp Pendleton, CA) on May 1, 1973, and then Third Marine Division (Okinawa, Japan) on August 23, 1974, including the Third Marine Amphibious Force, Okinawa. He assumed duty as Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA., in August 1975, serving in this capacity until his retirement on November 1, 1977. His combat decorations from actions in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, include: the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, and several commendation and campaign medals during his 35-plus years of service in the Marine Corps. Immediately after retirement General Houghton worked another 22 years with local defense contractors Cubic Corporation and Applied Data Technology, before finally retiring in 1999. Major General Houghton is survived by his four children: Pamela Robles of Honolulu, HI, Penelope Dudek of Solana Beach, CA, Samuel Houghton of San Clemente, CA, and Kenneth Houghton of Kapaa, HI and six grandchildren. Services at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Monday, April 3rd, 11:30 a.m. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

quote:

Originally posted by gysgtusmcrret:
General Houghton promoted me to Sergeant when I shot high man onthe range with Lima 3/7 in 1973. They closed the range after firing and the general's chopper landed between the 300 and 500 yard lines. The two highest shooters were paraded before the general, who borrowed rank insignia fron other Marines. He took off my Corporal chevrons, pinned on the Sergeant chevrons and shook my hand. Later that day, the Company Gunny told me to take them off because I had not yet received a warrant but the CO said "the General pinned them on and I'm not taking them off!" I had the warrant the next morning and I still have it to this day. God bless General Houghton!!!

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Major Charles May USMC (Ret), 86, Temecula, CA (WWII/Korea)

North County Times.com - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County Obituaries

By: DAVID FRIED - Staff Writer
Last modified Monday, March 20, 2006 6:43 PM PST

Temecula Marine lived to serve

TEMECULA ---- Service, whether to his country, community or family, guided Charles May's life.

The former Marine, park ranger and father of five --- who was married for 61 years --- commanded respect, but lived to serve.

May died on Wednesday. He was 86.

"He was the toughest old guy that I have ever seen," said his son, Chip May, 56. "He just had a will to live and a determination to do the right thing."

That determination came from May's experience early in life.

Born Sept. 6, 1919, in Springfield, Ill., May was the youngest child, and only son, of Frank and Flora Cornelius May.

During the Great Depression, May moved to Galveston, Texas, with his mother, stepfather and four older sisters. After his mother's death, he bounced around, living with various family members and looking for work.

But May found his true home when he enlisted in the Marine Corps reserves in 1938.

"To him, the Marines were a family," said Mary Lee Malone, 60, his oldest daughter. "He was totally a Marine, through and through."

May served 22 years in the Marines, fighting in World War II and Korea and rising to the rank of major before retiring in 1960. During his service, May was awarded the Navy-Marine Corps Medal, Korean Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

In 1942, May landed on the island of Guadalcanal, where he witnessed the first battles in the six-month campaign unfold from his post atop a hillside.

"He didn't realize until many years later that it was one of the biggest battles during World War II," Malone said.

May finished high school only after enlisting in the Marine Corps reserves, but developed a voracious appetite for learning. During his time in the service, he took multiple correspondence courses and earned certificates in everything from history to hotel management, his daughter Cecelia Payne recalled.

"He said they were running out of classes," Payne said. "He had taken them all."

After retiring from the Marines, May worked for 13 years as ranger for the California State Parks and Recreation Department, where he helped oversee the development of Silverwood Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains.

The transition from Marine to ranger was a natural one for May, who had learned to thrive in the outdoors, and was filled with a sense of pride when putting on his public uniform.

"He always used to say there's nothing better than serving your country," Payne said. "It was a great honor for him."

At home, May commanded the respect due a lifelong public servant, but was also a soft-spoken father, his children said, Despite being strict, he was always willing to listen and tend to the needs of his children and wife, Mary.

"He was every girl's dream for a father," Malone said.

Contact staff writer David Fried at (760) 740-5416 or dfried@nctimes.com.



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SgtMaj George Salaris USMC (ret), 84, Bartow, FL

quote:

Originally posted by GyBill:
George Salaris, age 84, of Bartow, Fla., previously a longtime resident of Newtown, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, March 29, 2006 after a brief illness. Mr. Salaris was born in Sabraton, W.V., on May 20, 1921. After graduating from Morgantown High School in 1940, he went to work as a chemist for Bethlehem Steel, in Sparrows Point, Maryland. In July 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served honorably during World War II, including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Iwo Jima. After the war, he was assigned to the Navy Special Devices Center in Port Washington, New York. There, he met his wife Grace and the couple was married in 1948. Mr. Salaris served in Korea and Vietnam before retiring from the Marine Corps in 1965 as a Sergeant Major. Throughout his long and distinguished military career, Mr. Salaris was particularly proud of several events, witness to the flag raising on Iwo Jima, witnessing the atomic weapons testing in Nevada and serving as the sergeant of the Guard for President Truman on the Battleship Missouri. On the 20th anniversary of Iwo Jima, Mr. Salaris proudly appeared on the Today Show as the Marine Corp's representative. In 1965, the Salaris family took up residence in Newtown and Mr. Salaris went to work for Connecticut DMV. Following 22 years of service with the DMV, he retired and moved to Bartow, Florida. He was a member of American Legion Post #3 and attended St.Thomas Catholic Church in Bartow. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Grace DeVito Salaris; son, Michael Salaris and his wife, Beth, of Sandy Hook; daughter, Christina Salaris of Quinton, Virginia; three grandchildren, Catherine, George (Jeremy) and Anthony Salaris of Sandy Hook; brother, Steve Salaris; and sister, Ann Newmon of Baltimore, Md.; and a multitude of close and wonderful relatives and friends. Graveside services and interment will be held at the Newtown Village Cemetery on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 3 p.m. Friends are invited.

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Bobby D. Sparks, 69, Tallahassee, FL

quote:

Originally posted by GyBill:
Bobby D. Sparks, 69, a retired executive in the textile industry, died Saturday, April 1, 2006. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty R. Sparks. The service will be at 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday at the chapel of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road (850-877-8191). Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Bobby and his family made Tallahassee their home in 1969. He was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather who cherished his family above all else. He was born in Atlanta to Estee Sparks and Lillie Mae Sparks. He took pride in his Marine Corps service with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division FMF. Other survivors include his mother, Lillie Mae Sparks; a daughter, Barbara Collins
(and husband Ben); and two beautiful grandchildren, Cody and Ginni. All are of Tallahassee. His father preceded him in death.

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The Olympian Online - Obituaries
Appeared: 2006-04-12

Staff Sergeant Abraham George Twitchell



Staff Sergeant Abraham George Twitchell was born on January 20, 1978 in Olympia, Washington, the fifth of six children and the third son. He attended Lakes and Woodland Elementary Schools and Yelm Middle and High Schools. He participated in soccer and wrestling before starting work at the age of 16 at the Yelm Highway Safeway, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps before graduating in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and their three children, Zachery (age 12), Zane (age 8), and Makenzy (age 8 1/2 months); mother, Mary Anne, and "Pop", Ray Ross; father, Maurice Twitchell, and his wife, Eileen; sisters, Sara Nichols (Curt), Amy Wenschoff (Chris), and Katie Bergfeld (Rick); brothers, Jim (Jennifer) and Brian Twitchell; nephews, Mike, Brandon, Dalton, and Tyler; niece, Elizabeth; grandparents, Jim and Betty Grange and Mildred Ross; and extended family, Chris and Janel Ross, Chris and LaRetta Ross Martin, Austin Martin, and LaRae Ross. Abe was assigned to the Combat Service Support Group 1, 1st Marines Logistic Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, in Twenty-Nine Palms, California. He was an armorer customizing pistols and rifles for action in Iraq. On February 8, 2006, he was deployed with the Combat Logistics Battalion 7, supplying ammunition and weapons in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died on April 2, 2006 near al Asad, Iraq. Abe has a lengthy heritage of military men, including two World War II-veteran grandfathers: Grandpa Grange, a paratrooper, and Grandfather Twitchell, a medic who died in France. "Abe the Babe" had an infectious smile and lots of energy. He loved playing with his big boy toys, breaking them and fixing them -- your classic redneck. He loved his job in the Marines, second only to the loves of his life, Stephanie and their family. He worked hard, played hard, and touched many lives in his 28 years. He will be remembered as a remarkable son, brother, husband, father, friend, and patriot -- a proud Marine who served our country with valor, integrity, and honor. The family is grateful for all of the support from friends and communities throughout the country. The service for Abe will be on Saturday, April 15, 2006, at 1:00 p.m. at the Woodlawn Funeral Home in Lacey. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Abe Twitchell Benevolent Fund may be made at any Boeing Employees Credit Union (B.E.C.U.) branch or at any member of the shared branch network. You may leave memories or condolences for the family at: www.woodlawnfh.net.



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GySgt Michael Keith Hodges USMC, 36, Mobile, AL (Desert Storm)

montgomeryadvertiser.com Obituaries for 04/12/2006

HODGES, Michael Keith

HODGES, Michael Keith, 36, a resident of Mobile, AL, died Sunday, April 9, 2006 from an accident.

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 11:00 AM at Leak-Memory Chapel.

Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Michael was in ROTC at Lanier and joined the Marines in 1988. He served in Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf and remained in the Marines until 2004 and resigned as a Highly Decorated Gunnery Sergeant and resided in Mobile, AL.

He leaves behind a loving family, parents Ray and Mildred Hodges, sister, Cheryl (Douglas), three brothers, Carl (Nicki), Scott (Della) and Derrick (Kim); his fisnce', April Smith; nine nieces and nephews and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be Brad Ruud, Randy D'Olimpio, Patrick Free, Brian Mahone, Willie Durham and Robbie Gillespie.

Visitation will be at Leak-Memory Chapel on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at LeakMemory Chapel from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

To send condolences to the family please visit www.mem.com. Leak-Memory Chapel Directing.

quote:

Originally posted by booksbenji:

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Cpl Gene Presly Martin USMC, 81, Olympia, WA (WWII/Korea)

The Olympian Online - Obituaries Appeared: 2006-04-12

Gene Presly Martin



In loving memory of Gene Presly Martin, who was born on February 10, 1925 in Napavine, Washington and passed away on April 9, 2006, in Olympia, Washington, with his family at his side.

A resident of Olympia, he lived at 3840 Sleater-Kinney Road for over 20 years.

He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War, was honorably discharged from active duty on January 22, 1946, and was released from the Reserves on October 6, 1951. He earned the rank of Corporal and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Gene retired from his career as an electrical inspector for the State of Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, and one daughter. He is survived by his siblings, Robert Martin, of Centralia, Washington, and Marie Compos, of Queens Creek, Arizona; his remaining children, Judith Wilks, of Bentonville, Arkansas, James Martin, of Puyallup, Washington, Jolee Ray, of Chandler, Arizona, Katie Taylor, of Olympia, Washington, Daniel Martin, of Henderson, Nevada, and Gay Duke, of Spokane, Washington; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday, April 14, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sticklin Funeral Chapel in Centralia.

Visitation will precede the service between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.




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James H. "Jimmy" Westbrook USMCR, 59, Columbus, GA

montgomeryadvertiser.com Obituaries for 04/12/2006

James H. "Jimmy" Westbrook

WESTBROOK, James H. "Jimmy", 59, passed away Monday, April 10, 2006 at his residence in Columbus, GA.

Jimmy was a Product Specialist with Kodak Polychrome Graphics for 24 years, served in the USMC Reserves and was a member of the Grand Masonic Lodge in Texas.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday from 6-8pm at McMullen Funeral Home in Columbus, GA and also at Southern Memorial Funeral Home from 1-2pm on Thursday.

Graveside Services will follow at 3pm in Montgomery Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Charles Francisco officiating.

He was preceded in death by his father, Laslie B. Westbrook. Survivors include his mother, Jonnie Pope Westbrook of Montgomery, AL; his wife, Andrea "Tibi" Westbrook of Columbus, GA; daughters, Tracy Westbrook Henderson (Jim) of Lawrenceville, GA and Dusty Westbrook Mealor (Bud) of Columbus, GA; maternal grandmother, Lura Merle "Big Mama" Pope of Montgomery, AL; brother, Don Westbrook (Cece) of Dadeville, AL and grandchildren, Amanda Henderson & Tyler Henderson, both of Lawrenceville, GA and Jackson Mealor of Columbus, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, 1300 Wynnton Road, Suite #108, Columbus, GA 31908. Southern Memorial Directing.



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Robert Lee Bright, 60, Garberville, CA

quote:

Originally posted by GyBill:
Robert Lee Bright

Wild man: the toughest of the tough and the baddest of the bad.

Robert Lee Bright, born December 2, 1945. Passed away at home with his family Monday night, April 10th, at the age of sixty.

He was born in Beaumont, Texas. Later his family settled in San Diego, where he attended Chulla Vista High School. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S.M.C. He served four years with the 3rd Marine Corps Division in Vietnam, he was honorably discharged. After returning to California, he joined the Hells Angels and spent a decade with his brothers in the club before retiring to Southern Humboldt County to raise his family.

He lived a very full life and will be remembered and survived by his daughters, Erica, Crystal, Laura and Lucy; his wife, Cheryl; sons-in-law, Mike Thomas and Leland Salomon; grandchildren, Eric, Jeno, Christina, Kylee, Anjoliena, Regina, Leland, Robert; and his nephew, Bobby. He was preceded by his loving parents, Kenneth and Marie Bright.

May his family and brothers remember his good attitude towards life, his advise and everything about him that made him one of a kind.

Service to be held Friday April 14, 2006, at 3:00 P.M. at the Veteran Memorial building, 483 Conger, Garberville, CA.

REST IN PEACE

Wild

Intelligent

Loved Harley’s, smoke, rum and coke, chocolate cake and Cadillac’s

Dad

Marine, mentor

Awesome

Never will there be another


Arrangements under the direction of Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary, Fortuna.

Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SgtCyns_New_Beginning,

This is the final itinerary for Lance Cpl. Stephen J. Perez, 22. of San Antonio, TX. He was killed in combat action 13 April 2006 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was a member of the 1sr Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

SERVICES ARE SATURDAY 22 APRIL 2006; AT 0900 hrs.

St Anthony Catholic Church Hs Campus Chapel
3200 McCullough Ave. San Antonio, TX

Weather forecast, a blend of sun and clouds. Winds from the ESE at 14 mph. High: 85 F.
Dress accordingly, Iron Horses if you can. Bring flag poles and flags if you have them; flags on bikes would be great, but if you are in a cage, bring your big flags and any extras that you might have.

San Antonio staging site and time:
We will meet at the H.E.B. grocery store parking lot on the corner of loop 1604 and HWY 281 (north side of San Antonio) from 0715 to 0745. It is a huge parking lot so there will be plenty of parking. Plus it is a straight shot down hwy 281 to our exit for the church. I recommend everyone topping off with fuel prior to meeting up here since once we leave you might not have time to get fuel later during the mission.

If you are coming from the south on Hwy 281 north you will exit at the "Loop 1604" exit and the parking lot will be on your right at the light.

For those coming from the south and don't want to go all the way north and then come back south, you can meet us at the vacant grocery store parking lot at Hwy 281 north and N. St Mary's St. As you come up on hwy 281 north from the south, exit N. St Mary's St and go under Hwy 281 ( left) and the vacant parking lot will be on your immediate right after you go under the highway. We will then meet up with you there at about 0800. But there are no services there, just an empty parking lot so come prepared.

Departure:
All members are requested to complete the Liability Releases prior to safety briefing. The safety briefing will begin at 0730. Departure (KSU) for St Anthony Catholic Church High School Campus Chapel will commence at 0745. This is about 13 miles from staging site. We will be traveling south on hwy 281 and exit at N. St Mary's St / Mulberry avenue exit. All bikes will present a uniform appearance. Once we exit from hwy 281 and stay on the access/feeder road, between Mulberry street and N. St Mary's Avenue there is a vacant grocery store parking lot on the right in which we will pull in to let the bike flags be unfurled for the ride to the church which will be a few miles away.

The ride to the Ft Sam Houston National Cemetary will be a fairly short ride, under 10 miles from the church.

Also, remain flexible as to mission requirements during the day.

Please remember that our mission is to respect and honor this fallen soldier and his family. Stand tall and proud as we salute this hero and his family for their great sacrifice.

This Mission is part of a three-part Mission for Capt Ian Weikel. The Memorial will be in Temple Texas on Sunday, April 23rd. Please contact your members to gather and show our respects for another Fallen Hero.



Temple/Killeen members. Special attention thrown your way!
This Mission is posted in the Confirmed Missions folder as a Colorado Mission.


As Bear says "though we gather for the worst of reasons, we ride for the best of causes".



DoD Identifies Army Casualty



The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



Capt. Ian P. Weikel, 31, of Colorado, died in Balad, Iraq on April 18, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations in Baghdad. Weikel was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.



Heads up Texas we have another Confirmed Mission.



This Mission is for Capt. Ian Weikel. The first part of this Mission will be a Memorial Service with Military Honors at the Temple Bible Church, Temple, TX on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 1800 hours.



The second part of this Mission will be a Memorial Service Colorado Springs, CO. The third and last part of the Mission will be his burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

400 family members, grateful Americans and friends attend local Marine's funeral

Thursday, April 20, 2006

By Courtney Greve
Staff writer

A father clutched the precious discovery that fell from between the pages of his slain son's journal.

The slip of paper — a tattered prayer card with words of faith, duty and honor — offered lasting proof Marine Lance Cpl. Philip Martini believed in his mission.

The 24-year-old soldier had carried the card on two Iraq tours and a tsunami-relief assignment. His family found the journal, the card tucked inside, at the bottom of the Marine's duffle bag.

With a clear voice, the father with the same name stood at the pulpit and read:

"Glorious St. Joseph, obtain for me the grace to … work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations … with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death."

"This obviously meant a lot to Phil," the father said of his son's simple possession. He kept it close to his heart.

"Through his journal, we got to see Phil grow and become such a fine, outstanding individual," he said. "I thank you all for honoring my son today."

More than 400 relatives, friends and grateful Americans attended a funeral Wednesday for Martini, a 2000 graduate of Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing.

Martini — a former football and baseball standout with smiling eyes and an easy grin — was killed by sniper fire April 8 in the Al Anbar region of Iraq.

With a melancholy song, a bagpiper passed a wall of veterans carrying more than 75 American flags and led a hearse to the doors of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in South Holland.

Martini's girlfriend sobbed. A breeze blew through a windchime adorned with angels. The Marine's friends held hands and wept.

Eight Marines unloaded the casket and carried it into the chapel, where Martini's father, his mother, Laura, and his youngest brother, Joseph, sat stoically in the first pew.

Martini's older brothers, Anthony and James, were in the next row, their bodies leaning forward, their hands pressed together in prayer.

The Rev. Jim Louis described Martini as devoted to his family and adored by his friends.

"For his strength, truth, generosity and good humor, we give thanks," Louis said.

Martini found his life's purpose when facing the "disaster, danger and human suffering" of the battlefield, the priest said.

"He knew himself better then than at any other time of his life," Louis said. "He bore the final drama of his life by carrying the cross he was given."

Louis said Martini saw in his beloved Chicago Bears what he hoped to gain in life: "success and pride, even that which comes at a cost, a cost he was not afraid to pay."

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn called Martini an "All-American hero."

"He had a servant's heart," Quinn said. "We'd all be well-advised to emulate his service to humanity."

As the Mass came to a close, the Marine pallbearers rose and one by one gave their fallen comrade a slow salute.

Philip Martini reached into his shirt and grasped his son's dogtags during the hushed tribute.

Similar signs of respect could be seen along the two-hour, 40-mile procession — with a trail of cars stretching for at least a mile — from South Holland to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

On Cottage Grove Avenue near Holy Cross Church, a mother cradled a child on her hip and covered her heart with her hand.

Police officers from at least a half-dozen towns stopped traffic and stood at attention until the funeral group passed. Commuters and truck drivers waved flags.

At the cemetery, those who wanted one final goodbye were greeted by sunshine and a soft breeze.

Seven riflemen fired volleys.

Taps rang out.

Then with graceful, precise movements, the Marine pallbearers folded the American flag draped over the slain soldier's casket and presented it, along with a Purple Heart medal, to Martini's mother.

"Another Marine is now guarding the streets of heaven," the priest said.

Courtney Greve may be reached at cgreve@dailysouthtown.com or (708) 633-5983.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcques J. Nettles, 22, of Beaverton, Ore., died April 2, when the truck he was riding in rolled over in a flash flood near Al Asad, Iraq. Nettles was previously listed as Duty Status - Whereabouts Unknown. His body was recovered April 16. He was assigned to 1st Combat Logistics Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.




PGR notified

Good God Almighty.

The age of these kids; even for the officers.

I won't be able to sleep for at least several nights.

I cannot comment further.

Semper Fidelis Marines.

"if the Army or the Navy,

er'er looks on Heaven's scenes,

they find the streets are gaurded,

by United States Marines...

As of today:

U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: 2387
Reported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation:3
Total 2390

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



Lance Cpl. Aaron W. Simons, 20, of Modesto, Calif., died April 24 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.



Media with questions about this Marine can call the Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-5476