thedrifter
05-07-06, 07:46 AM
First Coast Marine Honored by His Platoon
By Angela WilliamsFirst Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A marine platoon comes together to honor and remember one of their own. Corporal John Stalvey was killed when a roadside bomb struck his humvee a few months ago.
At the time of his funeral, his platoon was still deployed overseas, but said visiting his gravesite became their top priority.
"I wouldn't miss this day for nothing," says Jeremy Riddle, a member of Stalvey's platoon.
He and several others drove six hours from North Carolina to Brunswick, Georgia, to honor and remember their fellow marine.
"He was a man of faith, he carried that on his shoulder, not only was he a good dude, a good guy to hang out with, he was a warrior for our country," says Riddle.
His mother says seeing her son's platoon is like having them bring him home to her again.
"You have to know them, you have to know who he was with and now I know they will be apart of our lives," says Crystal Merillat, John's mother.
Marines from Stalvey's platoon describe him as a warrior who relied on his strength and faith, someone they could lean on and trust.
Even those who never physically met Stalvey say they know his memory will live on through all of them.
"He gave his life so we can have a great life, so we can not waste that," says First Sgt. David Devenny.
"He's not just another face, he's a special guy, someone you are going to tell stories about and remember forever," says Riddle.
Created: 5/6/2006 10:10:07 PM
Updated: 5/6/2006 10:28:24 PM
Edited by Angela Williams, reporter
Ellie
By Angela WilliamsFirst Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A marine platoon comes together to honor and remember one of their own. Corporal John Stalvey was killed when a roadside bomb struck his humvee a few months ago.
At the time of his funeral, his platoon was still deployed overseas, but said visiting his gravesite became their top priority.
"I wouldn't miss this day for nothing," says Jeremy Riddle, a member of Stalvey's platoon.
He and several others drove six hours from North Carolina to Brunswick, Georgia, to honor and remember their fellow marine.
"He was a man of faith, he carried that on his shoulder, not only was he a good dude, a good guy to hang out with, he was a warrior for our country," says Riddle.
His mother says seeing her son's platoon is like having them bring him home to her again.
"You have to know them, you have to know who he was with and now I know they will be apart of our lives," says Crystal Merillat, John's mother.
Marines from Stalvey's platoon describe him as a warrior who relied on his strength and faith, someone they could lean on and trust.
Even those who never physically met Stalvey say they know his memory will live on through all of them.
"He gave his life so we can have a great life, so we can not waste that," says First Sgt. David Devenny.
"He's not just another face, he's a special guy, someone you are going to tell stories about and remember forever," says Riddle.
Created: 5/6/2006 10:10:07 PM
Updated: 5/6/2006 10:28:24 PM
Edited by Angela Williams, reporter
Ellie