Helo crash in Iraq

[mrbsox]

A tragedy to loose 1 Marine
But 30...


My heart may not have enough tears.

Rest in Peace, my devil dog Brothers !!

[thedrifter]

Rest In Peace


"Old Glory in Heaven"

Unknown Author


Lord, in this land that was founded
on Your Righteous and Holy name,
We all understand the gruesome reality,
when playing war's deadly games.


But I have one request Lord,
Please, just hear me until I'm through;
We know Lord from the past
that death in war is true.


So for the Sailor that meets his fate,
can You give him a special place,
For it's the salted air of the seas he needs,
to feel upon his face.


Can You place them on a heavenly ship,
so they can once again feel the rolling of the waves,
A special place so they'll know,
we appreciate all they gave.


And Lord, for that Pilot that failed to return,
from his last mission in war's quest,
Please give him angel's unfailing wings,
we know Lord, Yours are best.


He has the need to see the view
always from way up high,
But most of all Lord, let him know,
his memory will never die.


The Soldiers, Lord, that find the gate,
please give them what they need;
A moments rest, and a quiet thought,
and an angel to mend what bleeds.


They have the instinct to always defend-
so a field to watch over,
A running stream of milk and honey,
and a patch of soft warm clover.


Now Lord, about those Marines,
I know they're quite rowdy and rough,
But that's just because they are considered
to be so dog-gone tough.


Just throw them in among the rest
and watch how high they fly,
And listen for their basic yell,
it will be something like "Semper Fi".


Lord, I have but one final request;
it's Old Glory they must all see,
So they'll know they won the battle
in this war to keep us free.


Lord, each morning as those Colors rise,
they'll salute her with pride,
Remind them,Lord, every day,
that it was with honor that they died.






Ellie

[jinelson]

I too feel great pain and sadness in this terrible news from Iraq. May they live on in the Corps and may God comfort there families.

This is so tragic its hard to bear.

[bigwalt]

My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow brothers and sisters and their familes. Rest In Peace.

[jinelson]

Thanks for adding that Ellie it gave me strength in this time of sorrow.

Jim

[USMC-FO]

Painful and very tragic.....May our brothers rest in peace.

Semper Fidelis !

[MillRatUSMC]

What words can we say?

Day is done ...


Gone the sun ...


From the lakes...


From the hills


From the sky ...


All is well ...


Safely rest...


God is nigh ..

Fading light ...


Dims the sight ...


And a star...


Gems the sky


Gleaming bright ...


From afar ...


Drawing nigh ...

Falls the night


Thanks and praise ...


For our days ...


Neath the sun ...


Neath the stars...


Neath the sky ...


As we go ....


This we know ...


God is nigh

---

THINK OF ME

You know you cannot bring me back


You know that I am gone


I walk the streets of heaven now


It’s my eternal home


But think of me now and then


Just as you do today


Remember that I died for you


So America could stay


A land where men are equal


A land where men are free


A land I lived and died for


When you think of Freedom


Think of me

---

I shall pass through this world, but once.


Any good therefore that I can do,


Or any kindness that I can show to any human being,


Let me do it now.


Let me not defer or neglect it,


For I shall never pass this way again.


~ Author Unknown ~

---

"I salute you, my brother, my sister.


I salute your life.


I salute the way you lived.


I salute your sacrifice.


I will always be in your debt."


~ Author Unknown ~

Semper Fidelis/Semper Fi


Ricardo

[Toby M]

Your journey is over Marines...may God rest your souls! My condolences to all the families.

[sgtmgangel]

My fiance, Sgt.Matthew Getts is in Al Asad right now. He flies on the CH53's and this morning when I heard the news, I just about had a heart attack. I am so worried! I know in my heart he is fine, but I need to hear his voice. For all of those who have lost, I pray for you each and every second of the day. You are all loved and supported. If anyone in San Diego needs any help please let me know. I love you all and I am so proud!

Shayne

[greensideout]

Hello? This is war! Marines are going to die in combat till this war is over.

[mrbsox]

God almighty has a special place for those that live, and die, an honorable life.
God almighty has a special way, of consoleing those that are left behind. A way that far surpasses the words of mortal man.

You trust your heart, that he is OK.
Then also you should trust that his will is done for the greater good.

Thank you for your 'love and support', allow us to do the same.

Terry

[sgtmgangel]

Greensideout,
I know about war and death. I realize people are going to die!!! Thanks for the support!!!

mrbsox - I really appreciate your words of encouragement! It's just what I needed to hear. Thank you!

[greensideout]

If that was meant for me Terry, that was my love and support.

As long as there is a war, Marines are going to die!

I respect and honor the fallen Marines and send my respects to their loved ones but the fact of war remains.

[thedrifter]

Condolences Offered to Families of 31 Crash Victims
Submitted by: American Forces Press Service
Story Identification #: 200512763756
Story by - Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample



WASHINGTON (Jan. 26, 2005) -- The tragic helicopter crash in western Iraq today claimed the lives of 30 Marines and one sailor, confirmed Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, commanding general of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, in a statement from Iraq.

"While we mourn the loss of these heroes we will honor their sacrifice by continuing our mission to bring democracy to the people of Iraq," Sattler said in offering condolences to the families of those killed when their CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopter crashed near Ruthbah in the Anbar province.

"To the families of these brave men, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you in this most difficult time," he said.

The general said the helicopter, from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, was transporting personnel from the 1st Marine Division when it went down. Those killed were on a mission conducting security and stability operations.

"All Marines, sailors and airmen of the I Marine Expeditionary Force mourn the tragic loss of our brothers in arms," Sattler said.

The service members were on "a routine mission in support of the elections," said Army Gen. John Abizaid, commander of U.S. Central Command, today when he and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld met briefly with reporters after testifying to the House Armed Services Committee on Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I think it's a dangerous environment that we operate in Iraq; we all understand that," Abizaid said. "And again, our condolences to the families."

Sattler said a recovery team is at the site and that the cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Abizaid noted that the weather in western Iraq was bad.

"We don't know of any enemy action," he said. "The investigation continues. There will have to be more that comes out of this to learn what happened."

Names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of family.

Ellie

[sgtmgangel]

Thank you so much! I just heard from my CH53 Marine. I appreciate the kind words! I send my love to all who have lost and all who are still there.