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Benjamin Colgan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Colgan
Lynne Neibert
April 16, 2013
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your loved one's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift which will be mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
August 28, 2012
Learning about the life, and legacy of Ben Colgan on this day. He is still respected and honored.
Peggy Childers
November 2, 2011
November 1, 2011
To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Benjamin J. Colgan:
Please accept my remembrance of Benjamin on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
November 1, 2010
To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Benjamin J. Colgan:
Remembering Benjamin on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna
December 7, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
In Memory of Benjamin ~ (Debra Estep)
November 1, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Benjamin, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
November 1, 2008
To the family of 2nd Lt. Benjamin J. Colgan:
Benjamin gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Lorraine Colgan-Eckard
February 7, 2008
I'm so sorry that you never got the chance to see your children grow up. I'm certain we are cousins somehow, so I hope we'll meet on the other side. Thank you for giving us the ultimate sacrifice.
November 26, 2007
You are remembered and respected. Thank you 2nd Lt Colgan!
August 6, 2007
I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY
July 7, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by 2nd Lt Colgan and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Jim Beverly
April 27, 2007
I wish I could find the words to emote the feelings and lessons I received from this monumental soldier and leader. Lt. Colgan was a pillar of strength, perseverance and endurance in a hostile and unforgiving environment. To this day I can see his smile, hear his laugh, and his words of leadership and direction echo in my mind. He left an imprint in each and every one of us in that squad of Tomb Raiders, and in our deeds, our accomplishments, all of which are owed to his influence, as we pass what he gave us on to our troops, and preserve his lessons and memory down through the lines and ranks, Lt. Colgan will live forever.
Gary Allain
April 10, 2007
2nd Lt. Benjamin J. Colgan
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
Tim Irvin
December 6, 2006
I had the honor of learning from Ben at during OBC. My children played with his children at class events. He was wise beyond his years. He was the student everyone looked to for advice. I can't believe it has been so long. The loss of Ben will hurt for a long time. But thru his service and many others like him victory will be achieved. Thanks Ben.
Laura Cameron
September 10, 2006
To the family and friends
I have only just begun this journey and may not have known your loved one personally.
I extend to you my deepest condolences. No words will ever express the grief those close to this lost treasure are feeling. I can only say that I can share this grief as I too lost a loved one July 8, 2006. I will continue to pray for the safety of our soldiers and especially the family and friends of our lost hero’s. I only hope the memories will carry us through. I will continue pray that you also will believe and know that our heavenly father will not give us more than we can handle.
As always I read (and cry) through the memorials of our lost hero’s, So many people have already expressed the things I would also say. I am amazed and take comfort that so many people care. I can only thank you for the sacrifice you and especially Benjamin have made to protect our country. As others have said “I am only an email away.” I would be honored if you so choose to share about this fine man.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Laura Cameron
(CPL Joseph P Micks KIA 7/8/2006 Ramadi, Iraq)
James Gaskins
June 13, 2006
You will not be forgotten. Thank you for giving your life for me and the rest of the free world. God bless you, Ben
Cara Folkers
April 9, 2006
My husband served with Lt Colgan at Gunner Palace in Iraq. Tim talked about what a great man Lt Colgan was and how he had the most sincere respect and admiration for him. He was a wonderful man and had a great effect on many many people
jimmy mora
March 21, 2006
IM SORRY FOR HUSBAND LOSS YOU MUST HAD LOVE HIM EVERYDAY AND YOUR CHILDS MUST BE BEUTIFUL.PEACE BE WITH YOU. SINCERELY, JIMMY MORA, CORAL SPRINGS FL.
Tammy
January 31, 2006
I watched Gunner's Palace and was deeply moved by the death of Ben Colgan, my prayers and blessings have gone out for his family and I am thankful for his bravery and contribution to our country. May the love and favor of Jesus Christ rest upon his family always. God Bless.
Brigade CSM Patrick Douglas
January 31, 2006
I had the honor of Playing the Bagpipes at Bens Memorial Service in Gunners Palace, Iraq. I remember that it was very hard to play, as I was crying along with all the rest of the soldiers. I have recently made arraingments to display the Bagpipes at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in Newburg NY in honor of both our Purple hearts.
William Pearson
November 11, 2005
Today is a sad day for me. I lost my best friend 1LT Owen Mc Candlis,,1970 married, two children. He was killed in Hue, Vietnam. I was detailed to escort his body home. I was a1LT Infantry,Ranger. I'm 60 years old now.....but seeing Ben's name brings sadness. I'm sorry he died.My sympathy and condolences to you and his children and family.
John Wilcox
November 1, 2005
Ben I will never forget
Semper Fi!
Erick Vallejo
October 28, 2005
Thank you for giving me freedom. I admired your dedication to our country. I do not know you, I'm a total stranger but heard of your passing. It brings me joy to know that at least you are in place where theres no tears, sorrow, pain, or suffering. I will always be gratefull for your bravery. Thank you also to your loving wife and children who because of them made you the noble, humble, human being that you were.
Dan Colgan
September 6, 2005
Mr. and Mrs. Colgan and Jill,
You do not know me and I must attest that I did not know your son and simply found out about your loss while perusing the internet for Colgan's. That being said, I am a true admirer of our military men and women and the sacrifices that they are making to protect me and my family. Now that I have come to know the name of your son and husband, I have a new and even more rejuvenated respect since there is one with my name who has given the ultimate sacrifice. I understand you are not in support of the action in Iraq but please let me thank you for raising a son in whom we can all look up to. A man who understood what it truly means to be an American.
Please take some consolation in the fact that there are many who will pray for you. May the Lord Jesus hold you close and help you through this loss.
Thank you
Dan Colgan
Robin Ann Walker
July 12, 2005
I always wanted to express my sympathy about Ben. I've just found out about this board & want to take a minute to do so. I wish I'd had the chance to know Ben. My son, Sky, did. He used to tell me about his Lt./friend he bunked with in Iraq. I don't believe I'd ever heard my son speak so highly of someone before in his life. This man - Ben...my son once said he couldn't believe Ben was gone..."Ben was like Superman, Mom...nothing could happen to him." I read an article about Ben's wife, Jill. I was so touched & so completely amazed at her own bravery...that with all her grief, she was able to see a small, yet profound 'positive' in the way Ben left. I'll never forget it...she understood Ben's dedication to the service. She wrote, that had Ben passed in another way, her little girls would not have the delightful gift of being able to one day listen to their Daddy tell them stories and speak of his love for them as he was able to do on tapes he made while in Iraq. When I think of what Ben did for his little angels, it makes me cry. But it also helps me understand why my son loved & admired Ben so. He was a good & balanced young man to everyone he knew and to those whose path he crossed, if even momentarily. Ben's passing was very close to home for us...and when we think of Sky & Iraq, Ben is always in our thoughts, too. God Bless you, Jill, and your three little girls. Words can't ever do what we'd like them to do...but from all accounts, your husband was a most unusually, special person. What a lovely legacy he left behind! Take care & good luck to you. Robin Ann Walker
Sky Schermerhorn
June 4, 2005
There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of Ben and his impact on my life. Never before had I known such an all around exceptional individual. I served along his side in Iraq until the moment he was taken from us. Only just less than a year older than myself, I found Ben so remarkable that I looked to him as not only my platoon leader, but a mentor and a friend. I looked up to him because I saw so many beautiful and brilliant qualities that I believe most people would like to be able to see in themselves, but do not. Ben inspired me to be the best that I could be by showing me that it is possible to transcend the restraints that most of us seem to be so stunted by. Ben always strived to be the best that he could be, and incidently that was usually better than everyone around him. His excellance in all that he did was only shrouded by his humble and kind demeanor. He always listened to what you had to say and gave you the respect that you deserved. Somehow even in the presence of someone so obviously worth my admiration, I never felt insecure or threatened. On the contrary, I felt inspired. I do not think it is possible to dislike this man once you have experienced him. I can go on all day writing about the fond memories I have of our few months together. After reading what others have had to say here and in other forums, I know that I am only preaching to the choir. Ben I will always remember you and cherish you for your contributions to my life and the lives of all that you touched. I will miss you my friend. Tombraiders!!!
David Stark
May 30, 2005
This is my memory of Ben, albeit second hand, but a close second hand. My recollection of facts may be incorrect, but my emotions are as alive as they were the moment I learned of his death. My prayers havebeen and are with the all that were privileged to know and love Ben.
I live in the beautiful Southwest MO Ozark hills. My father, soon to be 89 yrs. old, used to own the last 40 acre remnant of a property that had been in the family since before the American Civil War. Both of my great-grandfathers fought in that war, one with Sherman. About five years ago my Dad quietly let it be known that the property was for sale. I hated to let it go outside the family, but when a young couple stopped by when Dad was out there, they asked him what he wanted for it and told him how beautiful the place was,he began to tell the history of the place. How in the early days of the war, my great grandfather Black, while patrolling the "Old Wire Road", the main link from Jefferson City, MO to Ft. Smith, AR, was just a mile from home, slipped out of line for 2 days for some home cooking, then rejoined...they were hooked. Only then did Dad learn that Ben Colgan was a young officer in the Army. The price was a little too high, but they told Dad that if it was still availaible after Ben got back from Germany to keep them in mind. Well it was, and after our family literaly falling in love with Ben & Jill and their child, Dad made them a deal and the papers were signed. The place they had driven by many times on a little road in Barry County MO was now theirs. Then Ben went back to Iraq. Jill, pregnant with their second child, was happy & hopeful for a quiet future for her family. Then Ben had to assume command after his groups'cmdr. was killed, given a field promotion and was killed trying to rescue troops after their Hummer was hit by a mine. We were all devasted. But Jill was not. He wasin the Time magazine "Man of the Year" issue that featured US soldiers. She is still sad but proud, as are we...as am I to have even be acquainted with such an ordinary guy that did such exraordinary things for the love of his fellow soldiers and more so, for his country.
Erin Woodman
December 23, 2003
I just finished reading the TIME article. I want to say that from the bottom of my heart I am so sorry for your loss. I am a stay at home mom to 3 kids around the ages of Ben's and cannot imagine your pain. I want to thank you for inspiring him to protect our country and my children. May you remember happy memories of him this holiday season.
E. Woodman
Jennifer Linehan-Smith
December 11, 2003
I went to school with Ben.In 8th grade we got the funniest people awarded to us in the yearbook. That fits Ben to a T. He was the funniest and nicest person you would ever meet. That smile and laugh will forever be in my mind. What a huge loss to our community and our country. My heart goes out to the family.
God bless,
Jennifer Linehan (now Smith)
Matt Rochefort
December 11, 2003
To Mr. and Mrs. Colgan and the Colgan family....
Please allow me to express my deepest sympathy and regret for the loss of your great son. I heard your story this morning here in Canada on CBC radio and was moved by it. I am the same age as your son, but believe me, that is where the similarities end. I cannot imagine what your son must have been faced with, or what you people have gone through. Your story has been an inspiration for me, in that I need to do more with my life, and for the world around me. Thank you for expressing yourselves so eloquently in that program this morning...your message was heard, and taken to heart. May you find some comfort and peace in this Christmas season.
Lucian Ilardi
December 10, 2003
I was a fellow LT in Baghdad and worked everyday with Ben. He was the greatest man I ever met, and I feel very fortunate to have known him. He was fearless and energetic, and I learned alot from him about being a leader. Ben's mark on me will stay in my heart forever.
Mark Rerecich
December 3, 2003
My heart goes out to the whole Colgan family, especially Steve, with whom I attended St. Philomena. I always remember that Ben was smiling all the time and clowning around. May he rest in the eternal peace of Christ.
Rachael O'Connell
December 3, 2003
Ben was the epitome of what soldiers and officers want to become. His leadership and personality inspired me. Even though I knew him only a short time, the memory of him will remain with me always. He will truly be missed. I am sorry for your loss. We will continue our fight, here, in his honor.
Warren Matlock
December 3, 2003
I served with Ben At Ft Leonard Wood, Mo while we were at OBC. He was a great officer and friend. he will be missed by all whose life he has touch.
Am Sykes
November 29, 2003
I worked at St. Phil's too many years ago to count, but the smile on Ben's face every day is a smile I will remember always. He and cousin Joey Rust were the angels with halos just a little off kilter. I was extremely touched at the memorial Mass today (it made me hug my grandchildren just a little closer) For Pat and Joe, what a wonderful feeling you must have inside as you have been shown how greatly loved your Ben was. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Am Sykes
JERRY SYKES
November 29, 2003
MR.AND MRS. COLGAN, THANK YOU FOR TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN TO HAVE GREAT HEARTS, AND STRONG LOYALTIES.
BEN WAS A HERO OF SORTS BEFORE THE ARMY, AND STILL ONE FOR DAYS TO COME.
Melanie Kelsey
November 27, 2003
I went to St. Phil's with Gina and I am very sorry for your loss.
Cathy Sterbens
November 24, 2003
Ben will be missed by many. His smile could make you forget your troubles and he will always remind me of that.
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