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Melvin Blazer Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Blazer
Charlie Gili
July 22, 2024
Hello,
We wanted to let your family and friends know that we are sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and some of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Melvin L. Blazer US Marine Staff Sergeant.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Harley
May 29, 2022
NFNLB
Brian Thomas
May 28, 2022
I will always remember Melvin. I have written about him and our time together in the Marines. Rest in Peace Brother. Semper Fi.
https://brianthomas.me/blog/this-day-is-special-to-me/
Michael Carroll
December 13, 2014
Michael t carroll
May 26, 2014
Still remembering you today and everyday.
SF
Harley
November 23, 2012
A true friend and warrior . Served with him at Parris Island . still have the Cover Block he made me .
Gysgt Spivey K.D
USMC Retired
June 10, 2012
To the family & friends os SSG Melvin Blazer, I offer my sorrow for the loss of your loved one. Although, some years have passed, I will perpetually be grateful for his military service.
Bless our soldiers!
Maria Livasy
May 28, 2012
My grandson, Paul Starner, served with SSgt Blazer in Iraq, he will never be forgotten!
Timothy Soignet (CWO Retired)
May 27, 2012
I served with SSgt Blazer at MCRD Parris Island. He is not forgotten! On this Day and Always!
Peggy Childers
December 12, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Melvin L. Blazer:
Please accept my remembrance of Melvin on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Shannon Williams-Austill
May 30, 2011
The flag is flying in the sky
A daily reminder of who and why
We sit here remembering them today
These heroes that now lie in their grave.
While here on earth, the bravest ones
A soldier, a mother, a daughter, a son
The father's who went far off to war
To ensure our safety and so much more
To keep our children happy and free,
Someone must do this job, you see
So, today remember the soldiers who served,
Because this is one thing they truly deserve.
The loved one's that they have left behind,
The Gold Star mothers, like your and mine
We honor them proudly, every day
Our American Soldier...Proud and Brave
By Shannon Williams-Austill
I want to thank this soldier for their sacrifice.
And, I wish to extend my deepest regards to the loved ones they have left behind. Their service to our nation, has not gone unnoticed. They are our heroes, who paid the ultimate price for us, and that is something that every American needs to be reminded of and remember everyday.
The freedom we all have, we have because of brave young men and women who made a choice to defend and serve.
Today, let me remember your loved one with you.
Peggy Childers
December 12, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Melvin L. Blazer:
Remembering Melvin 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
Donna Gillette
December 26, 2009
On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.
Kenna Larra
August 4, 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 you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,660 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!
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
Shannon Williams-Austill
May 26, 2009
With the passing of yet another Memorial Day weekend, I'm humbly reminded that our family is not the only Gold Star family in Oklahoma. I've set aside time today to reflect on the past and remember that your family has suffered the loss of their soldier. Thank you for this soldier's service and duty. As he will always be dearly missed because he payed the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life to protect our country and our freedom.
Sister of Spc. Jeffrey S. Henthorn (Balad, Iraq Feb. 8, 2005)
God bless this special soldier and his grieving loved ones. Be by their side in their time of need.
[email protected]
Shannon Williams-Austill
May 26, 2009
With the passing of yet another Memorial Day weekend, I'm humbly reminded that our family is not the only Gold Star family in Oklahoma. I've set aside time today to reflect on the past and remember that your family has suffered the loss of their soldier. Lance Cpl. Blair, thank you for you service and duty. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice...to protect our country and our freedom.
Sister of Spc. Jeffrey S. Henthorn (Balad, Iraq Feb. 8, 2005)
God bless this special soldier and his grieving loved ones. Be by their side in their time of need.
[email protected]
Peggy Childers
December 13, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Melvin L. Blazer:
Melvin 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
In Memory of Melvin ~ (Debra Estep)
December 12, 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 Melvin, 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
the Buck family
May 31, 2008
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Melvin L. Blazer, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family.
Donald Poolaw
May 26, 2008
How Bro just never forgot about you and your always here. Just returned so You will not be forgotten, Your bro Poolaw
Matthew Courtney
April 28, 2008
I've wanted to do this for a couple years. SSgt Blazer and I served at Marine Barracks Hawaii (Pearl Harbor) back in 92-94. He was a Corporal and I a Lance Cpl. We would race our motorcycles out the front gate after post from time to time. He was a "Marines Marine". In 1994 I rotated to 1st Battalion 3rd Marines at K-Bay and never saw Cpl Blazer again.
I left active duty in 1998. After September 11th I enlisted in the Marine Reserves 2nd Bn 24th Marines in Des Monies Iowa. We were activated in June of 2004. During our mobilization we trained at Camp Pendleton and during one particular exercise we went to Riverside, CA March Air Force Base to Conduct Stability and Support Operations. I was tasked as part of the training to take a patrol out into the "town" and meet with an "Iraqi Sheik". The Iraqi's in our training town were Marine role players from the local units. I couldn't believe it. The "Sheik" was my old buddy from Hawaii! Melvin had stayed with the Marines long after I had gotten out.
Over the next couple days I briefly caught up with him again. He was just as I remembered him.
Once again we parted ways never to meet again.
I completed my tour in Iraq in March of 2005. I enrolled in college classes the Fall of 05. One of my first courses was English. I was able to write about Iraq and our experiences. One night while sitting in the computer lab with my class we were working on our research paper. I was going through "Faces of the Fallen". As part of a tribute in my paper I was going to list all of the Marines my unit lost. I was scrolling through December of 2004. I saw a familiar name. Then the face. I felt sick, I could not believe it but there was no doubt. It was our Corporal Blazer. The man that I had not seen for ten years but then I come across him during training. I tried to hold back the emotions I felt but there was no way.
Later that week I contacted another buddy of ours in Texas and I directed him to the website. Again there was no doubt. SSgt Blazer was gone.
I can't image how tough of a loss it must have been for all of the young men in his unit. Melvin was a true role model.
To his wife and children, please know that few days go by where I don't think about your loss.
I have a picture of he and I in Riverside, CA July 2004 before we parted as well as his name etched from the "Wall" in Marseillies, Illinois.
Rest in Peace Brother...
Sgt Matthew S. Courtney
April 21, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Blazer!
Debbie , Kenny Coffey
December 12, 2007
Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the BLAZER family .Knowing now what they have always known is one of many reasons that our HERO[ES] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as prommised that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel shall be FOREVER clutched in the tallons,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation..THANK..YOU..All Hard Chargers..COME by NORTH**COME by SOUTH**COME by EAST**COME by WEST..We were all gathered and united on that great day as strangers.As we stood and upon those last [4] spoken words we are ..FOREVER.....BROTHERS..SEMPER..FI.....B.V.C.
August 14, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family 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, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) 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
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
ROBYN GARSIDE
July 19, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR CHILDREN. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
July 15, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Blazer and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Marine deploying soon
Charlene Phillips
June 26, 2007
God Bless. I lost my brother August 4, 2006, My prayers are with you!
Vincent Pope
May 28, 2007
To The Blazer Family,
Staff Sergeant Melvin Blazer was an outstanding Marine and a fine person. I worked with him aboard Parris Island and knew him well. His professionalism and leadership left a positive impact upon myself and literally thousands of others whom he shaped to be among the finest Marksmen in the world. Know that he cannot be forgotten, as he carries on as a significant part of a living legacy... "The United States Marine Corps". I was blessed to have known him and I pray that this message reaches you in comfort in good health.
Semper Fidelis
CWO4 Vince Pope
Jamie Damon
May 20, 2007
I am very sorry for your loss. My son was the Company Commander of 3/5 K. Co. in Fallujah and told me that he and the entire company were devastated by the loss of SSgt Balzer. He said that Melvin was a true Marine and professional, always helping others. God Bless your family.
Joel Peterson
February 25, 2007
I served with SSgt. Blazer in Hawaii (2nd Bn/3rd Mar) and at Parris Island as PMIs. I was truly saddened by the loss of such a great man and Marine. God bless the Blazer family.
Regards,
Joel S. Peterson
FMR SSgt/USMC
Garnet Jenkins
December 12, 2006
Paying tribute to Staff Sgt. Melvin L. Blazer, on the 2nd anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
A Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Many Years of Service.
Rest In Peace Brave Soldier, in God's Loving Care and may God's Grace and Comfort continue to be with the Blazer family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2
Hoping you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country remembers someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 25, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Blazer family in the loss of Melvin. I did not know Melvin, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Melvin it has been 15 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Major Arnold Huskins
March 22, 2005
Dear Mrs Blazer, Alyssa, and Erik,
May I offer my condolences to you all in the passing of your American hero husband and Daddy in Iraq in December.
Please know that other Americans share in your loss and are concerned. It is my prayer that God may grant you all an extra measure of peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time.
May Melvin's legacy of bravery and devotion to our country and its safety be a source of pride to his family, an inspiration to his peers, and forever remembered by a grateful nation!
Sincerely, with deepest sympathy,
Leslie & Michael Brown
December 27, 2004
Dear Dana and Kids-
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. From what I know from my sister Raquel, you and your husband are an amazing couple. Let God send you strength during this troubling time.
Kane Fortune
December 23, 2004
Blazer,
I raise my fist in the air and give you both respect and thanks.
Maria & Don Livasy
December 23, 2004
Dana, we was so very sorry to hear about your husband's death...Paul Starner is our grandson and he and Raquel have spoken of both of you on many occasions. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May he watch over his comrades still in battle like a guardian angel.
Carlos F. Hernandez
December 23, 2004
Dana,
Our condolences to you and your family for the loss of your husband and father.
Vicky (McEwin) McCullough
December 22, 2004
Melvin,
I'm so sorry for your loss! Your son is truly a hero to us all.
Vicky (McEwin)McCullough
Annette Griego
December 22, 2004
Dana ~
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know your heart is breaking. I will pray that the Lord gives you a peace and comfort that is beyond understanding .. I too just lost someone - My Son Chris on 12/9/04 in Iraq. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you...
Karen Garr (Walker)
December 22, 2004
I was so sorry to read and here about Melvin Jr. I know how proud you all must be as he truely sounds like a very fine man. My heart truely goes out to each and everyone of his family. An old friend of the Blazer family from Shartel Church of God many years ago. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Sara Cragholm
December 21, 2004
Dear Dana, Alyssa, & Erik,
I will never forget our times together. You know that Jr. will be looking over you and making sure that you are all taken care of and protected. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Sara
Sheila Nicks
December 21, 2004
Melvin, Shirley, Dana, Mark, Mike,
What can one say about the memories over the years. We always had such good times when we got together. Jr was a very special person and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I can only pray that God gives you comfort during this time. I love you all.
Angela Budzinsky
December 21, 2004
I must tell you what a wonderful man we thought Staff Sgt Blazer was when he recruited our daughter into the Marine Corp. He was truly a kind person and will be greatly missed.
Bill Cotton
December 21, 2004
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Blazer,
My wife and I would like to offer our condolences in the loss of your son, and a Hero, SSgt. Blazer. Your son was a Marine that Our son Ryan, looked upto, and Joined the Marine Corp under. We informed Ryan of SSgt. Blazers death this past Friday. Ryan's regret was that even though they are in different Divisions, they were both in Fallujah and Ryan didn't know it or he would have made an effort to visit your son. Ryan, like us have been touched by your sons integrity, honesty and caring for people, especially those men and women he worked with in the United States Marine Corp. We wish we could attend the services today, but will not be able to. Again, our prayers and condolences to you both. Bill & Kim Cotton
Raquel Starner
December 21, 2004
Dear Dana, Alyssa, & Erik,
Please know that I think of you often & hope that I'm able to send some strength your way. Jr. will never be forgotten in our family & neither will you. Paul said that Blazer was his best friend over there. I'll always remember the two of them laughing, swapping stories, talking about motorcycles, grillin' some good food & just hanging out. You are in my thoughts & prayers everyday.
Love,
Raquel
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