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Andrew Derrick Obituary
COLUMBIA | Sgt. Andrew Joseph Derrick, U.S. Army, 25, died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005 while stationed in Baghdad, Iraq.
Joseph was a loving son, brother and fiance. Known for his positive attitude and playfulness, he was able to uplift the spirits of everyone he encountered. He was a superlative soldier and a man of honor and integrity. As a man of strong Christian faith, he was selfless, giving, kind, tenderhearted and never afraid to share the Hope he had in Christ. He now rests in eternal peace with his Savior.
Born in Columbia, he was a son of Suzanne McCormick Shealy and Andrew Carroll ''Butch'' Derrick. He was a 1998 graduate of Marion Military Institute, and attended Francis Marion University. While a student at Marion Military Institute, Joseph played and lettered in varsity football, baseball, and basketball. He was named the class of 1998's ''Best All Round Athlete'' and was named to the State of Alabama's All Star Baseball Team in 1998.
During his military career, Joseph graduated from the Primary Leadership Development Course and was awarded the Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, The Army Achievement Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), The National Defense Service Ribbon, The Iraqi Campaign Medal, The Global War On Terror Medal, The Korean Defense Service Medal, The Army Service Ribbon, The Combat Action Badge, The Marksmanship Badge, The Good Conduct Medal, and The Army Commendation Medal.
Surviving are his mother, Suzanne ''Suzy'' McCormick Shealy; stepfather, Carey William Shealy; brother, William James Shealy; sister, Elizabeth Anne Shealy; father, Butch Derrick and his wife, Deborah R. Derrick, all of Columbia; half sister, Chelsea Campbell Derrick and Austin Reid Royal; paternal grandmother, Barbara Jean Shealy of Columbia; maternal aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. L. Stephen Quatannens (Jo Anne) of Campobello; Shealy paternal aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Whitfield Milling Howard (Rebecca) of Surfside Beach; paternal uncle, Robert William Derrick of Columbia; paternal aunt, Barbara Rainey of Greensboro, Ga.; first cousins, Mrs. Jamey Scheuch (Andrea), Mrs. Bob Elder (Catherine), and Mr. Kenneth Whitfield Howard; and numerous second cousins. He is also survived by his fiancee, Miss Shaunna Marie Miller of Phoenix.
He was predeceased by his uncle, Kenneth James Shealy; grandparents, Samuel James McCormick Jr., Marjorie N. McCormick, Marvin Jacob Shealy, Katherine Yates Derrick and Robert Heyward Derrick.
Service for Sgt. Derrick will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Northeast Presbyterian Church. Burial with full military honors will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.
Sign a guest book at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.
Memorials may be made to Chapter Three, Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223 or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia, 2955 Colonial Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Derrick
Sponsored by Carey & Suzy Shealy.
Michael Livesey
May 28, 2025
Hello Just another Memorial Day where my Wife and I cried thinking of SGT Derrick. I was his troop in Iraq when he passed, I remember that day like it was yesterday. Just wanted you to know we never forget him, and I still have my bracelet with his name on it and haven't taken it off in 20 years. I also have a tattoo of his dog tags that will be with me forever. He was the best SGT I ever had and I'm still in after 23 years. So that has to say allot.
Charlie Gili
October 30, 2018
Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Andrew J. Derrick US Army 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
Lee Stuckey
May 4, 2014
After four combat tours, being blown up in Nov 2007, and numerous other dangerous operations, not a day goes by where I don't feel Joseph has been my guardian angel. I love you and miss you buddy, but will never forget you were truly one of my brothers and a great man. I love you and thanks for continuing to serve through me.
Follett
May 24, 2013
Still thinking about you and missing you, brother. Today and everyday.
In Tribute To Sgt. Andrew Derrick
Kenneth Watkins
April 25, 2013
While researching the passing of Andrew's Grandmother, Marjorie N. McCormick, I came across his distinguished Obituary in the Myrtle Beach on-line newspaper. My condolences go out to his mother, Suzanne McCormick Shealy, and to his father, Andrew Derrick, and his entire family to remember his colorful life and dedicated Military career and service to our grateful nation. -KRW (pka Kenneth Janeway - Songwriter)
November 22, 2012
On this Thanksgiving Day, I give my heartfelt gratitude to Joseph Derrick for his service and ultimate sacrifice for this Country.
SSG JAMES SMITH
November 11, 2012
THE FIRST DAY I MET SGT DERRICK WAS ON ARRIVAL TO THE 411TH AND HE KEPT A SGT FROM THE INFANTRY NEXT DOOR FROM CHEWING ON ME FOR WALKING ON THE GRASS! HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME AND A LOT OF US AND EVEN THOUGH WE WERE NOT BEST FRIENDS, HE SHOWED ME THAT IN ORDER TO BE AN NCO YOU HAD TO CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD , CARE FOR YOUR TROOPS AND BE FIRM WITH THEM.I CONTINUE HIS TRAINING STILL AS I AM STILL IN THE RESERVES AND TREATING MY TROOPS LIKE HE TREATED ME FAIRLY AND WITH CARING. I WILL ALWAYS CARRY HIM IN MY HEART AND KNOW THAQT I WILL SEE HIM AGAIN WHEN MY GOD CALLS ME HOME. MANY BLESSINGS AND LOVE TO THE DERRICK FAMILY
Ryan Skalko
May 28, 2012
I played baseball with joseph at marion military institute. He was a great guy that was always laughing and having fun with the rest of us. He is definately missed. As a member of a military family, I understand the sacrifice guys like joseph make for the sake of others. My thoughts are with his family on this memorial day.
Ryan Skalko
May 28, 2012
I played baseball with joseph at marion military institute. He was a great guy that was always laughing and having fun with the rest of us. He is definately missed. As a member of a military family, I understand the sacrifice guys like joseph make for the sake of others. My thoughts are with his family on this memorial day.
Peggy Childers
September 23, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. Andrew J. Derrick:
Please accept my remembrance of Andrew on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Gary McGee
March 30, 2011
Derrick, I will never forget you. I remeber all the times we had doing PSD and back at Ft. Hood. You where truely a angle and your spirit will live on forever. Love ya much brother.
SSG McGee
Melissa
December 31, 2010
Thought about you today!! Wish I could say hey just one more time.. Save me a spot up there and please make sure I don't do anything stupid down here.. Love ya! Always have and always will!, miss ya till I meet you again in heaven!,
Peggy Childers
September 23, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. Andrew J. Derrick:
Remembering Andrew 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
Shaunna
May 6, 2010
Happy Birthday beautiful. We all miss you and wish you were here. There still is not a day which goes by that I don't think of you. I'll love you always.
Stacie P.
April 28, 2010
Not a day goes by...time will NEVER heal this pain. I love & miss you everyday!
Peggy Childers
September 23, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Andrew J. Derrick:
Andrew 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
Kenna Larra
May 30, 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 1,450 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
James Wade
October 1, 2008
Joseph,
It's been 3 years now since you were so suddenly taken away from us. I have missed you every single day since then. You have so many friends who can't wait to gaze upon your face and give you that brotherly embrace that used to put a grin on your face so often. You and I had been tossing around the idea of opening a bar together after we left the Army. Well brother I am proud to tell you that I am still persuing that dream. The only thing that I am missing are the funds. But I am still fighting. The name of the bar will no longer be KRAIZEY JAY'S. In your honor Joseph I will be naming it STUTTERIN' JOE'S!!! Anyone who knows you can easily find the humor in that. I will write you back and let you know how I am coming with the bar. It's a very hard struggle but this is one dream of mine and yours that WILL NOT be wasted!!! I Love and Miss You My Brother!!!!!
Lynn Kennedy
September 28, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Derrick. Please know on this Gold Star Mothers day our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will not forget.
Lynn
SC Coordinator Home of the Brave Quilt Project
Sarah James
September 23, 2008
Joseph, I cant believe its been 3 years! You were such a fantastic person and I have amazing memories with you!! Wild Country nights were the best, I so loved picking out your outfits!!!!! I love you so much and I cant wait to see you again..You are with me always and you will never be forgotten!
Sarah James
September 23, 2008
I cant believe it's been 3 years since you've been gone..You have no idea how much I miss you!! You were such a fantastic person and I have so many amazing memories with you...Wild Country nights were the best! I love you soooo much and you will forever be my angel!
In Memory of Andrew Joseph ~ (Debra Estep)
September 23, 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 Joe, but I am remembering
his service. 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
So handsome and so easy going... and so SOUTH CAROLINA!
September 6, 2008
Joseph and the 2nd MP Dining out October of 2002
September 6, 2008
Joseph in 2005, training an Iraqi Police officer
Shaunna Miller
September 6, 2008
It has been almost three years now and it still isn't any easier. I have never written in here because I am sure anything I have to say you already know. I think of you always, you are in my thoughts, and dreams and you are always so tangible. I love you, miss you, and can't wait to see you again.
Joe and Shawna
September 5, 2008
Joe in Korea
Ty Boldra
September 5, 2008
Joe,
I know your still looking out for us while your in Heaven. I think about you all the time, I miss you and pray for you every night. I will make it out to see where you ended up one of these days. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I love you brother.
Ty
Mary
August 22, 2008
Joseph, you were one of the best men I ever knew. I knew you for over a year, and everyday you made it wonderful. We all miss you. I love you
debbi
August 9, 2008
Andrew know that you will never be forgotten for the service you gave your country. I will always remember.
http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.
com/
In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR
Katherine Bailey
June 12, 2008
You are remembered and loved very much even by those who did not know you personally.
Rob Turner
June 1, 2008
I knew Joseph for about a year and a half before his passing, we were team leaders together in our squad. In that short time though, he truly became one of my best friends. He and I always had a way of getting each other in "trouble" or some other unwanted attention. It was all in good fun of course. I still remember all the good times and always will. Having been right there by his side through alot of good and bad times, I can honestly say that Joseph was a good man and good NCO. I am also glad that I have been able to visit him many times at his final resting place. I am glad to have known him and I will always miss him. Thanks for always being there my friend.
Love ya buddy
To the Shealy family,
Thank you for all you do and I wish you well.
Steve (Butters) Phillips
May 26, 2008
I miss you so much man soooo so much. There is not a day I don't think about you and your family. Your nick name for me "BUTTERS" is still around!! I love you man And GOD BLESS your family!!!
Sandy Wray
May 12, 2008
Joseph we all still miss you and love you. I thought of your mother yesterday. She raised such a fine son and soldier! Cousin Sandra
May 9, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Derrick!
Patrick Weber
April 14, 2008
Miss ya and love ya brother!!! I think about you everyday man. God bless you!! Your friend always-
Patrick Weber
Jackie Frye
March 1, 2008
To the family of an American Hero. I am truly greatful. I lost my nephew Spc T Caughman 6/9/04 and know the price that is being paid for our freedom by our loved ones. I along with my sister and her Family attend ed the service of Sgt Derrick and was greatly moved by his faith and his willingness to defend our freedom. Our faith is what gets us through each day, knowing that we will see them again in Heaven. Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for his friend
God bless
August 16, 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)
July 23, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Derrick and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Shaun Miller
March 29, 2007
As you can see ... STILL not forgotten.
Karen Gleason
November 10, 2006
May God bless you and heal you as you await reunion with your son Joseph. Livermore Community Church, Livermore, CO, will honor Andrew Joseph Derrick this Veteran's Day Sunday, 2006, with a flag planted in our church memorial garden. The flag was donated to us from the Healing Fields celebration from Greeley, CO. and bears a tag with his name. Thank you for raising such a fine son, that he would give his life to protect the freedom of people he never met. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Debby James
November 8, 2006
We are forever grateful to have had the oppurtunity to have known and loved Joseph..though the time we all spent together was far to short, I know we will all be together someday..Joseph, you touched our lives...and it's a rare day when we don't feel your presence, your name is spoken almost daily, you made such an impact on this family. My daughters LOVED you as did Danny and I. Your memory will forever live in our hearts....
Garnet Jenkins
September 23, 2006
Paying tribute to Sgt. Andrew J. Derrick on this 1st anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
A Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Service.
Rest In Peace Andrew, in God's Loving Care and may God's Healing Grace and Comfort continue to be with the Derrick family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on...
And cherished memories never fade, because a loved one's gone....
Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart....
For as long as there is memory, They'll live on in the heart.
May the memories of your loved one, live in your heart always.
Sandy Wray
June 7, 2006
Carey, Suzy, William & Elizabeth, We are still remembering you in our prayers, for we are living one day at a time for our son to come home also. Joseph was a hero to all of us and we dearly loved him,
and were proud to have known him. He touched our lives.
Love from, Maury, Sandra, Kale & Dana
ROBYN GARSIDE
June 5, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. 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 YOU. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
jada roderick
May 14, 2006
andrew-you will truly be missed but certainly never ever forgotton. I will always remember the good times we had in 6th platoon "roughriders" in korea. you taught me everything i knew in the army. thank you for everything. my thoughts and prayers are always with your family and miller too.. love ya
David & Jane Stamey
April 19, 2006
Joseph, you made everyone very proud. I only wish that Jane and I could have gotten to know you better. May God bless you, and your family.
Sina Thorne
April 18, 2006
They say that time will heal all wounds... this one doesn't. We think about you all the time, laugh at the old stories and feel our heart ache, when the laughter subsides and we realize that the day we will see you again is so far away. Johnny misses you dearly and holds on to your memory with an iron will. We still can't accept that you are gone. We love you...
Eva Sasser
April 10, 2006
My son, Brian Miller, was Joseph's big brother at Marion Military Institute. Joseph visited our home several times, and I have fond memories of him. Brian returned from Iraq in Nov. after his 2nd tour there. We are so sorry for your loss and are praying for Joseph and your family.
Sina & Johnny Thorne
March 18, 2006
There is not a day we don't miss you. That you are gone has been one of the hardest things to accept for us. We love you eternally and will see you again one day. You will always be a part of us.
Christian Smith
March 18, 2006
Joseph, we all saw you through your hard times, and saw you through your good times. I never thought seeing you off to korea would be the last time I would see you. You mean the world to the friends you left back home. We talk about you all the time, your our hero. WE LOVE YOU. You will always be in our hearts. Love, Christian and all your friends
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 6, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Derrick family in the loss of Andrew. I did not know Andrew, 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. Andrew shortly it will be 6 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~
Stacie
February 28, 2006
You will be forever missed and loved. I know that you are with the angels now......
Matthew Headden
February 10, 2006
I love you brotha. I still see you and feel you in my heart. Go Gamecocks!!!
James Hess
February 8, 2006
My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Joeseph, We played football together at Marion, graduated together, and spent a summer trying to figure out what was in this world for us as we watched logs pass down the Cahaba. Purpose and conviction drives real men and is the true measure of happiness. I will keep him with me always.
LT James Wallace Hess
Summer Ward
November 18, 2005
Joseph you were my second brother (my studdering angel). I will miss you always and keep you close to my heart. I will hold all of our memories that are so dear to my heart forever close and never forget my three bravest soldiers my brothers-- Slade, Joseph, and Johnny. I love you and miss you. Summer
Del Plato
November 6, 2005
SGT Derrick was one of the best men i have ever came to know i was proud to serve with him and he always motivated me every day even when i was down he was always there to pick me up again and let me know that everything will be all right i will truly miss him he was a hero to me and all of us he was like an older brother always lookin out for the younger you will always be in my thoughts and prayers i will never forget you love ya bro RIP brave soldier
Dr. Mike Boyd
November 5, 2005
Carey, Suzy, William, and Elizabeth,
Please know you are loved.
We are proud of Joseph.
We are praying for you guys.
God bless,
MB
A true Hero & Patriot
November 1, 2005
Always upbeat & positive
November 1, 2005
Hard at work in Iraq
November 1, 2005
Joseph with fiance' Shaunna, Grandmommy Shealy & Mom 01/2005
November 1, 2005
Joseph & his sister, Elizabeth
November 1, 2005
Joseph & his brother, William
November 1, 2005
Joseph & his Mom, Suzy
November 1, 2005
12/2004 - Joseph, Elizabeth & William
November 1, 2005
Family - 2003
November 1, 2005
Teesha Miller
November 1, 2005
I've only met Joseph once but I knew him very well through my sister. I knew they loved eachother very much and I think I made my bond with him because of that. I knew he loved me because I was Shaunna's sister. But then again, Joseph loved everyone and I think that's what made him who he is. I have one very fond memory of Joseph when he sent me my first bouque of flowers all the way from Iraq with a card that said "Congragulations on your graduation Teesha. Love, Joseph." He will be missed, but I know for a fact he will NEVER be forgotten.
Ashley Teklinski
October 31, 2005
I've only met SGT. Derrick once but my husband was a friend as well as a fellow MP of his and I know from his heart that he was a very special guy who will be very missed. Thank you for making all the sacrifices and serving this country. You are truely and will ever by a Hero. My prayers are with your family.
Karen Champlain
October 31, 2005
Thank you for everything that you helped me with while i was in the army. I will miss are long talks about life. I will miss you so much you were like a brother to me.
sabrina david
October 31, 2005
Joseph
God bless you and your family. You will always be remembered by your friends we love you.
sabrina david
October 31, 2005
God bless you Joeseph and all your friends and family. Love sabrina
Sara Horne
October 31, 2005
You will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you have done!!! Rest in Peace.
Heather Evans
October 31, 2005
I didn't really know Joseph, but I sure heard a lot of great things about him. I know many people cared about him dearly and looked up to him. To his family and friends, my prayers go out to you.
SGT. David Wasson
October 31, 2005
All gave some, You gave all. Thank you from one fellow MP to another for the sacrifice of you and your family.
Sgt. Wasson
401st MP CO
Kelly Miller
October 31, 2005
A SOLDIERS HYMN
So young and so brave
a hero for every day
a strong and proud man
that war took away
Fighting for freedom
and protecting our land
a selfless act of patriotism
that brought you to God's hand
Forever you will be honored
as a soldier who kept us free
Never will be forgotten
your gift to our country
Garry Hodges
October 31, 2005
I had the opportunity to serve with Sgt Derrick, he was a man I'd never forget. When i felt i was falling, he would carry me through the rough times. He would help anyone yet we wonder when we will see his face again. he was like a father figure to me, i miss him and he will always remain as a man with bravery.
Jo Quatannens
October 30, 2005
Joseph, you will always be my pal -- and my hero. Aunt Jo
Ty Boldra
October 28, 2005
I was SGT Derricks roomate for about a year in Korea at the 2nd MP Company. When I first met him he was (CPL Derrick). CPL Derrick was a person who I looked up to not only as a man, but a leader, a Noncommisioned officer. I was very glad when I got the chance to be his roomate because, I really enjoyed being in his presence. CPL Derrick was such a warm hearted, humorous, loving and care free person. I am so thankful for the blessing I had to be his friend. I really miss him and I wish I could have only had a second chance to say goodbye. I found out of the news today (Oct 28, 2005) from another one of CPL Derricks friends from Korea SGT QUICK. I offer my condulances to the family and his fiance. I will never forget CPL Derrick or the sacrific he made for his country. I miss ya big guy. I hope we can meet again. Love ya.
Respectively,
Ty, Christina, and Tyler Boldra
P.S. I would like to have the addresses of SGT Derricks parents and fiance if anyone could please e-mail me with it. Thanks
SPC. James Wade
October 25, 2005
I'm honored to be among the comrades that Joseph called his close friends. I served with Joseph during OIF1 and OIE 3. Derrick was one of my closest and truest friends. He was the greatest of leaders and someone you could go to when you had a problem and just needed to talk. I know Joseph will be missed by everyone who has ever met him. He had that effect on everybody. You just couldn't say Hello to Joseph and keep walking, something about him just compelled you to talk to him. He was the most selfless and caring person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and my heart goes out to his entire family and friends. God Bless all of you. And Joseph We Will Never Forget You!!!!
chris woo
October 25, 2005
i have known joseph for 3 years... we met in korea... he was my team leader for about a year ... everyone here in the company misses sgt derrick everyday... we are very sorry for our loss...and all of our condolences. we love you joseph
Daniel Paterson
October 22, 2005
I was assigned to the 411th MP CO with SGT Derrick and was proud to serve be his side. He was a great friend and will never be forgotten. On behalf of my family i want to offer my sincerest condolences to his family.
Sandra Wray
October 19, 2005
Joseph, you were loved by so many people. You died for a cause and you left a mark on all of us. We will miss you very much. We will see you ond day again, soon. Love, Sandr
Lindsay Woolf
October 19, 2005
Carey, Suzy, William & Elizabeth,
You are in our prayers during this time of loss. I love you all and am always thinking of you.
Joseph was a true hero. I certainly admire the man he was. It takes a special person to accomplish so much at such a young age. May you hold the memories close to your heart, and may they bring you comfort.
God Bless You-
Tim & Lindsay Woolf
Lauren Campbell
October 14, 2005
Joeseph-
I wish I had seen you again. I often thought of you. You are such a hero, and Chelsea is so blessed to have a big brother like you. Thank you for what you did for America. We love you...
Lauren
CPT Omar Lomas
October 7, 2005
I was extremely honored to have been SGT Derrick's Commander in the 411th MP Company during his first tour in Iraq. He was truly a dedicated Noncomissioned Officer who served with distinction and courage under my command. As a close comrade and friend, I will truly miss him. May God Bless his family and friends and may God Bless the United States of America.
Sean O'Donnell
October 5, 2005
Prayers and heartfelt sorrow for those Andrew leaves behind. Through a friend who was with Sgt Derrick as he died (Brad Kellan) I learned of a wonderful person.
A prayer for all of you.
Sean O'Donnell
patrick holland
October 3, 2005
I am Verry sorry for your loss we all well miss Sgt. Derrick more than words could ever tell he could always make things seem so mutch easier and was a light in a dark world may god bless you .
Jean McDowell
October 1, 2005
Thank you for the supreme sacrifice of your precious loved one, fighting for the gift of freedom for others. God bless you in the days ahead...
Kevin Suitt
September 30, 2005
I am very sorry for the loss of Sgt Derrick. I was lucky enough to have had the chance to work with Sgt Derrick and the other brave Soliders of the 411th MP CO. I know he will be missed by all who knew him.
V/R CWO Suitt USMC, FOB Shield Deputy Mayor
Virginia Denning
September 29, 2005
May God bless you in a very special way, as He took a very special person from this world to be with Him. I thank God every day for men like your son who are willing to fight for our freedom and the freedom of oppressed nations. I know Andrew has made a difference in every life he has touched. God bless everyone in his family
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they
protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they
perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus,
our Lord and Savior. Amen.
“I’ll lend you for a little while
A child of mine,” He said.
“For you to love the while he lives
And mourn when he is dead.
It may be six or seven years, or
Twenty two or three,
But will you ’til I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his days be brief,
You’ll have his lovely memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked this wide world over
In my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lane
I have selected you.
Now will you give all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?”
I fancy that I heard them say,
“Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joy this child shall bring,
The risk of grief we’ll run;
We’ll shelter him with tenderness,
We’ll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner then we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes.
And try to understand.” -Edgar Albert Guest
Jamie Graves
September 28, 2005
God Bless(Jamie,Navy wife)
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