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Donald Champlin Obituary
NATCHITOCHES, LA - Lance Cpl. Donald Champlin, a 28 year old Marine, died Monday, Aug. 28, 2006, from wounds received while on patrol Aug. 27 in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He chose a career in the Marine Corps, as did his father, Danny Champlin, of Natchitoches. Donald was also on record as an organ donor, wishing to help other people upon his death, as in life.
He attended Northwestern State University, obtained a medical technology degree from LSU, then worked at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center as a medical technician.
Arrangements for burial will be in North Carolina per Donald's request to be with his fellow Marines. Donald was awarded two Purple Hearts for his heroic actions in Iraq.
He is survived by his parents, Danny and Joann Champlin of Natchitoches, who are caring for Donald's 2 1/2 year old son Mekhiah Champlin; Donald's sister Brooke Wall and her husband Dr. Forrest Wall; a nephew Jonathon Wall; and niece Meadow Wall, all of Shreveport.
In lieu of flowers, a trust fund is being set up at the Bank of Montgomery at 806 Second St., Natchitoches, LA 71457, phone 318-352-3060, in the name of Donald Champlin for his 2 1/2 year old son, Mekhiah Champlin, who is being raised by the Grandparents, Danny and Joann Champlin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Champlin
Charlie Gili
June 27, 2024
Hello,
We wanted to let your family and friends know that we are sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of
Donald E. Champlin US Marine Lance Corporal.
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
Tony Vestuto
April 30, 2023
Was just thinking about you bro. We had some good times in high school. Miss you man. Never forgotten.
Tony Vestuto
Jamie Walston
April 5, 2023
Thinking of you tonight. I think of you often.... Miss you
Jamie
August 6, 2020
Hey Donald woke up thinking about ya , still keeping your memory alive dog . I know your with me I got your message . ❤
Kelli DeHoyos
July 17, 2020
The hardest thing I think I ever dealt with in my younger years was seeing on the news that you had passed. I dreamt of you last night. Why you visited me over a decade later I'll never know. I knew you in the last few years of your life. I was at college in Nachitoches, and I absolutely adored you, our time together...but you were always like the wind. Seeking out a common soul to give you rest. Helping all those you loved any way you could, and bringing smiles and warmth to their faces. I remember the mornings you played your guitar, the stories you told, and you and your wild free spirit would be here and then gone again. I hope you found so much peace and love in the end..it is no surprise you got a purple heart...you had a huge one!
November 9, 2019
Came across a small momento today that you gave me back in 2002. Maybe 2003. Which brought me here. I miss your smile and your easy going laid back personality, we had the best talks.
Jess Horsley
March 14, 2018
Donnie was first my fraternity brother at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA before he was my brother in arms in the USMC. We lived 15 feet away from one another for 18 months in Dimmitt Hall before I enlisted in the USMC in Jan 2000. I will never forget listening to Donnie's stories about his father, eating kimchi, studying late at night and Donnie's laid-back attitude.
I got out of the USMC in late 2003 after serving the first 4 months in Iraq. When I found out Donnie had enlisted, I wasn't surprised.
Today, red poppies tattooed on my right arm remind me to live my life in memory of my brothers who paid the ultimate cost. I miss you Donnie. I mourn the life you never got to live and the time you didn't get to spend with so many who loved you.
Rest in Peace brother.
Sgt. Jess Horsley
BLT 2/1
0331
USMC Jan 00 - Dec 03
Keri Skipper
May 29, 2016
I think about you often, but always on Memorial Day. Remembering your eyes :)
Jude Hays
May 24, 2015
Driving 11 hours right now to visit you champ.
Mekhiah Champlin
April 12, 2014
I miss u so much I love u
A.J. Johnson
January 8, 2014
Hey Doonie < I found this one too and im glad because it has a picutre of you that i dont have. And again your son is so big now and looks just like you! his hair is even blonder than yours haha. I miss you so much, and i think about you almost every day! love A.J. Hope you was with me when i was watching those videos i found of us!
November 1, 2013
I Miss You Donny!!! Forever Love...
Peggy Childers
August 28, 2013
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin:
Always remembering Donald. "Some gave all."
Justine Anderson ( Baxter )
July 13, 2013
My mom misses you. My sister... My brothers. I'm glad that your son, is my brother. I miss you! :(
Ruth Patnoad
July 21, 2012
You're forever in our thoughts and live eternally in our memories.
Angel Pellegrin
May 28, 2012
He was the sweetest heart ... Remembering you today...
" crying over you, now" ...
Matthew Entriken
January 7, 2012
See you in Life...Your cousin Matt.
Peggy Childers
August 28, 2011
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin:
Please accept my remembrance of Donald on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
ivy johnson
November 11, 2010
I will never forget you friend
Peggy Childers
August 28, 2010
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin:
Remembering Donald 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
Matt Hohertz
October 18, 2009
Think about you every day my friend, I'll never forget you and I'll make sure no one else does either. Say Hi to Martinez and Brown for me. Guns Up
Peggy Childers
August 29, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin:
Donald 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
Victoria Hero Dillman
August 17, 2009
Mr & Mrs. Champlin
Words cannot express how much I miss Donald and how much he meant to me. I pray that you guys are doing well and that his son is being much joy into your lives.
I loved Donald and I miss him. I'm so proud of him, his choice to join the Marines and to make such an amazing
sacrifice for our country.
I'll continue to pray for you guys and for Mekhiah.
Much Love,
Victoria
Sgt Timothy Walsh
May 24, 2009
It was an honor serving with you in Iraq with India Co. You were an awesome Marine and even better person. Thinking of you on Memorial Day, bud!
Kenna Larra
March 25, 2009
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,
Kenna
Ta'Shiuntay Miles
November 12, 2008
I Miss You Cousin
R*I*P Kennth (Y-Y) Taylor Jr.
In Memory of Donald ~ (Debra Estep)
August 28, 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 Donald, 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
Linda Terry
June 7, 2008
God Bless you Lance Cpl. Donald E.
Champlin for your service to our
Great Country..May you rest in
peace always...God Bless Your family!
June 1, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Champlin!
myra gates
August 28, 2007
today has been a year since you ve been gone...i miss u so much...lil man is so big...i love ya....
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)
July 31, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Champlin and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Lance Cpl deploying soon
Neil Rodgers
July 26, 2007
I knew Don during my year at Morningside, having lived on the same hall as him. He made me feel very welcome. He was a funny guy and I'm proud to have known him and am very sorry to hear of his passing.
Daniel Bills
June 12, 2007
My name is LCpl Bills, and I was in plt 1081 with LCpl Champlin. When I think of what kind of person LCpl Champlin was I remeber all the times during bootcamp were he'd cheer me up or he'd say something to make us all laugh. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and may he rest in peace.
James Fox
May 30, 2007
My name is LCpl Fox I was in platoon 1081 with Champlin I remember him as a motivating person even through our hard and long time in boot camp. He always kept his head up and and will be truly missed my prayers go out to his family. May he rest in peace.
James Fox
May 30, 2007
My name is LCpl Fox I was in platoon 1081 with Champlin I remember him as a motivating person even through our hard and long time in boot camp. He always kept his head up and and will be truly missed my prayer go out to praiers go out to his family. May her rest in peace.
Ryan Wilson
May 27, 2007
My name is Corporal Wilson, I went through bootcamp with Lance Corporal Champlin, I am so sorry for your loss, I heard about the loss when I was in Okinawa. I believe my mother stays in contact with you. I'm in Pakistan now as an MSG, and I just wanted you to know, that Champlin is in mind quite a bit. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is deeply missed. Semper Fidelis,
Ryan T. Wilson
Corporal USMC
Islamabad, Pakistan
joshua guffey
May 24, 2007
My name is SSgt Joshua Guffey. I was Lcpl Champlin's Senior Drill Instructor. I'm am terribly sorry for the loss of Lcpl Champlin. It seems like just yesterday I had him in 1081. I thank the family of the fallen Marine. He served his country in the most honorable way possible. If there is anyway I can help let me know. 423 467 2199
Jensen Miller
April 7, 2007
Hello my name is Sergeant Jensen J Miller. My uncle is Roger Reiling of Iowa. He asked my to find information about Lcpl. Champlin because he is a great friend of his father. Roger is trying to find a colored picture of Donald, so he can remember his fallen brother. If you remember Roger please let me know, he would like to get back in touch with Donalds family. I am sending my reguards to your family and your son on a very terrible loss. He will always be remembered as an American Hero. God Bless. Semper Fi. Sergeant Miller USMC. [email protected]
John Burbridge
February 22, 2007
My name is Lcpl John Burbridge, and I served with Donald in Iraq. He was a great Marine, and was always thought very highly of by everyone in the platoon. I just wish I could have got to know him better. I don't currently have an e-mail address, but my cell phone # is 8453232254, feel free to contact me anytime if you would like. im so sorry for your loss, champlin-i miss you and i love you man.
Glen Nevogt
January 15, 2007
“Paid in Full”
To Honor The Service of Fallen and Injured Marines
Marines through and through, they paid the price
Six thousand miles away, we live the life
For which they paid with their blood, spirits and bodies
We will never forget what they paid in full
We hope and we pray that somehow their loved ones find comfort
In God, in the flag, in the memory of their loved ones’ bravery
They’re gone now but we see them still…proud, strong, willing
Covering each other’s backs… courageous, moving forward
What kind of love did they have for us to be willing
To give it all for the Black, White, Jew, Christian, Muslim?
We don’t comprehend but we honor you now and forever
You are Our Marines…some living…some not
Forever in our hearts we will cherish your lives
Lives too short yet immortal they’ll be
Highest brotherhood of the Few, the Proud
They stand at attention, and we gaze with awe
Some know their names not, but our admiration for them
Flows limitless within us, between us
They sacrificed their limbs or their lives
Freedom still rings, a soft sound across the miles
It tolls slowly; all of creation takes note
Of the lives that were lost for people unknown
Out of sight but not lost; forever among us
The starched blues marching straight
Toward the place where we will meet them
Many years from now…how we loved them…
Well done beloved Brothers and Sisters…You’ve paid it in full
Always Faithful Marines, You Have Paid it in Full
Stephanie Barfield
October 30, 2006
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
May God Bless your family during this time. I Lost my brother 9/1/05
in Iraq (Ssgt. George R. Drauhn Jr. naive of Shreveport, La). I promise the days will get easier!
KATHY PARKER (MARINE MOM)
September 25, 2006
MY SINCERE SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO THE CHAMPLIN FAMILY. YOU AND YOUR SON WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I HAD THE HONOR OF MEETING DONALD AT THE AIRPORT AS HE WAS GOING OFF TO PARRIS ISLAND. MY SON AND HE LEFT TOGETHER AND WERE LATER AT CAMP LEJUENE. HE SEEMED A PROUD YOUNG MAN AND WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.
John Parker
September 24, 2006
To the family of Donald Champlin. You have my love and deepest sympathy. Donald and I met in Shreveport and flew to boot camp together.We even lost our luggage together. We then served in the same platoon in boot camp(1081).Seems like just yesterday me and Donald were on line gettin yelled at by the those drill instructors. Donald and I had a close friendship through the whole thing because we started it and finished it together, from the Shreveport airport to Graduation Day.Donald and I were also stationed here at Camp Lejuene together. He was one of the greatest people I have every had the pleasure of knowing.Im proud to have worn the same uniform and served along side him.He did the most noble thing any man could ever do.He gave his life so that others may live.My parents also had the pleasure of meeting Donald and you have there love and sympathy as well. Semper Fi
ROBYN GARSIDE
September 14, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. 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 LITTLE ONE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Laura DeSalvo
September 14, 2006
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with Donalds family. I know he will be deeply missed. He always knew there was an open door policy at our house for him. We always enjoyed it when he popped in. We were all blessed to have known such a great person. He is gone but will never be forgotten. He memory will live with us forever. We love you Donald.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
September 13, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Champlin family in the loss of Donald. I did not know Donald, 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. Donald you are my 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~
becky powell
September 13, 2006
danny and joann,
my prayers are still with you, during the lose of you son i thought of him as one of my on sons. He is gonna be greatly missed by the family, but one good thing he left us a seed. (little mekiah) our grandson. God bless!
Maureen Horsley
September 9, 2006
To Donnie's family-
You have our deepest sympathy. We are grieving with you at this sad, sad time.
Our son, Sgt.Jess and Donnie were not only Marine brothers, but Acacia brothers at Morningside, Sioux City. I had a nice visit with Donnie after boot camp - he called to get Jess's number. Jess had served with 2/1 in Iraq- 2003. They visited the night before Donnie left for Iraq. Please know we have you close in prayers - Donnie gave his all.
You have our deepest sympathy,
Maureen Reeves Horsley
Mother to Sgt. Jess (now inactive reserve, finishing college at M'side) and Cpl. Will - Weapons Co. STA team, 3/7,(Back this spring from Ramadi, Iraq)
Roy DeSalvo
September 9, 2006
My prayers and thoughts are with Donald's family and young son. As one of many of Donald's good friends, I will never forget the many good memories of Donald. You will be missed buddy but not forgotten.
Joe Lampe
September 9, 2006
To The Family and friends of Lance Cpl Donald Champlin. My deepest sympathy to you all. I recently left the Corps and all my brothers in 3/2 Evil Guns. I only knew "Charlie" (as a few of us liked to call him) for a few months before I left but that was enough to know he was a great guy and an outstanding marine. Your loss is felt heavily on my heart. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time. We all thank your son for his courage and bravery. Semper Fi, and god bless.
---------Guns Up Brother-----------
Lacey Arb
September 8, 2006
I have just learned of the loss of Donald. I am deeply saddened by his passing. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelly Terrebonne
September 7, 2006
This saddens me...I just got word of Donald's passing.
I am at a loss of words for your loss of Donald. I shall keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Belle Chasse, Louisiana - Classmate
mistie willson-garbiso
September 7, 2006
there are no words, and our thoughts are with you
Lee Sirotnak
September 7, 2006
Please accept our sympathy for your loss, and our prayers that God provide you peace and comfort. Donald will live on in the hearts of many Marine families, who recognize his honor and courage and who will be here to support your family with prayer. Semper Fi and God Bless.
Philip Welte
September 6, 2006
On behalf of the Morningside Chapter of Acacia Fraternity, I would like to express our deepest sympathy for you in this time of loss. Donny was a great asset to Morningside College and Acacia Fraternity while he was in school. He truly will be missed.
Donny is a member of the Morningside Chapter of Acacia Fraternity. Our motto is "Human Service". While at Morningside and during the rest of his life Donny exemplified this motto, giving the ultimate sacrifice in the face of danger and supporting freedom.
The active and alumni members of the Morningside Chapter are honored to have known Donny and shared many memories with him.
I am an Acacian and I am proud of it.
Fraternally,
Philip Welte
90.007
Glenna Boedker
September 6, 2006
To the family of Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin:
Please know that I will always honor and be grateful to your son for his sacrifice in order to keep our country safe. He is the truest of American Heroes.
God Bless America and all our Brave Soldiers.
Joshua and April Morales
September 5, 2006
To Donald's family and friends-
My family and I are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We send our deepest empathy as we lost our Marine on 11/30/05 in Fallujah. We are comforted to know that our Marines are serving their country with such honor and bravery. We are so proud of our Marines and all of our other service men and women for all that they have done and continue to do to keep us safe and to give us the freedom we have that so many take for granted.
They are true Heroes and need to always be remembered for their selflessness and sacrifice to better our world. We will forever be united in the loss of our heros. We are so sorry for your loss and hope our words will ease some of the pain, and maybe fill some of your emptiness.
Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!
Our sincerest gratitude for their bravery-
The family of Cpl. William "Billy" Taylor
2/6 WPNS
KIA outside of Fallujah 11/30/05
Rene Lurry
September 5, 2006
My heart goes out to you in your loss. Because of our cousin Chris Ellefson knowing you personally, we share in your grief. My prayer is for God to comfort you.
Chuck Whittlesey
September 4, 2006
Danny and Joanne, I could not be more sad at this terrible news. Your loss is overwhelming. We have lost a fellow Marine. My friends have lost their son. I weep for you.
amy ziifle
September 2, 2006
i will miss you so much miss your smile..miss your advice..i cannot believe that you are no longer here..my blessings are with you..and your family..i love you are you will be dearly missed your best friend amy :(
Daphne Gibson McLeod
September 2, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss - my cousin, Christine Ellefson, told me of this great sorrow. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
The Cobbs
September 2, 2006
Military Parents,
Lynn mcfadden
September 2, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of this wonderful young man's passing. You are in my prayers.
Edith Sanford
September 2, 2006
Words are inadequate to express my sympathy in the loss of your precious son. He gave his life defending our country. May GOD be with you at this sad time.
Vivian and Richard Shehane
September 2, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that your great sacrifice and that of your son is appreciated and acknowledged by Americian citizens everywhere. God Bless America and our Freedom.
Carroll R. Michaud
September 2, 2006
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to LCpl Donald Champlin our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for LCpl Champlin. And to LCpl Champlin it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for making the greatest of all sacrifices for his country. LCpl Champlin we bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,452 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to LCpl Champlin’s family and loved ones.
Carroll R. Michaud, Commander, American Legion Post 14
Walter Lewing
September 2, 2006
It is with sorrow that I extend my condolences to your family for their loss..the loss of a person with such exemplary courage dim-
inishes us all..Semper Fi.
Myra Gates
September 1, 2006
donnie, i m gonna miss you comin to the house and singing on you guitar...ill tell lil man what a great dad he had...i love you!!!!peace love and harmony!!!!
September 1, 2006
To the Family of Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin:
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.
Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
Renee Owens
September 1, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious Hero and my sincere thanks for his service. May God grant you peace.
The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave
Aunt of PFc Chase Edwards, USMC
KIA 4-6-06
Garnet Jenkins
August 31, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family of this Fine Young Marine, Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin, with a multitude of Thanks for this Young Hero's Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for our Freedom.
Rest Safely Donald, in God's Mighty Hands and know that you shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Loving Grace and Comfort be with the Champlin family.
I am the Sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
With each new day, may the Lord restore your soul and, through His love, give you the strength to go on.
Softly and slowly...
Time heals...
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