Benjamin W. Schmidt Obituary

I remember the deployment before Afghanistan we had mess duty together ( night shift ) We would talk so much about what we're gonna do when we get home . You made those 12 hour shifts fly my brother. I remember gunny crying after you passed away. It was a sad day for 2/4. We still love you man and your not forgotten! I have a daughter now , she was born the day you passed away. Semper Fidelis

Miss you so much man. Even though we only knew each other a couple years I still think about you everyday. The impact you had on my life, my mindset, and me as a man is incredible. I will never forget you or stop loving you Ben. See you soon up there!

I hope you are in a better place brother. To your family; I have so much respect for Ben, please know that we are still grieving for the loss you have had to endure.
usmc
2/11

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Thank you for your service. God bless you and your family. Rest in Peace!

May God bless you in your sorrow as you miss your Ben. May your many happy memories of him help ease your aching hearts. Thank you for your sacrifice. I know the Heavenly Father has a special place in his heart for those that give their lives so that others may live. I cannot fathom the depth of your sorrow but I ache at your loss. Your family and son will be in my prayers. May God send you comfort and peace and may He welcome Ben back home with open arms.

THANK YOU FOR DEDICATION TO YOUR GOD, YOUR FAMILY, AND OUR COUNTRY. GO WITH GOD YOUR DAYS ARE OVER, GODS ANGLES HAVE TAKEN YOU HOME.

God continue to be with you Soldier. You will never be forgotten. God continue to be with your loved ones. Thank, is just not good enough. RIP Soldier. We love you

So sorry for your loss. Only God knows why he takes these young people, but rest assured he has a better plan for your son. God Bless you and your family.

To the family of LCPL Benjamin Schmidt, I am a tired worn out Vietnam Vet, wishing you sincere sympathy and condolences. Your son is a real hero, and never let that be forgotten! He died defending the soldiers that were with him defending freedom for all, and that is a true hero. Thank you for your sons endevours. R.I.P. Ben

My deepest condolences to the family of this brave young man. May he rest peacefully and may God embrace his family with love and support during this difficult time.

So sorry for your loss..

Blessings to you for defending our country. May you rest in peace.

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Schmidt Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Benjamin W. Schmidt 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. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Ben served with my son. He is in our hearts and prayers. He was a fine young man. Sorry for your loss.

October 6, 2012
To the family and friends of Cpl. Benjamin W. Schmidt:
Remembering Benjamin on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten.

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne

We share and understand your pain all too well. But we are secure in the knowledge that they have NOT sacrificed in vain. May God our Eternal Father bless and keep you in his loving care. To Ben and his fallen comrades...we look forward to our eternal reunion with you all.

Scott Pyeatt
Proud father of Sgt Lucas Todd Pyeatt, USMC, KIA 5 Feb 2011, Machi Kehyl Afghanistan

Dr. Schmidt,
I just became aware of the tragedy with Benjamin. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May his memory be eternal, and God bless him for his service to our country.

our son a new MARINE strolled through our local mall yesterday wearing his dress blues. strangers thanked him for his service. but he and i know that others who will wear the blues forever have give the most and deserve the highest thanks.
SEMPER FI MARINE

Just an added note to let you know your family is still in my prayers, especially during the holiday season.

RIP MARINE. As the father of a new MARINE I am sure you served as MARINES do. With HONOR,COURAGE, and COMMITMENT.
SEMPER FI

To the family of Cpl. Benjamin W. Schmidt:
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."

I am so sorry for your loss. This happened in my unit in the Gulf War also and words cannot express the pain from it. May Christ be with you and draw you close in these times of grief. You are in my prayers.

Benjamin a grateful nation thanks you for the ultimate sacrifice. Let our lives be worthy of the price you paid!! Rest In Peace Hero.

ego ero fidelis
frater totus
semper fidelis

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Hero, and my sincerest gratitude for his service. The state of Texas mourns the loss of another of its sons. May God grant you peace and stength. Semper Fi CPL Schmidt.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

Proud aunt of a Hero
PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
KIA 06Apr2006 OIF

Rest in peace Benjamin!!! You are a hero.

Rest in peace, you're paid in full.

I am so sorry for your loss. I thank this soldier for having paid the ultimate price. He is a true hero. God bless his family and loved ones. He is now resting in peace and in a better place than any of us.

Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for your loss. We did not know Benjamin, nor did we know Taylor, but I have known her mother since highschool. We are deeply saddened by your loss, and we appreciate the service Benjamin gave to his country, whether he believed in the politics or not. He is a true American hero. Rest his soul.

Thank you for all you did for us.

David,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy...
Maggie Bauer Cherry

Dear Schmidt family,
Our family grieves the loss of Benjamin. A true hero. He will not be forgotten. We are deeply humbled by his service and sacrifice. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
K. Collins family of Colo Sgs., CO
proud parents of a U.S. Marine

First of all, my deepest sympathy to the Schmidt family.

I met Benjamin when I was a substitute teacher at Cambridge. Ben was in 5th grade at the time. I enjoyed Ben's presence in my class, because he was one of the few showing respect for a substitute teacher. I also remember Ben for his response when I offered him a Halloween treat. He said, "No thank you, I don't eat candy." I thought, I had heard wrong and asked him one more time. Again, he said, "No thanks, I don't eat candy." Of course, I was taken back by his response. I had never met an elementary student that didn't like candy. Since then, this episode with Ben has become one of my favorite stories to retell.

Ben, you were a great student and I see you grew up to be an equally great man. Thank you for serving our country and making our world a safer place to live.

This substitute teacher always appreciated your politeness.

Joe F. Martinez

Dr. Schmidt and Family,

Words are not adequate at a time like this. I pray that God
will continue to hold you up as you maintain your trust in HIM.

Please accept my deepest sympathy
for the loss of your loved one and
Hero Benjamin, and my sincerest gratitude for his service.
God Bless you Cpl. Benjamin W.
Schmidt...you will not be forgotten.

They say once a Marine Always a marine! And once a Mule True Blue & Gold! Ben was a FINE young Man of many Hats True to his heart! Thank You, for sharing him with this great big play ground he enjoyed so much! HE is our HERO who will never be forgotten! Rest and play with the Angels in Heaven for they must have a big plans in store for you. Benjaminin we Salute you for all you accomplished while on this EARTH! WE were the blessed ones!

Dear Schmidt family,

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Benjamin will never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you.

I Salute You.


Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
Colonie, NY
SGT. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

I recently read of your sons passing...I didnt know him but he now forever lives in my heart..he died a Hero...thank you for raising such a fine young man..He was the direct result of your wonderful parenting..I have a husband in the Military and recently lost my sister as well...It hurts but time and memories will help...you are forever in my prayers. I thank you for his service and yours as well...

I am grateful for heroes like Corporal Schmidt, but I am so sorry for the pain his family must be feeling. I pray God gives you relief and comfort. A grateful city will remember him, forever young.

Teresa, David and Casey,

I am praying for each of you diligently during this time of deep loss. Those of us who are parents with children serving in the military feel your pain in a deep, familiar way and the prayers will continue, I assure you. I love and miss you, Sweet Teresa! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family.

In His Love and Service,
katherine elizabeth

The Bobcats and I would like to express our sincere sympathy and condolences to the whole family. We also thank you for your son's service to our country.
Blessings to you all.

Karen Chisum
Texas State University Head Volleyball Coach

We are very sorry for your great loss.we understand your pain.for we have also experienced the loss of a child. HEART FELT SYMPATHYS JACK AND SHIRLEY DONALDSON

Sincere condolences and deepest sympathy in the loss of your much loved son and Marine, Benjamin. Blessings to the family.

May the loving memories of Benjamin be with you during this time of sorrow. Our prayers and condolences be with you.

The Partners and Staff of Jungman, Elley, Williams & Johnson, P.C.

My husband and I are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers and we thank you for your son's service to our country.

I'm sorry for your loss.

May God Bless your family during this very difficult time.

LT~

Ben,

We only hung out a couple times years ago- I deeply appreciate your service to our country and our way of life. I will forever hold your name with high regard and honor.

My most sincere condolences to the Schmidt family, my prayers are with you.

I send my sincere condolences to this fine man's family and friends. I pray for comfort for y'all during this difficult time. Marines are dedicated to what they do, and I appreciate everything he did for our country. Oooo-rah!

Dr. David, I love you man, thanks for everything you did for me and I am so sorry for your loss

veronica, jacob, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these moments. our heartfelt condolences and continuous prayer for comfort and understanding.

My deepest condolences Becky, to you and your family. What a remarkable and fine man Benjamin was, and what a blessing he was to so many. He was a true hero, and I am grateful for his service to our country.

How little a thank you seems when one has sacrificed the ultimate and you, his family, has lost so much. God touch each of your hearts and grant peace when there seems to be no end to your loss and hurting. Thank you for raising such a fine young man. His treasures are great now while he waits for all of you to be united once again.

I salute your veteran. My condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.

Becky and family. Please accept my sympathy in regards to your sons death. I knew him when you lived across the street, here in Monte Vista. We lived caty corner to your home, the one your bird visited one night in our chimney....
I would run into Ben and his sister at the Olmos Pharmacy, getting his shakes that Betty Garza was known for. He was a respectful man, he would always stand near the door while Betty was making his shake, and diligently open the door for anyone coming in or going out.....a sign of respect he learned at home. I still remember that being 10 years ago........
I am truly sorry for your loss, as well as Betty Garza, the former owner of the Olmos Pharmacy....we both send our sympathy.........Lloyd R.

Dr. Schmidt & Family,
Brittany (Jasper) and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Your son sounded like an tremendous young man and touched more lives than we realize. you all, including your son are in our prayers. may god bless you all.

God bless you ben, and on behalf of myself and family, thank you.my children will know of your sacrifice...semper fi.

David and Teresa...know that Bonny and I share with you and hold you up during these terrible days. And know also, we share with you in celebrating Benjamin's life and the ultimate sacrifice he made. Our thoughts, prayers and attendance will be with the two of you today. Know that each of you are loved by so many and in loving you they affirm this day for Ben. Jim and Bonny Johnston

Semper Fi Marine. The Marine Corp lives forever & that means you live forever. I am a Lifetime member of the 2/4 association of mostly Viet-Nam Marine brothers. We know you will guard the gates of heaven for us.Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Cpl Benito E. Garcia PH San Antonio.

To the family of CPL Benjamin W. Schmidt--

Please know that you don't have to walk this journey alone. There are others in this city who have suffered the same loss. When things settle down a bit, please reach out. I have many support resources to share with you.

May God Bless CPL Schmidt's soul...I know you'll see him again on the High Side.

SEMPER FI

PROUD Mother of
SPC Dane R. Balcon
KIA, 5 September 2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Balad, Iraq

Upon hearing the news of your loved one, I was so filled with sadness, he obviously was a dedicated Soldier for our country & the sacrifice he made fighting for our freedom goes beyond thanks... you should be so honored to have a hero who was brave, kind & held his family & comrades so close... may he live forever in your heart & soul... God Bless Benjamin... Our most deep condolences... Elizabeth, Jay, Dominick & Holden Williams

God bless and comfort your family as you all grieve the loss of your precious son. Our daughter,Stephanie, is also a U.S. Marine, and a graduate (2007) from A.H. Know that your Marine Family is with you. Your son, Benjamin, will never be forgotten, will always be honored,and will continue to be missed. With the greatest respect, and the absolute heartbreak, from one Marine family to another Semper Fi... you will be in our prayers. The Miller's,
Carrie, Steve, Stephanie, Wesley, and Billy

It's been a great honor to have ever known you! You are a true American Hero! I salute you Benjamin. Rest in Peace Solider.

Please accept our deepest sympathy. Gene Vogt, Rob Vogt, Robert Bruce, Martin Bruce and the Vogt Auction Family.

Our son's were friends at TCU and we had the honor of meeting Ben. We are deeply saddened by his death. We salute Benjamin for his military service. He is our hero. We pray for our Lord's love to sustain you through this sadness.

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. I SALUTE BENJAMIN FOR THE GREAT JOB HE DID PROTECTING OUR COUNTRY . HE WILL WALK WITH THE LORD NOW AND OVERSEE HIS FAMILIES HAPPINESS.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thanks to Benjamin for his service to our country and the ultimate sacrifice. THANK YOU for helping to make this world a better/safer place for my children. You ARE a true HERO.

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 Cpl . Benjamin W. Schmidt our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Benjamin. And to Benjamin it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Benjamin, you are a brave Marine Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. 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 1,307 Legionnaire Veterans of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Benjamin’s family and loved ones. Semper Fi !

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

We salute Benjamin Schmidt for his supreme sacrifice and offer our condolences to his family! God bless our country and those who serve to protect us.
T.M. and Carol Fleming

It is with a heavy heart that we send our deepest condolences at this time of grief. May you find comfort in GOD.

My condolences to the Schmidt/Whetstone family. I witnessed the arrival of Benjamin in his American flag draped coffin at Port San Antonio, many military and civilians lined the street to honor Benjamin, as did I. WE SALUTE HIM FOR HIS MILITARY SERVICE!! Thank you, may we never forget your sacrifice and all who serve this country.

My heart aches for Ben's family. I am so sorry for your loss.
L.C.

To the Schmidt Family,
My heart goes out to you for the precious loss of your son, Benjamin. I also, know the pain, the grief and the feelings of helplessness that can seem unbearable. At such times, we need to turn to God in prayer, asking for his help. He gives strenght and comfort, which can sustain you through you sadness. And may the love of those around you support you in the days ahead.

In recognition of Corporal Benjamin W. Schmidt's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the members of the SSgt Walter F. 'Trae' Cohee III Detachment # 115, Salisbury, MD as well as the members of the Tri-Cities Detachment # 969, Gray, TN of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Don Elseroad
Staff Sergeant USMC (Ret)
MCL Detachment # 115 & # 969