Jerry M. Durbin, Jr. Obituary

We miss you Micheal... R.I.P.

I lay here thinking about you tonight. I miss you so much. Another year has come and gone. It's almost been 8 years now. They say "time heals all wounds," but that is definitely not the truth. Things still don't feel right without you. I miss you so much, we all do.

I love you so much Micheal. You are my hero, forever and always.

Not forgotten

You were the best. Wish I could've been there. Making you proud was my life's greatest achievement.

What I would give to have him back.

What I would give to have him back.

After 7 years... it still hurts.. but you are still in our thoughts and prayers and will NEVER be forgotten! We miss you so much <3

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Jerry M. Durbin, Jr.:
It has truly been my honor to sign Jerry's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Jerry will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

May we never forget the sacrafice SSGT Durbin made for us all.

Forever in his debt. We honor the memory of Jerry Durbin for his service and sacrifice for this country.

May God Bless The Durbin family. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Remembering you on this Memorial Day. Bless you for your sacrifice. I hope that you are able to know that your children are doing well. We think of you often.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Jerry M. Durbin, Jr.:
Always remembering Jerry. "Some gave all."

On this Memorial Day our thoughts return to you Micheal. We pride ourselves in having had you as a member of our family. You would be very proud of your children as they have exceeded expectations in their education and we continue to hope that your sacrifice will provide them with a wonderful chance of life, liberty and happiness. God bless you on this day. You are not forgotten.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Jerry M. Durbin, Jr.:
Please accept my remembrance of Jerry on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

May we never forget the sacrifice Jerry made for us all. SSgt Durbin is a true American Hero who gave all while saving a brother in arms. It was an honor to have been the lead RC for the PGR at SSgt Durbin’s services. I have visited his grave site at HNC many times, gone but not forgotten.

JohnnyD

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Jerry M. Durbin, Jr.:
Remembering Jerry 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

”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

Thinking of you today...

Thinking of you today....

Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the Durbin family and all.Rest well brother as promised your name stamped in steel shall be forever clutched in the talons as your spirit forever soars high in the skies in the symbol of our grateful nation.May the rest you find be in knowing that Star Spangled Banner shall FOREVER wave.We have one and all 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.....B.V.C.....SEMPER FI.

To the family of Staff Sgt. Jerry M. Durbin, Jr.:
Jerry 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

Your life will be remembered, and your star continues to shine.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Durbin!

Michael,
It means so much to me that i had the honor and privilege to serve by your side. There are so many things that I want to say but I don't know how to. Everytime I think about the "Flashbang" I can't help but crack up laughing. You will always hold a place in my heart and my thoughts.
1-1 this is 1-1C out.
You will never be forgotten.

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Durbin and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

I served with Durbin while assigned to c-co 1/12 Inf out of Ft. Carson CO. He was a true soldier and a friend. SSG Durbin you will always be in our hearts.

Any one that sheds their blood on our world's battlefields is indeed a Gallant Warrior. We both have a Purple Heart, and therefore he is my blood brother. He shall never be forgotten, as his name is inscribed in the Purple Heart Memorial in Newburg, NY the site where General George Washington issued the First Purple Heart in 1782.

Wow its hard to believe that another one of our brothers is gone. He could always put a smile on everyones face with one of his goofy expressions. You may be gone but u will never be forgotten.
Ryan Willoughby

WELL MICHEAL, ONE YEAR HAS PAST AND IT SEEMS TO BE ONLY A SHORT TIME. WE STILL MISS YOU AND NOT ONE OF US CAN GET OVER THE PAIN. WE ALL LOVE YOU AND WILL FOREVER. OUR TRUE HERO!

LOVE,
AUNT DOLLY

Please know how deeply sorry I was to learn of the loss of Staff Sgt. Jerry M. Durbin Jr., one year ago.

The price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
May Jerry rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the Durbin family.
There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

May the Peace of God and your memories of Jerry, remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am deeply sorry for your loss.

MICHEAL,

WE WILL BE THERE TOMORROW FOR THE MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY. WE STILL THINK OF YOU ALWAYS AND LOVE YOU DEEPER EVERY DAY. GRANDPA DURBIN IS EXPECTED TO BE WITH YOU SOON AND I ASKED HIM TO PLEASE KEEP YOU SAFE AND WATCH OVER YOU.

ALL OF OUR LOVE FOREVER OUR HERO

AUNT DOLLY

HEY MICHEAL, HOW ARE YOU DOING UP THERE? THIS IS YOUR LITTLE SISTER. WE ALL MISS YOU SO MUCH. I LOVE YOU MICHEAL. HOPE YOU ARE OK UP THERE. YOU ARE MY HERO. AND WE ALL CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR THE LITTLE ONES. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



MARINE MOM

I was SSG Durbin's Company Commander during our first tour in Iraq with C Company, 1-12 Infantry. Michael was a soldier's soldier, a leader, and a true hero. We spent many hours together during missions and during downtime. It was an honor and a privilege to serve with such an incredible man. I pray that God comforts his family in this time of loss.

CPT Joel Dillon
C/1-12 IN

I am so sorry to hear about what has happened. I hope you guys are all ok and getting through this as good as you can.

God reserves a place in heaven for special soldiers. Michael was one of those soldiers.

John and Juliene, you and your family are forever in our prayers.

You are so good keep it up am here my GUYS

Your family will forever be in my prayers. If you ever need anything im right on post.

I didnt get to meet you, I so wish I had. My family is praying for yours.

Louise

Dear John and Julienne,

I never had the pleasure of knowing your son-in-law, but I do know how precious he was to you. Your love for him was evident and my heart hurts for you and especially for your daughter and grandchildren. I wish you eventual peace knowing that he died doing what he believed in and was appreciated by his fellow Americans. I don't know what to do for you other than to pray - and all of your faithful quilting friends are doing just that.

Even though I did not know Micheal, the way my father talked about him, I felt like I have known him all my life. His death is a loss for us and a gain for Heaven. I pray for his family and friends, and I know that he was loved by many and will be missed dearly. Thank you SSG. for doing what you believe in and even though it took you away, you will never be forgotten.

With Love Signed, Lynda Allen

I do not recall meeting you. But, after reading thoughts and feelings from family members and other folks, I wish that I had.

It is comforting to know that soldiers such as yourself put your life on the line to protect the well being of American families such as ours.

My heart goes out to the family of a great man, that i had the privilege to serve with. Another notch in the heart.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Durbin family in the loss of Jerry. I did not know Jerry, 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.

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~

I don't really even know what to say, You will be missed and never forgotten. God Bless



Freddie Strickland

C Co. 1/12 INF

Such a beloved man who in his short life, accomplished so much, and was loved by so many. adecorated soldier, war hero, loving husband, daddy, son, brother, nephew, grandson, cousin, and good friend.may we share the loving enduring memories of

Jerry M."Michael" Durbin. together as we are blessed by his most precious legacy. His family, Janelle, Hayley, Alyssa, and sweet baby boy Austin, may we encircle them with our love and support. may we draw closer to each other, watching them blossom and grow. As we are smiling looking up, he also will be as he's looking down waiting watching over us. I love you Michael!



Love Your Aunt,

Sonya L. Durbin

Our heartfelt sympathy to the family and close friends. The United States of America will remain strong and free, as long as there are heroes like Staff Sgt. Jerry M. Durbin. We are sorry for your loss. May his purpose and memory always remain clear.

My heartfelt sympathy goes to the Durbin family in the loss of your dear son, husband, father, and hero Michael. I did not know Michael, but I knew of him from his mother-in-law and father-in-law. My heart is deeply saddened at your loss. I have a son in the military and know the sacrifice that they make everyday for our freedom and the freedom of others. 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. God bless America, and all of those who serve in our military.

To Janelle,and the rest of the Durbin Family,

I would like to say that I am very greatful for having met Michael or should I say Iceman. Not only was he a friend to many but a great leader also. My husband is serving in Iraq with the same unit and morns the loss of Michael. He was a great guy to have known, he always had you lauging, and when around him you never had nothing but a smile on your face. B co especially 1st platoon took on a great lose after losing Durbin but he will forever remain in all their hearts and to all that knew him. To Janelle once again I look up to you and honor all that you are. My thoughts are with you and the family. We miss you Michael and you famous "whose gonna get it" dip game.



Kellie and Israel Rearick

To janelle and all of Durbin's family:
My husband is serving in iraq with michaels unit right now. he has felt this loss deeply and has lost a good friend as well as a trusted mentor and leader. my family's hearts break along with yours. Durbin always had something funny to say or some antic my husband came home with that we laughed at over dinner. i miss that already. 1st plt Bco will never be the same. there is a huge hole in all our hearts. may all those who love him find some comfort in the hard days ahead.

we miss you michael.

katie (and clay)

Michael and I served together since he came to Fort Carson. We were always in the same squad or section. We lived in the same neighborhood and we rode to work together almost every day. We shared time together in Kuwait, NTC, and Iraq. I held his babies and helped Janelle when he was in PLDC. Sadly, after that we were sepertated, he went to Fort Campbell, and I went to Korea. He was what I would call my best friend. Bro, you know I can never forget you. I will always remember you, and I would always take one for you. I wish I could have been there and traded mine for yours. I always had your back brother, and now that you are gone I will do whatever I can for your family. I'll see you when I get there.

SSG Durbin was a good friend of mine when I was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. We did our first tour in Iraq together. He was the one who would make everyone laugh when the situation was tense. He is a good friend and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

We care and share your sorrow.

I never got to meet you Michael but your Mother and Father-in-law are awesome people and I got to know you through them. Thank you for being a brave and valient soldier to fight to give us our freedon. You are one wonderful man and will now be God's Right hand man deservingly. I'm glad to have met your wonderful wife and my thoughts and prayers go out to you Janelle and your children.

SSgt. Durbin, I served in the Navy with your Uncle Bobby and can honestly say that you come from a GREAT family. I praise your bravery and dedication to keeping us all free and safe. Your life here was ended short, but your life in the Kingdom of God has just began. Forever holding you & your family here in my thoughts and my prayers. May our Lord give you all peace.

Chief Powles, USN / Ret.

I am deeply humbled by your bravery. With deepest respect and gratitude~

To the family, my deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you all. We Vietnam vets can really feel your pain...he is not forgotten.....

Larry Simone CWO Ret

My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time. Sgt. Durbin is a wonderful man who protected every single person in the Untied States and brought us freedom. What a brave, brave soul. May he rest in peace forever and watch over his family. God Bless,

We will forever be in debt to Staff Sgt. Durbin and all those who have given their lives to protect us. His memory will live on through our enduring freedom. Thank you.

Dear Michael,

I feel blessed to have been in the presence of a true american hero. Your life will never be forgotten. You brought our family so much joy and laughter. I will never forget Larry trying to fix his computer for weeks and you come over touch a couple keys, and whalaa it's fixed. Janelle and your children are so grately loved. Austin looks just like you. Rest in Peace, your work is done. Janelle, I love you so much you will pull throught this difficult time. Love to all. your sister, Patti

God Bless his family and friends~ Land of the free,because of the brave. (Jamie,Navy wife)

How do you mourn the loss of man you never met? I can only tell my story. A story I suspect I will never forget. A story of a young man cut down early in life. A story of a young man called to duty.



Saturday Feb 4, 2006 I sat in a tire store talking to a man about a great loss. Sgt Durbin was taken from this world. I could see pain as the story was told. What stuck with me though, was the joy and pride only a father takes in speaking of a young man taken from this world. I was told of high school days at Nimitz, football, computers, and life in the service. Five days later,I still can not get the story of Sgt Durbin from my mind.



I can only hope my thoughts and prayers ease the pain of such a loss.

I thank all of my family for being there for us while we were down, we couldnt have done it without you. All of the stories that you all told helped us out alot, and all of the love and comfort has helped us also. I love you all.



Micheal, i dont know what i will do without you, you were always the one who inspired me, and i know that you will always be in my heart. What you did was very brave, and i promise, i will see you on the other side, **so look forward to seeing me with a big hug**



-now you are a soldier in heaven, ill always be your little sister, watch out for us bro-

the world is a better place because he blessed it, you can not change what is all you can do is believe that god had bigger plans for him. not much comfort to a broken heart, may god be with you in these hard times

My prayers are with our family during their time of sorrow. "Those who bloom in the hearts of others, will NEVER fade away".

Dear Jerry and Teresa and family. I never really knew Micheal, however he was a true American hero. Freedom lives in Micheal's passing. I am so sorry for your son and his family. May God be with you and God bless you all. Your friend. Always.

Harvey Lemons

Dear Janelle, Juliene, John and Families - Mark and I are thinking of you and keeping all of you in our prayers at this sad but deeply proud time. May God hold all of you close to his heart.

There is no greater sacrifice then to lay your life on the line for the freedom of your country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family so that your unselfish acts will never be forgotten. May the peace of the Lord be always with you and your family.

Dear Jerry and Teresa,



My heart was heavy and broken Saturday morning when I read the paper and saw the picture of the handsome young man that lost his life defending our flag and country. When I saw the last name in the paper, I continued to read about his surviving family members, the names of his mom and dad and I thought it was just a coincidence, however, when I saw Candace, April, Amy and Cory, my heart sank and I realized he was Michael, the active bright eyed little boy I remember sitting around your kitchen table as your old Lost friend and neighbor from Denise Dale street. I have thought of you all many times in the years past and it's a shame we lost touch. I would love very much to see you all again. I send my heart and love to you at this time of extreme sadness and sorrow. Please know that I will keep you in my thought and prayers and Michael will always be with you in your heart and spirit. Love and God be with you.



Your old neighbor and friend,



Rona

WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS! MAY GOD HELP YOU GET THROUGH IT ALL!

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Rest in peace, Iceman, be proud that you got your boys back home in one peice. To Blaze and Fuse, you have my best wishes and prayers.

Thank you for your service to our country and for your ultimate sacrifice. God's Peace to you and your family and we look forward to seeing you in Heaven to thank you personally for your life and your great work here on earth protecting us from harm!

I am very sorry for loss. My son was in the same unit and was killed on October 31,2005. His name was Adam. I pray everyday for this war to end and for all our loved ones to come home. Please let me know if I can help you in anyway. Fran

My Dear Janelle -

We are deeply saddened by your incredible loss, and pray that God will comfort you and your children during this impossibly difficult time. Know that millions of Americans appreciate the sacrifice that you have made by your husband serving his country. Know too, that Andy and I are lifting you up in prayer - for courage, strength, perseverance and comfort. May God bless you and your family.

My condolence goes out to our family for the loss of Michael. May the Lord bring peace to your hearts and understanding to your soul.

Although Michael is my 3rd cousin, sadly I never got a chance to know him; I had only gotten the chance to meet him a couple of times. I did however hear great things about him and by reading this guest book. It is very apparent that he was quite the man/soldier and that he loved his family, friends and his country very much. He is the true American hero! Words can not express the sorrow that I feel for you Jerry, Teresa, his siblings, wife and children, as well as the rest of the family. I can only imagine your pain! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please, if there is anything you need or that I can do, it would be my honor to do what I can. It’s the least I can do. Thank you Staff Sgt Jerry Michael Durbin, Jr and to your family for the sacrifice you have made for me, my family and the United States of America! May you rest in peace!

Our prayers are with all of the

family.

To my buddy mikey, we will meet again someday. To the family you guys are all in my prayer's.



All the love from the North

Cousin, best friend, moral support, leader and comic relief. Micheal was everything. Thank god that he left us with so many good memories that will keep him in our hearts forever. Now to fulfill our love to Micheal through his awesome wife and kids, and to the rest of the Durbin family.



You are my hero.

I love you Micheal.

Micheal Durbin was a close cousin of mine. He was not only a cousin to me but a hero, he always will be. I would like to thank everyone who has submitted a post for this guestbook, it means a lot to the family and friends who were close to Micheal. Micheal impacted so many peoples lives and its nice to know people actually care that he did what he did because he loved his country. Thank you all so much. I love you Mike.

To the durbin family, I am so sorry for the loss of Micheal. I love ya'll and I know that Micheal is watching over us today. He was such an awsome person to be around and will be missed greatly. God bless...Love Ireen(as Micheal would say)

Our Inspiration for love that Jerry Michael did give with Honor to his Country

He Fought so we could live



Our Love and Thanks

I wish to offer my condolences to the family of a former Nimitz student. May the sacrifice of our brave young soldiers not be in vain.

Although I have never met Michael, I do know his in-laws. Michael seems to epotomize that which all men strive to attain. His friends and family speak highly of him and the men that served with him respected him. What a great man he must have been. I'm sure the best is yet to come from Staff Sgt Durbin.

My prayers for his friends and family, for a man who made the ultimate sacrifice.

THIS WORLD IS LESS OF A PLACE NOW THAT MICHAEL IS GONE, BUT HEAVEN JUST GOT A LITTLE BRIGHTER WITH MICHAEL IN HEAVEN, MIKE WAS MY FRIEND, WILLING TO HELP OUT ANYONE AT ANYTIME WITH ANYTHING, ALWAYS HAD A SMILE FOR YOU, HE WAS THAT KIND OF A GUY, HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED, BUT HE WILL LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS AND OUR MEMORY'S, HE IS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

REST NOW BRAVE SOLDIER YOUR HOME WITH YOUR LORD

I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS MIKE

TO ALL MY FAMILY

MICHEAL IS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO AND WE WILL WILL KEEP HIS MEMORY ALIVE.I HAVE, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 43 YEARS,SEEN THE STRENGTH THIS FAMILY HAS. THIS ALONE GIVES MICHEAL SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF AS MUCH AS WE ARE PROUD OF HIM. I LOVE YOU ALL, AND THE LEGACY MICHEAL LEAVES WITH US IS OUR LOVE AND BOND FOR EACHOTHER THANKS TO MICHEAL WE REALIZE THAT NOW.

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS HE WILL ALWAYS BE.

I LOVE YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH.

TO OUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS,I THANK YOU! MY FAMILY NEEDS TO HEAR THESE WORDS AND IT REALLY GIVES OUR HEARTS JOY THROUGH ALL OF THIS TO KNOW THIS COUNTRY REALIZES HIS SACRIFICE. THANK YOU,THANK YOU!

I served with Mike since the day he arrived at his first duty station. I have lost yet another brother to this war. I will never forget you Iceman, I promise. It was an honor to have known you.



Love,

Veil

May God comfort you with the hope of the resurrection and the knowledge that Jerry gave his life

so that others will know freedom.

God Bless and Keep You all.

To my dear friends:



My heart weeps and I'm saddened beyond belief. I pray that the Lord comforts you and that you find peace in these troubled times. You know that you can always reach out to me and I'll be there for you, anytime, anywhere.



Micheal, You will always live in our hearts and will forever be our hero. Rest in peace, brave soldier.

Rest in Peace, Little cousin

May God give this family the strength and courage Michael had in this time of sorrow...



Veel liefs

I don't quite know what to say. It was an honor serving with you, and I hope and pray your family will be ok.

We are so sorry and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

We love you the Teuscher family