Rusty L. Washam Obituary

Not a day goes by that I don't miss him! It will be 14 years next month that God took him home. But know he is right here with me in every heart beat and the endless tears I shed. I gave one of the most precious gifts God gave me for this country. Never forget him

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Washam Family know that we have made a small donation to the Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) to honor Rusty L. Washam US Marine Corporal. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals across the American youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Brother, there is not a day that goes by that I don't remember you and Matt. I'll never forget the first time we talked, I asked you where you were from because your accent sounded like mine. You said you were from Tennessee, I told you I was from Kentucky and we talked about the two. Knowing both of you shaped my life into what it is now, and I thank you. God bless your family and I know you are shining down on them. Semper Fi brother.

To the family and friends of Cpl. Rusty L. Washam:
It has truly been my honor to sign Rusty'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 Rusty will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

Thinking of you Beverly. hope you are well. I will call you soon. Love you,
Joni

Thinking of you and your family today..

February 14, 2012
To the family and friends of Cpl. Rusty L. Washam:
Always remembering Rusty. "Some gave all."

ITS HARD TO BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN SIX YEARS TODAY SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY I MISS YOU MORE EVERYDAY. YOU ARE MY HERO! I LOVE YOU LIL BROTHER!

We wish to Thank You Cpl. Rusty Washam and your Family for your Service and Sacrifices for our Country and Freedoms. Thank You and may you find Peace, Love and Comfort in His' Love and Courage.

To the family and friends of Cpl. Rusty L. Washam:
Please accept my remembrance of Rusty on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Its hard to believe it has been 5 years today! I miss u more everyday I Love u lil brother!

Salute Cpl. Rusty L. Washam, an American hero. Cpl. Washam has paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect you and me and the freedoms we celebrate this Memorial Day 2010. My thouhgts and prayers are with the Washam family as I honor your loved one. I ask that all that read this visit Rusty's website to learn more about a true American hero.

Smitty "Flagman" Giles
East Tennessee Patriot Heart Riders

I keep a candle brightly shining in my heart for you my son!

To the family and friends of Cpl. Rusty L. Washam:
Remembering Rusty 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

I will never have the words to tell you how much I love and miss you.But we will be together someday.Heaven is sweeter with you there. I LOVE YOU!!!

Happy 25th Birthday lil Brother! The picture I included is of Rusty's 6th Birthday I remember it so well because its the day that I brought my son Cody home from the hospital and mom didn't have time to bake him a cake so we stopped at Walmart the only cakes they had was for valentines day.

I LOVE AND MISS YOU MORE EACH DAY!

I want everyone who visits Rusty's website to know how very much we appreciate it. Rusty ment so much to his family and friends, and he loved his family and friends very much. I will always work to keep his memory alive. Rusty is "Forever in our Hearts".

Brenda,Please know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. On Saturday May 23 I was honored to read the names of Tennessee's fallen in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars at the ceremony at the WWII Memorial. USMC Cpl. Rusty Washam is remembered. I'm so glad that so many of us Gold Star Moms and families were able to spend Memorial Day weekend together.
Tammy Bass
Proud Mother of USMC Cpl. David Bass
4/23/85 - 4/2/06

BROTHER
As we grew each day
We faced what came our way
Though at times we disagreed
Together we were meant to be

But life is only for a while
And in our hearts he left a smile
For the bond that we shared
Were like none to compare

Memories will carry us through
Until we soar above the blue
For when to Heaven we ascend
We'll see my brothers smile again.

I miss you so much there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and your smile.

LOVE YOU RUSTY!

”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

RUSTY WASHAM WAS ONE OF THE BRAVEST PEOPLE
I'VE EVER KNOWN. HE IS MISSED AND LOVED
DEARLY.HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN........

To the family of Cpl. Rusty L. Washam:
Rusty 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

Honoring You on Your Birthday Rusty...Our hearts still Mourn and grieve for a life lost.
Its Comforting to know You are no longer Suffering any Pain or Sorrows that we still face in this world today.
Rest in Peace Rusty
Your Work here is Done.
*Semper Fi*

~Please keep this family in your hearts and Prayers..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSTY............. I LOVE AND MISS YOU!

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

We Will Never Forget the sacrifice you made. Proud Sis of 1st SG Michael S. Curry Jr. KIA 7/23/07

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl Washam!

I can not believe that it has been two years. It seems just like it was just yesterday. I love you and miss you. You take care of Scott for me.

Beverly and Family,
Mark and I hsve been thinking about you all week.You are in our thoughts and prayers.We love you guys.

Mark and Joni Bowles

Thinking of you today and always. I cant believe It has been two years. I Love you!!

Thinking of you today & always. I miss you so much.
My Brother My Hero!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIL BROTHER. I LOVE YOU!!!!

To the Washam family; I previously signed Rusty's guest book. I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. From the most inner part of my heart I am so sorry Rusty was taken from each of you. Rusty it has been 20 months since you were taken. Please know that you are my hero and that you will NEVER be forgotten.

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)

Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N.

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Cpl Washam and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

I love u Rusty, You will always be in my heart. You are my hero

Rusty was my roomate for about a year from before we left for Iraq. I think of him daily and you are all in my prayers! God is always with you!

Beverly and Sonny,
Mark and I think of you often and pray for you. We both hope and pray that God has given you comfort during this time. God Bless you both. In Christ love,Joni

Rusty,
It's hard to believe it's been a year but my family has not forgotten you or your family's pain. I know they still miss you as we all do.
Janet Lowe

Rusty,
You have been gone a year, but you will never be forgotten. I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU!!

It's so hard to believe it's been a year. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Washam family.

I love you little brother its hard to believe its been a year it seems like yesterday! Till we meet again.

Please know how Deeply Sorry I was to learn of the loss of Cpl. Rusty L. Washam, one year ago today.

The price this Brave Young Marine and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
May Rusty rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord continue to be with the Washam 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 Rusty, remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

No Words could ever come close to showing how much we miss Rusty..Or could ever say how much we appreciate what he has Done for us, The Community, and for Our Country..
Rusty, A Year Later, And you are Still reaching Down and Touching lives...Thank You for All You have Done and are Still Doing!

To Beverly, Sonny, and Family..
You have a LOT to be Proud Of
A son and Brother who went after his Dreams of Being a U.S. Marine..There is a LOT of Pride in the Name "Marine"

*Many Want it, Some Try, and a Few Achieve it*

*May God Bless You now and Always*

~Semper Fi (Marine Mother)

Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Washam family always and especially this week. We will forever remember Rusty.

It has been 9 months today since you left us. I miss you more everyday. I Love Ya lil brother.

Nothing in any sort in this whole entire world could never express how sorry I am for the loss of your son, brother, daddy, or cousin. I couldn't imagine going through the things you all went through, when you lost Rusty; our hero. Love and Prayers go for the family and friends of Rusty Washam. May God Bless You All!!!!

Mr. Mrs. Washam, I send my deepest condolences at the loss of your son, Rusty. I never met Rusty, but I attended his funeral, and I wore my uniform for the first time in a very long time. I never imagined that Scott County could or would turn out in such numbers that day. I was amazed at the sight and was really proud to be part of it all. I'm sure Rusty would have appreciated everything, I sure would have if it were me - or one of mine. May God bless and keep you. Nothing can be said that will ease your grief, but know that Rusty died a hero.

Proud father of Son: SFC Chris Austin, US Special Forces, Retired, and Daughter: Shannon, USAF.

I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies to Rusty's family as a father of three sons I can just feel the sorrow you're going though,One thing for sure you can feel mighty proud of Rusty as he was doing his part to make America the Greatest County in the World."May GOD BLESS YOU'RE family" Ex Navy Seabee Robert L Washam.

Life will never be the same without you. You will always be in my heart, my lil brother, "My Hero". I miss you so much!!!

Rusty was a great friend of mine and it still hurts everyday since he has been gone. he will always be in my heart and in my thoughts.

My deepest sympathies to yet another family of a fallen Marine.

My heart breaks for you.

Take comfort in the beautiful memories of your beloved son, and know that all of America grieves for this fine, brave Marine.

Mom of 2 Marines

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THERE JUST AREN'T ENOUGH WORDS HERE ON EARTH TO EXPRESS THE SORROW. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR THE LITTLE ONE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



MARINE MOM

I went to high school with Rusty, he and I were friends, I will never forget Rusty's smile and how he always made me laugh. One thing that I always think of when I think of him, is how excited and proud he was when his son Ryan was born, I know that Rusty was a great daddy. I loved him alot and I think about him everyday. I am lucky to have known such a great and brave person. I know that it is because of Rusty that I have freedom. Rusty I am very proud of you, You Will Never Be Forgotten. The Washam Family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

For all you have given so we could be free,I have know your Mom and Dad for almost 30 years,I love your Mom like a sister,what a blessed young man you were to have had such wonderful, giving parents and how God blessed them for 21 years with such a couragous son.God is saying WELL DONE MY CHILD.....

You were a special cousin. I will always remember the sacrifice you gave us to let us be free. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you. I will never forget you. You will always be my hero. I love you so much forever and always.

You were a special nephew. I have known you since you were seven years old and the one thing that stood out the most was your smile and commitment to you family. You were always here for your uncle Scott and he will always remember that. You will be greatly missed and there is not a day that goes by that I do not think about you and what you meant in my life. You made sure that you came and seen your uncle everytime that you were in. I am forever grateful for your sacrifice for our freedom and know that you truly believed in what you were doing. I am so proud of you that my heart hurts. You will forever be in my heart and my mind and I will never forget you.

Love Always,

Shawnda & Scott

Rusty was a good person. He done a job that many of us would not do and for that he will be remebered and honored. Rusty was my brother-in-law and for what time I knew him was a pretty good person. He had a wonderful wife and two young boys who will sadly miss him forever. Rusty will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts. Ryan & Andrew will know who their father was and what he had to sacrifice to make a better place for them to live. We all loved him very much, nomatter what anyone says you'll always be remembered.

Rusty was in my very first class at Fairview. The outpouring of love and support in this community has been nothing short of extraordinary. Even though some time has passed, please know that your family is always in our prayers, and Rusty will never be forgotten.

he was a great friend. and will always be one. if i could only turn back the hands of time

LCPL. GILBERT, RAY JR.

U.S. MARINES PSD 3/6

I was fortunate to grow up with Rusty. I can remember him just showing up at the door wanting to sit around and watch tv. He always a presence about him that you just couldn't help but notice. There's not a time in my childhood that i can remember when Rusty was not there. I loved him so much and he will always have a speical place in my heart. Sonny and Beverly you raised a good man, be very proud. I love you guys like you were my own family. You will always be in my prayers.

When I heard what had happened to Rusty...I was incredibley saddened. I went to high school with him. He was always so upbeat. I can honestly not remember one single time in the four year span that I spent with him that he was upset about something. He always had that beautiful smile on his face, and if you didn't have one...he was always sure to put one there for you. He was such an awesome person. My prayers are with your family and Rusty will always be loved and missed.

To Rusty's family. I read of Rusty's death in my local paper. As he was a Washam from Huntsville, Tennessee, I knew he was a cousin. My Grandmother was Maude Newport, and Rusty was descended from her brother. I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes to you and all of those who loved Rusty.

Rusty you gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. Even though I wish you were here everyday I'm so glad you were brave enough to be a marine. I will never forget you. You will Always be my Hero. I love you so much!

Sonny & Beverly,I want you to know that we will miss Rusty. He was special to us. I thank him for what he has done for us and our country. He is our hero. You and Sonny are in our prayers and in our hearts. We love you.

We Honor Rusty for his Choice to Serve our Country, For the Sacrifices he made to keep us free.. He Gave his Life for What he Believed in. One of the Fallen Heros of our Country, Our Community, Our family and we Loved him.



In Honor of This young Man

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your Son

To the Mothers and the Fathers

Of United States Marines

Who have fought and bled and died

So that freedom¹s bell still rings



From the Halls of Montezuma

To the shores of Tripoli

From the alleys of Fallujah

To the frozen Yudam-ni



From the sands of Iwo Jima

To the hills around Khe Sanh

From the smoky pits of Belleau Woods

Your Son fought and won



Your Son battled dictatorships

Communism and tyranny

God¹s Son died to make men holy

Your Son died to make men free



There is a debt we owe Your Son

That we can never repay

We owe Your Son more than platitudes

Heard on Veterans or Memorial Day



Your Son is a son of America

One of the Proud and the Few

Your Son volunteered to do the things

Other men would not or could not do



Your Son was Semper Fidelis

Always Faithful to the end was he

Your Son was a shining example

Of what a man is supposed to be



Now Your Son has been reassigned

To stand guard on Heaven¹s streets

And when my tour of duty is over

I know that we will meet



I¹ll thank Your Son for my freedom

For keeping terror on a distant shore

I¹ll thank Your Son for our way of life

And the sacrifice he bore



So tonight when you cry out to God

While praying on your knees

Know that He¹s a loving God

Who will listen to your pleas



To lose Your Son for freedom¹s cause

God truly understands

God sent His Son to die for us

So you can see Your Son again

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Beverly and family, my worst fear is what u have faced. My son too will be in Iraq, With all the Pride of protecting us...

there is a price for it...

Some Give ALL.

~THANK YOU RUSTY~



"One of the Few and the Proud"



~Always Loved...NEVER Forgotten~



May God Bless you and help heal your Broken Hearts from this huge loss.



I Love All of You

It is a great honor to us to have been a part of Rusty's services. We say "THANK YOU" not only to Rusty, but to the Washam's who have served and continue to do so. Because of you, my family is free.

As I sat through Rusty's funeral services, I watched a young Marine's tears drip from his chin, I saw a family grieve for thier loss, I heard beautiful music from other singers, I heard a powerful message that "Our days are few and full of trouble", I saw Scott County literally shut down in honor of this young man and his family, but before I sang "GO REST HIGH" I took a deep breath and it seemed I could smell the very presence of the Lord. To know that the Lord was in this service, was worth everything. My prayer WILL be answered that God's presence will continue with this family to give you strength and courage to face another day.

I have done many funerals in my years, but this one will live in my heart and mind forever.

God Bless you and keep you,

Jimmy & Tammy Hill

CPL.WASHAM IS A HERO THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY SIR.

Rusty our hero. He will never be forgotten. May God send you comfort thru this sad time.

Love and Prayers

To The Washam Family:

I only knew of Rusty after his death from a very dear friend of mine. My deepest sympathies to all of Rusty's family and friends. A loss of a family member or a friend is something that I as a combat veteran understands. The ultimate sacrifice was given by Rusty in the fight to maintain our freedom.

My heart goes out to Rusty and all the other KIA's and MIA's from this conflict and all others.

"FREEDOM IS NOT FREE"

It is the soldier,not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier,not the poet,who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier,not the lawyer,who has given us the right toa fair trial.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag,serves under the flag,and who coffin is draped by the flag who allows us to be free.

"All Gave Some"

"Some Gave All"

Never Forget Your Hero

Bill Allen Jr.

Life Member

Vietnam Veterans Of America

To the Washam Family,

Upon arriving home from work today, I picked up what seemed to be a piece of trash in the yard as I made my way to the front door. When examining it closer, I realized it was the remains of a balloon and streamer with a memorial note for Cpl. Rusty Washam. I felt compeled to contact you to let you know of my sympathy and heartfelt prayers on your behalf. Just as the remains of this simple "airborn" memorial has touched my life hundreds of miles away, may you be comforted in knowing that your son's life will continue to make a difference. My prayer is that God will comfort your hearts and make His presence known to you in many ways. God bless you!

I did not know Rusty Washam personally, but wish I had. I have never seen this much love and support for a fallen comrade before. As I parked my car and my wife and I walked towards the church, and after waiting for the service to begin, I looked around at the people gathering to pay their respects and I was elated to see the number of Military personnel both on active duty, as well as the retired ones, and the number of Veterans present. I’ve been retired from the Army since 1991, and I seldom wear my uniform anymore, and almost talked myself out of wearing it this day, but I’m so glad that I did because it was an honor to once again stand with some of the warriors of this great country. America is the greatest country on this planet, I know because I have visited many countries during my 26 years in the Army, and none even come close. Rusty was a hero, that’s for sure, for volunteering to serve in our Military and to help America in her time of need. My daughter served in the Air Force, and my son is about to retire this year after 20 years (all in Special Operations) in the Military. I am proud to be a part of this county, the state of TN, and America. It was good to know that Rusty was a Christian, because I have no doubt where his soul lies. My prayers now go to his family and his kids, and I salute them for their courage. God Bless America!

My deepest sympathy in the loss of your hero. I cannot begin to imagine the pain his loss has caused you. I thank you for allowing him to serve our country so that I and my family can continue to enjoy our many freedoms. I pray that God sends you peace and comfort in your many happy memories of Rusty.

Respectfully,

Joan M. Sapienza, Proud Marine Mom of Cpl. Kenneth

I just found this web site and read your entry on Matthew R. Barnes' guest book. Matthew was my wonderful, first-born son. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how much you are grieving. I also have many pictures of your son and will be more than happy to send copies to you. I wish I had known Rusty. From the pictures I have of him with Matt, I can see that he was a very happy person -- always smiling. I know he will be greatly missed. It gives me great joy, however, to know that Matt was among such good friends while serving in Iraq. He always spoke so highly of everyone in PSD. God bless you.

we love you and will all ways miss you!!!!!!!!!

To the family of Rusty Washam,



Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. For those of us that had the privilege and honor of knowing Rusty for his short 21 years on this earth we will always remember him smiling.

Your family’s sacrifice to this country will never be forgotten.

Beverly, as the wonderful, caring mother you are to Rusty and to all your kids, I will never forget the words we spoke to each other when I came to pay my respects to your brave son. I know it was your job to protect Rusty, but it was his job to protect all of us, and he did just that, with his life.

He will NEVER be forgotten.

From my family to your's, our condolences for your loss. Cpl Washam... Rusty, is a true American Hero and his efforts to bring democracy and peace to Iraq & the Middle East, and ultimately the World directly impacts all Americans and our way of life... Life, Liberty &the pursuit of Hapiness. Don't ever think anything less. Your family's loss will remain in our prayers, as with all are armed forces... Keep the Faith,

W. Wagner

USN-Ret

Virginia Beach, VA USA

I would like to first give my prayers to the family of Rusty. I served with rusty since the day he checked into 3/6. We both came in the fleet the same day, and I was with him till the tradey happened. He was loved like a brother from all of us that served with him. he will be deaply missed. and will never be forgotten.

My heart just goes out to you. I can't thank you all enough. I know Rusty's brothers still serve and reading about him just hurts my heart. Please know that what you all are doing to protect our freedoms is appreciated. Hugs.

Chance had me and my partner go thru your town today. We were going to pick up an inmate near Huntsville. I was a Marine for 7 years and was amazed at the Respect your town was paying for a fallen MARINE. I did not know this man but I have to say, Thank you Rusty for your life. Thank you Rusty for being a Marine, Semper Fi.

I have tried this now, for the third time. It is with a heavily laden heart that I must, again, sign a book for a family of a hero who has been lost to us. I will never forget the escort we had for Rusty on his last ride home. Please accept my deepest sympathies to Rusty's family and his extended family.

Patriot Guard Riders TN Ride Captain.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. My husband was stationed with Rusty in iraq. I hadn't met Rusty, but he stuck up for me when someone bad mouthed me. My husband told me he wanted me to meet him when they got back home. He was a great friend to him. He's an admirable man.

Dear Washam Family,

Even though we have never met I feel as if we are part of a “family”. My daughter’s fiancee was killed by an IED in Iraq in Oct. 3, 2005. It is my prayer that God will hold you as close to His heart as He has held my family these past months. May you feel His love and comfort as you pass through these difficult days.

God bless our Marines,

I was passing thru your town this week on a business trip and kept seeing the signs along the road. I wrote down Rusty's name- and looked him up on the internet when I got home. What a fine young man he was. My life only crossed his briefly, but it was enough to make me stop and thank God for Rusty's life and how he gave it for me. God Bless your family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Steven was in the same unit in Al Quiam as your son. He was killed in a vehicle accident Feb. 7. For us, part of the tragedy is the dangers they survived the last 7 months and how close they were to coming home. It would have been Steven's last overseas tour before leaving the Marines. Please feel free to e-mail me if you want to try to meet when the unit comes home in March. 1st. Lt. Greenewood called us and said there would be something to honor our sons when the unit returns. We seem to have the need to reach out and touch others feeling our pain.