Russell M. Durgin Obituary

I had the honor of running the Manchester City Half Marathon today in honor of Sgt. Durgin. His name was on my bib and a bracelet I wore. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Thank you for the scholarship at NEC. I've been working at the National Center for PTSD since I graduated. Playing trumpet now and not just taps. Feeling good enough to join a band and play with other people. I take days off to have fun even when I don't feel like it. When I got to Henniker and told people about my scholarship people's faces would light up as they told me about you and how much you enjoyed having fun so I decided I would try to find that part of myself that I lost. No sense in making more of a void. I got together with Vermont Veteran's Ventures and have almost completed trauma therapy and can relax around people now. Funny how real heroes can save people years after theoretically they can't. One day you will be sainted. I hope you get to be the patron saint of Fun.

My son was not even a year old when you passed . I tell him about you every June, he knows your name well and We will never forget !

Not a day goes by we arent thinking of you. Never Forgotten

I miss you Russ every day. I still talk about you with Jennie so that she doesnt forget about you even though she was only 6 months old when you were taken from us. She is going to be 13 in a couple months and you would be so proud of her! You were more than just a soldier and I will remember you for being my brother and friend before I remember what you gave as a soldier. Love you always

In memory on this Memorial Day 2014. You will not be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends.
Bobbi Johnsen

To the family and friends of Sgt. Russell M. Durgin:
It has truly been my honor to sign Russell'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 Russell will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

In memory and honor of Russell during this Holiday Season 2012.

June 13, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Russell M. Durgin:
Always remembering Russell. "Some gave all."

To the family and friends of Sgt. Russell M. Durgin:
Please accept my remembrance of Russell on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

After some time now we still think of you every day.... you are still in our thoughts and always in our hearts!

Russ died doing his part to make the world a better, safer place. His spirit is with us and I belieive a free spirit continues to do good forever.

Russ, you were a great friend. I think about you the time. I'm so glad to have known you.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Russell M. Durgin:
Remembering Russell 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

To the family of Sgt. Russell M. Durgin:
Russell 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

”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,
Kenna

The last time I saw Durgin he was a wide eyed PFC Reserve MP. All he did that last time was talk about going active duty Infantry. I never told him that I admired his hard work and his never quit attitude. Through my year and a half in Iraq I randomly would think of the soldiers I met through out my career, and I often thought of Durgin, and where his life had taken him. I will never forget that smile or love for life, I'm a better person for have knowing you Durgs, and I will cherish the few short times we worked together.

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 Russell, 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 –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Durgin!

I did not know Russ for very long before we deployed. But I will never forget my brother and his easy going approach to life.

I was in Russ's platoon and served with him in Afghanistan. I shook his hand the morning before he was killed and told him I would see him in a couple of days. He went one way down the valley and I went the other. That was the last time I saw him. He was a good man and a great friend. He always made light of every situation and had the best sense of humor. He could always make us laugh no matter how depressed we were. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Russ.

I went through basic training with Durgin, we served in Korea together, we came back to the states and spent the day in Seattle drinking and trading war stories. It was Fathers Day that i turned on CNN and saw his pictures flashed all over the screen. I miss him terribly, had I known the Seattle Airport would be the last time i would ever see him, I would have shaken his hand a little longer. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily.

Sgt. Justin T. McWilliams

To the family of Sgt. Russell M. Durgin my most sincere condolences.

He is a hero and will not 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)

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

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

Thank you Russell for Proudly serving our country...you truly are an american hero!

Dear Family of Sgt. Russell M. Durgin,



May the love of God give you peace,

May the love of friend’s give you comfort,



May the love of your dear one,

Remain in your heart and give you,

Strength through the difficult days ahead.



My thoughts and prayers are with you,



PFC. US MARINES-1959-1961

I am Deeply saddened to learn of this loss.


The price this Fine Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and our freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.


May Sgt. Russell M. Durgin rest safely in God's Mighty Hands and may God's Loving Comfort and Grace continue to be with the Durgin family.


I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.





With each new day, may the Lord restore your soul and, through His love, give you the strength to go on.





Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.


Psalm 55:22

I might not have ever known you Russell but Michelle is my neice and I am so proud of you for serving your country to protect my freedom. My condolences go out for your family, Michelle and all the loved ones you left behind. may God bless you and everyone else who has ever lost their lives defending our great country. For it is the Fallen Soldiers who are the greatest heroes.

My deepest sympathy to Mr. and Ms. Durgin, Michelle and to the rest of Russells family. Sgt. Durgins supreme sacrifice will never be taken for granted. Our great country exists only because of men like Russell who display uncommon valor in the most dangerous of times. Thanks from a heartbroken veteran.

Sincerely,

Michael Stotler

My heartfelt sympathy to the Durgin family in the loss of Russell. I did not know Russell, 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. Russell 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~

Russell will never be forgotten. He is a true hero and has touched the lives of so many people. My husband, Lt. Brian Niven, and the rest of Russ's platoon miss him deeply and cherish the memories they have of Russell's smiling face.



My deepest sympathies to Jean, Michele, family and friends during these trialing times. My heart goes out to you each and every day. Russell is our Hero!

I weep for the family who has lost their child. I cheer for the men who fight so bravely for our sake. I know that these brave men will meet their rewards in Heaven. I am full of pride knowing there are true heros in this world like Sgt. Durgin.

Russell will always be a hero. He did what so many are not willing to do. Freedom doesn't come free and he will never be forgotten!!!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES 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. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A PROUD MARINE MOM

Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will fly our flag in Russels honor and memory. Tomorrow we will plant a tree to memorialize him as well.

Although I am a Viet-Nam combat marine and our son did a tour in Iraq as a marine we are all brothers and sisters in arms and know that Russell is now with God.

Well done Russell.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

I know that Sgt. Russell Durgin meant a great deal to my dear friend Robert Reese, who knew Russell and served with him, and we will grieve the loss of Russell together. My deepest sympathies go out to Russell's family.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this brave warrior. God bless him for protecting us all.

OUR THOUGHTS AND PAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF THE FAMILY. RUSSELL WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS EACH DAY AND WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

To the Family of Sgt. Russell Durgin;

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 )

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Our son Robert Reese served with Russell in Iraq and often spoke very highly of him.

Love and prayers are sent from our hearts in memory of Russell.

We are with you Jean,

in every step you take

Not all who pass will be remembered like Russell. His life will go on in the memories of those who loved him and shared many wonderful, and funny, moments with him. I am proud of him and proud to have known him.

If he can stand in battle to ensure our freedom,

We can stand in grief with his family to honor him……



In Remembrance of Sgt. Russell Durgin,



To the Durgin Family, our sincerest and heartfelt condolences are extended to you for the loss you have endured. We pray that in time grief will turn to pride and the pain of loss will be replaced with peace in knowing your loved one is in the hands of the Lord.



For every fallen hero, there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us that freedom is a cherished gift and it is not without sacrifice.



May you take comfort in knowing that many families across this great nation grieve with you in your time of sadness.



Our prayers are with you for peace and healing.



Sincerely,



Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire

I learned of Sgt. Durgin's passing through my son Sgt. Douglas Robinson. He is my son and in Afghanistan right now. He is feeling great sorrow at the loss of his friend and will be wearing a bracelet which I am having made for him representing Sgt. Durgin. My prayers will be for strength to get your family through these incredible rough times. My heart breaks for your loss. God bless you all.

My heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Sgt Durgin.

May you find comfort in your loving memories of Russell, and know that all of America shares in your sorrow.

May he rest in Peace, and I shall fly my flag in his honor.

My condolences to the Durgin family.

Russell may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.

Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.

The price this Young Soldier and his family paid for this country will never be forgotten... Rest well in the arms of our Precious Lord. And may God's comfort and blessings be with His family.

I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

Romans 8:18

"Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Others stay for a while and leave footprints in our hearts and we are never the same".



I extend my sincere sympathy to your family on the loss of Russell. He is truly an American hero. His courage and bravery will not be forgotten.

Please accept our condolences for your loss. You will be in our prayers, that the Lord provide you comfort and peace. We are grateful for the work, and sacrifice, of Russell, a true American hero. God Bless.