Derek A. Gibson Obituary

To the family of "Gibby". It was such a instinct to pick Gibson from all the other guys to volunteer to go into sector after a few guys got hurt. We both volunteered to go and take up the slack and looked forward to it. I was his team leader, and he was such a great guy to have next to you. We shared alot, mostly fishing and funny family stories. He took my spot that day and never complained about it, and he did his job. I'll never know how to repay him other than to live a life that he would be proud to say he sacrificed himself for, so that's what I do. He's always with me and always missed. A great man.

In recognition of Derek Gibson of the 6th anniversary of his passing. We will always remember him.

In memory &honor of Derek Gibson. We remain perpetually grateful for his service and sacrifice for our Nation.

April 4, 2012
To the family and friends of Pfc. Derek A. Gibson:
Always remembering Derek. "Some gave all."

To the family of PFC Derek A. Gibson:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.

To the family and friends of Pfc. Derek A. Gibson:
Please accept our remembrance of Derek on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Ginger Mankowski/Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To the family and friends of Pfc. Derek A. Gibson:
Remembering Derek 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

Hey gibby I just wanted to say that i miss ya buddy and i know ure up there keeping a watch over all of us. Workin the checkpoints just wasnt the same without ya. I always think back to the fun we had stuck out at ECP 11.
Forever in my memories

To the family of Pfc. Derek A. Gibson:
Derek 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

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Gibson!

My deepest condolences to the family.May God comfort you in this time of indescribable pain and grief. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N.

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

I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer 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 (KIA on 07/06/07) 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
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Love and prayers to Derek's family. There is nothing that I can say to ease your pain. But, know that today, Memorial Day, I am thinking of you and of Derek.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE 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. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

God bless the family and friends of Derek. Please know that you will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Derek for being such a brave hero.
To the family and friends of Derek Gibson please know that April the 4th will also always be a hard day for us as well due to the loss of our loved one on the same day.
May God give you the strength to get you thru this time.

(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

TO THE FAMILY OF PFC. GIBSON; MY HEART BREAKS AT YOUR PAIN,MY 19 YR OLD SON HAS BEEN IN IRAQ OVER A YR, AND, I KNOW, HOW REAL THE DANGER IS,YOUR SON MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET HIS NAME!! HE WAS A BRAVE WARRIOR, AND WILL BE WATCHING OVER YOU,AND SMILING AT YOUR TEARS!!MAY GOD GIVE YOU THE PEACE YOU SO BADLY NEED RIGHT NOW, AND KNOW, THAT DEREK LEFT THIS EARTH, DOING WHAT HE WANTED!! GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!!

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

Soldiers write history…they 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

Our prayers are with the family. Our hero was brought home on the same plane as your hero. I pray that God will soon send the peace that is badly needed.

Derek is our hero and will never ever be forgotten. A warrior angel called home to soon.

There are just no words that I can say.... but please know Derek and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Gibson family in the loss of Derek. I did not know Derek, 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. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Derek 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~

Derek, we didn't know you well but our family will never forget you.

Julia Howell (Jessica Goforth's aunt)

May the strength of God's hands carry you through this time and may the bright memories of happy times replace the darkness of sorrow.

My cousin David S. Roddy was KIA on Sept. 16 in Iraq. Please know that you are not alone in your pain. You are in our thougths and prayers.

Proud cousin of ET2 (DV/SW) David S. Roddy KIA 9/16/06.

I can't even tell you how saddened I am over the loss of Derek. I know that Brandon is proudly going to follow in his footsteps with Derek watching over him. You all are in my prayers and will always be in my daily thoughts.

To the Gibson Family:
I am truly sorry and deeply saddened to hear that another one of our brave has passed. I am currently deployed and I have the rare chance to meet some of the bravest people I will ever know in this life. I am proud to have served along side with such a person as Derek Gibson. He is in our prayers and in our hearts.

To the Gibson family, I will pray for grace and comfort that only God can give during this time of grief. As a Veteran I honor or fallen Hero and give thanks for our Freedom that Derek and so many others have fought for.

I am so sadden to learn that another American Hero has fallen. I pray that God will give you the strength and courage to face the days ahead and that with time you will be able to reflect back on many wonderful memories of Derek. God Bless!

Know in your heart that Derek is a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace Derek. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.

To Derek's family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

My heart and prayers go to you and your family! My son is also in the army and in Iraq. I am so proud of Derek's bravery and courage! I cant even imagine the loss you must feel,just know you are not alone. Many prayers are going to your family! With Deepest Sympathy, Kelly Benedict

I send to Derek's family my deepest sympathy and my prayers. I am so sad for your loss. My only son is in Iraq. I pray for Derek, my son and all the men and women who are serving in our armed forces. GOD bless.

Although we've never met, we just want to thank you for your sacrifice, like Jesus did. We want to thank you for protecting us, like Jesus does. We want to thank you for the love you've shown to all of us, just like Jesus does. You are surely in his arms.

God Bless the family and may we all remember and honor the bravery of this young man.

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am, for the loss of
this Brave Young Soldier, Pfc. Derek A. Gibson,

As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly,
and as a sister, who has lost a brother to war,
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain
that you are experiencing.
The overwhelming heartache, seems to surface
through our shock, as the time passes.
Please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.
Ever so softly and slowly, time does heal.

May Derek Rest Safely, in the Loving Care of God
and know that he Will Never Be Forgotten.
I pray that the Peace of God will be with the Gibson family.
I am the sister, of such a Young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

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

I sincerely hope that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Country Mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A Hero to all of us.

As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.

you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Rest in eternal peace.

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. 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 guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and 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 as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever 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 your 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 soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA