Gregory J. Billiter Obituary

Greg will always be remembered

Greg was my childhood friend. His family was close to my family. His parents were Cub Scout leaders who greatly enriched my life growing up. The whole Billiter family holds a special place in my life and my heart.

It doesn't surprise me that Greg achieved the high rank of EODC. He was one tough guy and a true leader. Today, I'm remembering the great times we had as friends in the 1980s (along with his Covington Latin school friends who became my friends too. And Scott, Keith, Jay, Jim, Dan and other friends from Villa Hills, KY who knew Greg too). From grade school through high school and after, in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, on the many basketball courts from my backyard to around northern Kentucky and in Gus Macker basketball tournaments we played together as far as Indianapolis and St Louis. Great memories!

When playing pickup basketball games, I always wanted Greg on my team because I knew he would give everything he had to win. He was one tough fighter on the basketball court but an even better person off the court. Reading all of the posts here about Greg, it seems that he carried this same warrior spirit and caring for others into his military career.

It sounds like being an EODC requires a really special person - physically strong, mentally tough, very smart, a brave leader who is willing to fight hard and risk his life to save others. That was Greg to a T.

Greg - thank you for protecting our country's freedom, protecting your fellow soldiers you served with and sadly for paying the ultimate sacrifice.

I miss you my friend. Catch you on the court when we meet again.

Matt Arnett

Hello,

We wanted to let you and your family and friends know that we have made a small donation to the EOD Warrior Foundation in the name of Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter.

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 our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Still praying for you and your family Brother...

I was the first recruit that Greg put into the Navy in Massillon Ohio in 1997. Although we eventually lost touch after he left recruiting, we crossed paths again in Whidbey Island. I have recently been selected for CPO and I am dedicating a page in his honor in my charge book. I remember him today, and I will continue to honor him each and every day of my service.

Greg Billiter was a childhood friend that I always had admiration and respect for. I think of Greg almost everyday when I hear end of day retreat honoring our flag and fallen heros. Greg was more than a hero to me....he was a friend. I will never forget him or his ultimate sacrifice for our nation. God bless the Billiter family.

Was at the Bluegrass Army Depot in Richmond Ky today. A plaque with Greg in a fallen memorial is located there, lets not forget my friend!

Myself & my brother played basketball all over NKY with Greg and his Covington Latin Crew. It was an honor to know him, my younger brother Chief MSGT Keith Collins will be honoring Greg in a speech he has in April of 2013 to expand the memory of one of our heroes. God Bless the Billiter family as he stands guard over them.

On this Memorial Day, our family expresses our sorrow for the loss of Gregory Billiter. We thank him for his service.

April 6, 2012
To the family and friends of Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter:
Always remembering Gregory. "Some gave all."

Thank you for your dedication and service to your country. It is men like you who give so much to see that our family's are safe.

To the family and friends of Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter:
Please accept my remembrance of Gregory on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To the family of CPO Gregory J. Billiter:
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.

4 years today brother. Rest in Peace my Wolfhound with Gills. You will always be our 3 Navy Wolfhounds. Continue to watch over us and protect us. NO FEAR ALWAYS!

To the Billiter Family and extended Family. Although it is coming up on four years now sense we loss Greg, It seems like it was just a blink of an eye ago I was setting with him laughing about something unimportant.

I just wanted you to know that still to this day I wear my bracelet. I wear it so I never forget why I'm here still here doing the same job. Still pushing myself and my team to be better, to do more and not just settle for good enough! During one of my deployments to Iraq, we built a Counter IED training range named after Kevin Bewley (KB). KB range was designed to give troops the most realistic IED training based on the latest enemy emplacement and tactics. I truly believe there were countless US lives saved because of this training. On this range Greg had two different routes named after him. When we did the dedication all Techs that paid the ultimate sacrifice in Northern Iraq had structures named after them. After returning to Iraq on a more recent deployment, this range is now being used for partnership training with our Iraqi counterparts as they move more and more towards becoming able to defend their own country against Insurgents. This ultimately will bring our US Troops home! Why am I writing all this? Just to let you know that Greg will never be forgotten!! He lives inside of all of us who served with him!

Gregory Will Not Be FORGOTTEN

To the Family, I had the Honor of reading the name Gregory J. Billiter on June 20 in Marseilles, Illinois at the Illinois Freedom Run and Mideast Conflicts Wall Memorial. I send my deepest condolences on the loss of such a fine young Soldier and hero. Know he will never be forgotten.

Just wanted to say hello and hope the family is well

To the family and friends of Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter:
Remembering Gregory 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 served with Greg on the Duluth. He always had a smile on his face. He is a great loss to this country and to his family.

EOD...not forgotten. Thank you.

To the family of Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter:
Gregory 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

To The Family of Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter,

With our deepest respect for your loss.

We are doing a Rally in Newport KY July 4, 2009 to honor your loved one and his family. Please contact me so I can give you more information .

We also have a web site at www.somegaveallky.com
or email me at
[email protected]
Sincerely,

To The Family of Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter,

With our deepest respect for your loss.

We are doing a Rally in Newport KY July 4, 2009 to honor your loved one and his family. Please contact me so I can give you more information .

We also have a web site at www.somegaveallky.com

Sincerely,

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,300 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

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Chief Petty Officer Billiter!

To the family and friends of Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter, our thoughts and prayers are with your in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family.

To the family and friends of Gregory.
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.


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 Gregory, but he is my hero.
Please contact me and I will email you back
a copy of the Angel drawing I have posted
here.

xo xo
Deb
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

I believe there are only a few times in our lives we come across a true friend. Some one you just always ejoy being around! To me Greg was that guy. In my entire 14 years in the NAVY when I look back, no one person even comes close to standing out like Greg. To the extent that I refer to him as "The Best Friend I've ever had!"

Even with his death approching the one year aniversary, not a singal day goes by that I do not think about him. My eyes still well up time to time when ever I here a certin song on the radio or someone talks about an event that reminds me of the time we served togeather.

My guilt now lies in the fact that it has been such a long time sense I have spoken to April or seen Cooper. And the only excuse I have to offer is I just don't know what to say. I've always tried to be upbeat and strong one for her, when most of the time I just wish it would of been me instead. The only thing I can ever understand out of his needless death is it's just not up to us who lives or dies. All we can do is try and live our lives with more passion and convition sense you truely never know when your time will come.

Greg always belived in what he was doing and served with the upmost honor and dedication. He will forever be missed. He is a shinning example of why so many of us do this type of work. It's not for the money or the fame, It and always will be about the guy next to you. Knowing that at the drop of a hat, he would give his life for you and you would do the same.

Hooyah, Brother! I won't forget the time we went to Baltimore on that job. We were SO close to getting extended up to New York! Whenever I listen to Blink, I got you in my thoughts. See ya later!

Hi i just wanted to say we sinceerely miss Greg. He is my second cousin and he was such a sweet guy it's hard not having easter with him like we use to. WE love you Greg!

I just found this site and want to give tribute to Greg. My son, Joshua Burns, is also with Mobile Unit 11 and is currently on is 2nd deployment. He knew Greg. My heart goes out to his family. God Bless you all. I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful person. I didn't know him, but he's a hero. God Bless you. Phyllis Dowell (Burns)

We are Jim & Marie Grupe, parents of Joseph J. Grupe EOD1 who was assigned with Gregory in Iraq, Joe
was very close to Gregory. We were profoundly saddended to get the news from Joe's wife shortly after it happened. You will all reside in our thoughts for all time. I will also sign the guest book of Hall & McSween, who were also
"brothers' of Joe's

Dear April and Cooper,
I recently heard of Greg's passing. I just wanted to send my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am so sorry April. Please know that you and Cooper are in my thoughts and prayers.. Sending love and hugs to you at this time.

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 Chief Petty Officer Billiter and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Greg, fellow Chief Petty Officer and EOD Tech. Thank you for your selfless service.

Please accept our condolences for the loss of your loved one, and our prayers that you find peace and consolation in God’s grace. We are indebted to your Soldier for his great sacrifice and we will not forget.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. 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 Gregory. You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Gregory for being such a hero.

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

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

Gone but NEVER Forgotten!!! May God Bless you & keep you in his loving embrace.

April and Cooper,
My heart goes out to you. It has been such a difficult couple of weeks on a national level in so many ways. When Erika called me I was shocked beyond belief. I remember how happy you were when you found out you were pregnant. I remember the wonderful time Bob, Corey and I had at your home during one our last parties there in Oak Harbor. I moved away and I regret it almost every day. I loved my time there. I loved knowing you and all of my friends there. I felt like I was at home. I miss you all. I wish I was there. If you need anything at all I will be there for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I had to the honor to serve with Greg at NAVSCOLEOD. Greg was in my class and was an outstanding leader and person. I wish his family love and he will be missed by more people than anyone will ever know!

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 and friends. While we have never met, my heart grieves with you and your family.

April, Cooper, and Greg: I write this with the deepest affection for such a loving and giving family. I love you all so much and want you to know how you are always in my thoughts. To the Billiters is to be wealthy in friendship. April, my heart aches for you. I am always here for you and Cooper. Greg was a noble, honorable man--a man that anyone could rely on to help them in a moment of need. He will always live on in our hearts and memories.

I wanted to express my condolences to the Billiter family. I worked with Gregory's brother Kevin. You are in my prayers.

I DID NOT KNOW MR. BILLITER BUT FELT THAT I SHOULD SIGN HIS GUEST BOOK. HE IS A GREAT AMERICAN AND WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS SKILL AND COURAGE. WE DON'T KNOW WHY GOD HAS TAKEN HIM BUT ONE DAY ALL WILL BE REVEALED. ON JANUARY 22,2007 MY SON-IN-LAW WAS KILLED IN IRAQ. NICK WAS IN 2/7 CAV AND WAS A NEW FATHER WHO HAD HELD HIS SON FOR ONLY A FEW DAYS BEFORE HE WENT BACK TO IRAQ TO DO HIS JOB. PLEASE KNOW THAT MILLIONS OF AMERICANS ARE PRAYING FOR YOU. NICK'S FAVORITE VERSE WAS JOSHUA 1:9. THIS WAS A COMFORT TO HIM AND MY DAUGHTER. I ALSO SALUTE THE FAMILY OF THIS HERO. WITHOUT THEIR SUPPORT HE MIGHT NOT HAVE DEFENDED MY FREEDOM. THANK YOU,

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 Greg. God Bless!

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

To Greg'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.

To his beloved wife and family, when I learned the news yesterday on the way to my husbands (Col. Paul M. Kelly) memorial service my heart went out to you and your family. I remembered when the news came to me and how I went through such a difficult time. May God be with you and yours as I am keeping you in my prayers. Please contact me if I can help with your grief. God bless you and your family.

I wish to express my condolences to Greg's family and friends. I cannot adequately express how I feel as I write this. When I learned of the news, the memories of Greg came tumbling back over the years. I remember many things about Greg during our time spent together at UD. I remember his smile. I remember his laugh, and if you heard it, you would remember it to! I remember that he never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was a good friend to many of us during a time when we were all growing into young men and women. Some of the stories Greg told still make me laugh when I think of them even 15 years later. Over time, we all went our seprate ways and lost touch with each other. But what I will remember about Greg the most is that I was a better person for having known him. And I know that I am not alone in remembering this about Greg.

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

Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter.
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Thinking of you:

Please accept my deepest sorrow on the loss of your beloved husband; he was a brave American, a great sailor, and an honorable man. He was doing what he wanted to do and he was where he wanted to be, doing his duty. His life was not given in vain, but stands forever in the fight for freedom. His name will live forever and 100 years from now, long after our names are forgotten, his name will burn bright in the history of this great nation. He died for what he believed in and his sacrifice is felt by millions of Americans. I can say no words to help you, because there are no words that will help you; only time and God will give you the peace and comfort that I hope you can find. It will take much time to heal from this loss and may God help you during this difficult time. As a Vietnam Veteran, please accept my prayers and please know that I am praying for you in this, the saddest time of your life. Millions of people are praying for you and may God give you strength.

I am Respectfully,
Robert Adams
1st Cavalry Division
Vietnam ’67-‘68

John: Chapter 10 – Verse 17:18

I worked with Chief Billiter at EODMU ELEVEN. I took an instant liking to him partly because of his ties to UD. Chief, was a quiet kind of guy, but always one for a good laugh. I had one opportunity to get to know him while TAD in Nevada. He was the kind of Sailor that all sailor's should want to immulate, but more than that... as a man, he was an example of what we CAN be. I am going to miss you Greg!

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

As a Navy Veteran whom served in the first Iraq war, it pains me to see my fellow vets parrish. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time of loss. There is no greater way to go, then to go while in service to your country. Greg is a hero to all whom live in this free democracy. Mike Schlemmer Gloucester, Virginia

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter,
The Price this Brave Young Hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May Gregory rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the Billiter family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam, in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18

May the Peace of God and your precious memories of Gregory, remain in your heart always and give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Our family wanted to express our sympathy to your family. Your son gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. There are no words that can heal the pain and sorrow that you are feeling. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in this time of need.

A Military Mom

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

It is with the deepest sadness that I ask the family and friends of this brave young Soldier to accept the offer of my most sincere and heart felt condolences. I hope that you know that your loss is shared and mourned by millions of Americans. Most of whom you don’t know and in all probability will never meet. We sincerely appreciate the sacrifices made by your patriot.

Freedom is not free; it is paid for by our heroes, and for those who fight for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know! This soldier made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

I know the pain parents feel when they loose a child. I lost a son 19 years ago. It is a pain that defies description. It is a pain that never goes away. It is a pain that will never end. It is a pain that is all consuming.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

May God Bless and keep you today, tomorrow and forever!

Rest in Peace brave soldier; you did your duty with great honor, dedication, distinction and in the highest traditions of our great country.

Semper Fidelis

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

We are saddened at the loss of this young soldier, a hero. May God comfort and embrace you as only He can. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
In loving memory of our nephew
Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/07