Colby J. Umbrell Obituary

Hey Lt, it´s Pardella. Just thinking about ya. Miss ya. Your eagles won the Super Bowl! See you on the other side. Geronimo!

Doylestown will never forget that devastating week in spring 2007. When Colby and Travis were taken. God, please comfort these patriotic family's. Thank you to the Umbrell's and Manion's for the ultimate sacrifice your amazing men accepted and gave to the USA.

As I read so many condolences going back to 2007 I look up on my son Christopher's bedroom wall and see him in a marine photo in his dress blues and thank the Lord for bringing him home safely back in 2011. Your son and brother were in God's Hands when he left this earthly life and always know they are the best hands to be in for eternity.

Colby, you are thought of often; especially this time of year with Memorial Day observance. It was great knowing you during IOBC and you were an awesome lifting partner to have during those workouts at the Officer's Club on Benning. I could always count on you to push me. You will never be forgotten and the caliber of man you were will live in our memories. RIP brother.

Rest in peace young man - rest in peace.

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Umbrell Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. 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 in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

In honor of Colby Unbrell on Veteran's Day 2012.

Honoring the life, service and sacrifice of 1st Lt. Colby Umbrell. May those who love him have found peace in their lives.

May 3, 2012
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell:
Always remembering Colby. "Some gave all."

This morning I saw the story of your son on tv. I have a son who was in the marines who spent 6 months in Iraq along the Serian border and returned safely. We counted the days and prayed daily for his safe return. I was in tears watching both of you at his gravesite in Arlington. He is safe with our Lord and Savior and cannot wait to see you again when our God brings you together once again in His most perfect world. When we visit Arlington sometime in the future I will kneel and thank him for his service and bravery. Sincerely, Ken Peloquin

for May 3.
Remembering and honoring the life, service and sacrifice of Colby Umbrell.
As always, I hope that those who love him have found some peace in their own lives as they journey on without his presence for the time being. Rest in peace.

To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Colby Umbrell. We know what you are going through. Even though we didn't know him personally we think of the service men and women daily, those passed and present. It takes a strong person to stand for what they believe in. He is never going to be forgotten and will remain in our thoughts for as long as we live.
The Parks'
Pfc Larry Parks Jr. KIA 6~18~07

To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell:
Please accept my remembrance of Colby on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Happy Birthday Hero. Never forgotten.

It is very hard to see someone you love deeply die.I know that he will be watching over you all.I can.t put the words I want to realy say.But he is standing tall with others in the heavens watching over all. God Bless You and your Family.He will be remembered and his honor and duity will live on for ever.

Nancy & Mark, As always I will be thinking of you and Colby. I know you will be at Arlington Cemetery this weekend.

And as always since Colby's death, I will be at the local Memorial Day event here in CA as well as going to put flowers on his cross at Arlington West which now has a laminated sign which says, "You were a true ambassador of real Democracy, Goodness & Love. You were absolutely loved and missed more than you can know and words can say." The soldiers and those who honor them will be there round the clock all weekend; holding a candlelight vigil as well. Sending you and him deep regard and sympathy. And gratitude. For who he was (and is still in the hearts and spirit of all touched by him)and who you were and are as parents...he was well loved for sure!

I feel inadequate on how to convey the depth of my feeling about him and you (as you know all too well, words just don't suffice, and even tears only convey part of the immensity of feeling): and my experience of sensing him, and the feeling -- so warm and kind and good [& funny & mischievous]
-- that comes with it each time. And I sense his abiding love for you, smiling down on you.

He got that warmth and goodness and strong spirit from you two. And he brought it out into the world and to those children he loved.

I have wanted to do a book/supply drive here in his honor, to carry on what he so cared about, but I couldn't find out how to contact his unit when I tried to find out. Now with my brain tumor out and finding this new info online, I will shoot for honoring his birthday.

And I will hold you and him in my heart, and my deepest regard, as I always do.

I am a 15-year-old living in southwestern Michigan. I am currently reading "Fading Echoes" and I'm touched by the story behind it. It's hard to put into words what I really feel. It must be tough, but at the same time, Lt. Umbrell seemed to live life to the fullest, and I aspire to put as much effort into my life as he did with his.

Remembering this fine young American, and with hope that the anniversary of his passing was a time for quiet reflection and peace for those who love him best.

To the family of Lt. Umbrell my thoughts and prayers are still with you and especially on May 3rd. May God continue to give you strength to get through another minute, another day, another year.
Always,
Proud Mom of Cpl. Ryan D Collins
KIA May 19, 2007

To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell:
Remembering Colby 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

Today I finished reading the book Fading Echoes, I'm still crying. What a great book, honoring these men and especially Colby for what they have done for us and others. I'm very sorry for your loss. I Thank Colby and all the other men and women who serve for are freedom.

My husband was in colby's unit and was effected by this alot, He has since tattoo'ed umbrell and 2 others fallen on his forarm to always remember what they ment to him. I know to this day he misses them very much. I want to thank colby's parents for everything they did for the guys over there, and Im very sorry for the loss of such a great man, but he lives on in all those troops he trained to be great men

Today I saw a photo of a gravestone at Arlington - it had your name on it, in stark black lettering. I now am able to put a face to your name - thus one more person keeps your memory bright. I hope that those who loved you best in life are able to find better days to share their memories of you.
God bless you young man, and may you rest in peace.

Just finished Fading Echoes--what an incredible story about a couple of amazing men. Many blessings to all of you for sharing Colby with us. I am grateful for his service and the service of men and women like him who give their lives for their fellow man--may we never take that for granted.

Thank you~

Colby,

You are sorely missed by your fellow soldiers, especially your fellow officers that served with you in Iraq. Even an old prior enlisted warhorse like myself finds himself choking up when I think about you. You touched many of us with your can do attitude and quick smile. I hope that your family can find some peace in knowing that you were a fine soldier, officer, and friend. CPT Craig Markiewicz, C Company, 1-501 PIR, 4-25 ABCT Iraq 2006-2007.

To my brothers, my heroes that didn't come home

May your hearts remain filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you always remember and celebrate a life well lived. May we never forget our Fallen Heores and I will continue to be a voice for soldiers children...Always, Kathylee Forrester

To the family of Colby Umbrell...my thoughts are with you all today. I remember the day my own son called me 2 years ago to tell me about your son's death. I could feel the pain in my son's voice when he first said hello. He was so torn up about seeing your son that morning, only to hear that he had died later that day.
Please know I feel your pain, because it was only 16 short days later that we too lost our son in Iraq.
Your son will never be forgotten and I will continue to pray for your strength and guidance.
God Bless you all and may you find comfort in knowing that our son's are in Heaven together and pulling a mission for God.

Always,
Proud Mom of Cpl. Ryan Collins, US Army
Aug. 28, 1986 - May 19, 2007

To the family of 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell:
Colby 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

Colby, what a wonderful sister you have. I had the pleasure of meeting her at Ft. Stewart TAPS seminar in March. With 2 years coming up on the 3rd that you've joined in God's Army, I want you and your family to know that you will be forever remembered.

May God continue to Bless and comfort your family

http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR

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

To the family of 1st. Lt. Colby Umbrell

I wanted to extend my sympathy to your family. Their are no words that can express your loss. What your son stood for and upheld is a honor. You should be extremly proud of him and all that he stood for. I view him as a true role model and what Americia stands for : to help those who cannt help themselves. May he rest in peace, and may you have internal peace knowing what he stood for and upheld daily and now eternally !

I celebrate the years I spent at Johns Hopkins with this man. His integrity, character, and conviction live on in my thoughts and everyone who he touched in our fraternity. I am proud to call Colby my brother.
Michael Foster
Alpha Delta Phi

I was a platoon leader in Charlie Company when Colby arrived to the unit and to Alaska. We had many good times together. He and I and Matt Didier would ride mountain bikes together in Campbell Creek Park and I remember him almost riding into a moose on the trail one day and being quite startled. We all got a laugh out of it. Colby was a man of integrity and compassion and he will be dearly missed.

Mr. and Mrs. Umbrell,

Thank you for raising such a good person. My daughter was at Lenape Middle School when he spoke and was very touched by what he had to say.

To the Umbrell Family: My name is CPT Jerwin Ruazol, I was one of Colby's squad-mates at Infantry Officer Basic Course in 2005. This morning (August 24, 2008) I ran the sister-version of the "Run for the Fallen", here in Baghdad, Iraq. I ran it in memory of Colby. Please know that he will never be forgotten.

During the Memorial Day weekend my family and I went to ANC to visit our son. While we were there, I noticed Colby's boots. Those boots touched my heart. Our son's boots are in our front hallway, because we're sure that's where he would have thrown them when he came home. I took a picture, and thought you might like a copy. I'm going to try to attach it here. God Bless you, Colby, and your family. We will keep you forever in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your service to our great nation.

To the family and friends of 1st. Lt. Umbrell,

I am so sorry for your loss.

My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.

I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/
index.htm.

The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave women and men like 1st. Lt. Umbrell.

If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of 1st. Lt. Umbrell to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or [email protected].

You are remembered and respected. Thank you 1st Lt Umbrell!

Colby, may you rest in peace. God bless you for your courage and dedication. My memory of you is last from middle school and what a sweetheart you always were. I know you are missed each day by many that love you. You made them and many others proud. To your family- what a difficult road you have been and are still traveling, may god continue to give you strength each day.
My hearts go out to you all.
God Bless,
Susan

To the Family of 1st Lt. Colby Umbrell;

This entry may be a few days late, but my thoughts have been with your family for some time.

My son also served with the 501st from Fort Rich, AK, and much like your family we too endured a terrible loss last May.

Before our son passed, he had the priviledge of serving in your sons honor guard...a task that many do not want, but truly are honored to serve.

Please know your son, and your family, will forever be in our thoughts and prayers, and we will never forget the sacrifice your son made for our freedom.

Sincerely,
Proud Mom of Cpl. Ryan D. Collins, TX.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Umbrell family. We did not know Colby, but he must have been a great man to impact so many lives. I spent the morning reading this book. A strong and loving person has his wings, to watch over us all.

Colby and my son were friends at CB East. I walked today in memory of Colby because my son could not be here to run. It was touching to see how many people came, one year later, to honor Colby's courage and to remember him. May Colby live in the hearts of this town, every day in many ways.

To the Umbrell family: I came back to this memorial site on this sad anniversary day to pay tribute again to you and Colby. I think often of you and Colby with great sympathy and deep gratitude.

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 Colby, but I am remembering on
this day he gave his all.
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)


Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

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

The Other Side
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol

Please contact me and I will email you back a copy of my
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.

To the Umbrell family - I am very sorry for your loss. Colby was an extraordinary man, and I am grateful to have known him during our time together at CB East. His hard work and loyalty were truly exceptional, and are traits I will always remember and admire. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

To the Umbrell family, as you know Colby was a great person and he NEVER QUIT. I had the pleasure of knowing him during OCS and he shined even then. I am sorry for your loss.

Hey Tiny,

I was one of your squad leaders in Basic. I remember spending time with you in the late hours double checking packs the night before FTX's, making sure we wouldn't get chewed out by the drill sergeants. God as my witness i will never forget you and will spend the rest of my life trying to live up to your sacrifice. Third Squad leads the way! SGT Shane P. Marion

On the 10th of November 2007 a group of members and friends from the Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans based in Bucks County went on a bus trip to visit the wall on the 25th anniversary. Some of the members on the bus had another mission to complete and that included a trip to Colby's grave site. The group included veterans from the Vietnam war, Desert Storm, Afganistan and Iraq wars. One of the groups members had received a purple heart from Iraq and spent a good deal of the time at Arlington searching for his brothers names wishing not to find any. We found Colby's grave site and left a wreath from us to let Colby know that we care and we thanked him for his sacrifice for our freedom. We took some pictures and we will gladley post them on this site with your permission. Welcome home brother and congrats on a job well done.

Colby you were my brother. I still think about you a lot. I remember the good times we always had in the pool those where a lot of fun. But the thing i will remember most about you is all the fun a weird crazy times we had together. I will miss you.

Your Brother

In the name of the almighty L-rd who sits on his holy throne in Heaven, you shall rise to Heaven.

I worked with Colby for about 10 months as well. I was one of his squad leaders. It was great to have him around in the office and watch him and the platoon sergeant pull pranks on eachother. Colby sure knew how to kick back and have a good laugh and like SFC Merren said he worked hard and tried harder than anyone I have ever worked with. He was truly passionate about his work and the men he had under him. Colby, thanks fo all the good times, you are truly missed.
Staff Sergeant Christopher P Whittaker

I worked for or along side Colby for 10 months as his Platoon Sergeant. We had some great times. Colby worked hard and tried harder than anyone I have ever worked with. I will carry his work ethic with me for the rest of my life.
I remember talking with him 4 hours before he died. We were joking and talking about the Eagles draft. I never thought that would be the last time we would talk.
Colby, you are my friend and you will always be with me. Sergeant First Class
Christopher Shawn Merren

I just wanted to say..Thanks for all that you did. You will not be forgotten Sir, FROM YOUR RECRUITER...SFC KEITH L. SAUNDERS

I will always remember you Colby. Thanks for everything.

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 1st Lt Umbrell 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…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

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 ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

Dear Umbrell Family,
My grandson is in Iraq and we live in constant fear. I can only imagine what you are going through now. First Lt. Colby J Umbrell has completed his mission in this life, and has gone on to better things. My prayers are with you, his family in this most difficult time.

To the Umbrell family, I am deeply sorry for you loss. I met Colby a number of years ago on a student exchnage from the UK. We became friends and wrote to each other for a few years after. Sadly we lost touch, but I will never forget how exceptional he was. He was kind and intelligent and he will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts.

Even though i only knew Colby for the year we both attended Prep school at Wyoming Seminary, he was able to make a poisitive and significant impact in my life. As a teamate, as a friend, and someone who lived accross the hall from me for that shirt time you knew he would turn out to be a great person who no one ever spoke ill of. I have many fond memories of that time in my life and many include him. He was always there to pick you up when you were down, always there to put a smile on your face with his quirky sense of humor, and just a damn good person. I would just like to offer my condolences and say i am sorry for your loss.

We remember Colby as a teammate of our son Larry at Sem but Colby was
special. Unlike most of the PGs, he seemed to have a special focus beyond football. He was very nice and helpful to our boy. We are really saddened that another fine young man has been taken but we are sure he brought you all you wished for as a son and brother.
Our sincere condolences.
Larry & Irene Cabrelli

When we returned to Arlington Cemetery to refresh the flowers today, there was a freshly cut carnation placed at Colby's grave with this message:

Memorial Day 2007
This day and always we honor you; your courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. May the Lord bless you, your family, and this great country.
With gratitude,
The Dougherty Family

There were so many graves with photos of the fallen, so we attached a small, temporary photo of Colby to his marker with his unit designation. I hope you don't mind for just this weekend. There were thousands of visitors at Arlington, and the constant echo of over 200,000 riders of "Rolling Thunder" in Washington, DC reminded each of us of the sacrifices of so many.

My son Brian is currently in the 501st at FOB Iskan. He will remember your son always. They are both huge Eagles fans.
My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you

For Memorial Day weekend, we visited Colby's gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery and placed flowers and flags in his honor. We are posting two pictures on this site for you.

We will never forget!

We are the parents of a soldier serving in Iraq in the 3/509th Airborne based out of Fort Richardson, AK. We frequently visit the graves of 3/509th soldiers buried near your Colby at Arlington National Cemetery. We will pay tribute to your son each time we go to Section 60, and especially this weekend as our nation remembers all of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

May your entire family know God’s steadfast love and peace, today, and always.

My thoughts and prays to Colby's family. Mr. and Mrs. Umbrell, I played football with Colby at Wyoming Seminary and he was an inspiration to us and the team. Colby was the one person that always kept his head up and smiling in the tough times. He made an impact on life and I will never forget him. I know that he will be watching over all of us still with that big smile.

Our Prayers are with the family of Lt. Umbrel. He served as my son's PL during this latest tour. My heart felt sorrow goes out to the family. May God give you comfort in this time of sorrow.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Colby's family. We were in the same platoon during IOBC and he was a great guy all around.

God bless the family and the friends of Colby. Always in our prayers.
Thank you Colby for being such a hero.
(In rememberance of Cpl Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

I had the distinct pleasure of "enjoying" Ranger School with Colby. I was flipping through the Army Times when I saw his picture tonight. My breath was taken away as the memories came rushing in. Colby was full of energy and enthusiasm when everyone else had none during our long missions and sleepless nights. He will be missed, and thought of constantly. Your entire family is in my prayers, and God Bless you all.
"Rangers Lead the Way"

My deepest sympathies to the entire Umbrell family. Colby was a wonderful surrogate big brother to my daughter Jess in her high school years with best friend Casey. I cannot imagine the depth of your loss, so will simply send my love and prayers to all of you.

Rest in peace my friend. Thank you for your bravery. To the family of Colby, I spent a year of high school with your son and played ball with him. He was a great man and student. I am thankful to have known him. I will not forget his sacrifice and will honor his memory.

My sincere condolences to Colby's family and friends. My nephew, Arthur J. Szoke is serving with the 501st, and I pray for each of them daily. May God wrap you tightly in his loving arms during this time of loss.
Jayne Morris,
Antelope Valley, CA Chapter, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

i did not know you, but i thank you from the bottom of my heart for serving our country. may God bless your soul.

Dear Aunt Nancy and Uncle Mark,

I just want you to know how proud I was of Colby throughout his life. If I ever have a son, I hope to raise him to be half the man that he was.

He will sorely missed.If we get to pick our guardian angels, I know that without a doubt, I want him looking after me.

With Love and condolences,
Gary

My heartfelt sympathy to the Umbrell family in the loss of Colby. I did not know Colby, 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. Colby you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I live close to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY and I visit there frequently each week. I promise each time I am at ANC I will visit/honor Colby.
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~

To all of Colby's beloved family and friends, I am so very sorry. My husband, CPT Jonathan D. Grassbaugh, was a Johns Hopkins alumnus in the graduating class of 2003 and may even have known your son during his time at Hopkins. Jon was killed just over a month ago in Iraq by an IED during his second tour in Iraq. I do not have to even begin to explain to you the pain of losing such good men, but, suffice to say, it is happening all too often these days. To be honest, there has been very little that anyone can say to ease the pain and I'm sure by now you've heard many of the same phrases repeated over and over again, but I just want to let you know that you are in my thoughts. I am so sorry.

~Jenna Grassbaugh, widow of CPT Jonathan D. Grassbaugh, KIA 7APR07

There are no words that can express our very deep, heartfelt sympathy for the Umbrells. We have followed Colby's college and military career through his parents Mark and Nancy. What a wonderful young man you raised and may you find some peace and comfort in knowing that Colby left such an impression on so many lives. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Umbrell Family on the loss of their brave son, Colby.
Our son Matthew was friendly with Colby at Johns Hopkins and he was deeply saddened by this loss.
The Emmett Family

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to Lt. Umbrell's family and friends. You all will FOREVER be in my thoughts and prayers. My son knew Lt. Umbrell and was with him on Thursday. He speaks very highly of him. He sends his condolences to you also from Iraq! God Bless all of you! Peace, F Salomon

I am so sorry to hear about Colby and what happened. Please accept my deepest condolences. I only knew Colby for a short time from playing on the d-line with him at JHU. I am greateful for the time that I spent with him as he truly defined the words character and selflessness. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Lt. Umbrell's sacrifice is greatly appreciated. May God grant his family the strength to carry on.

Our very sincere condolences to your loss of a tremendous and courageous young man who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

To the family of 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell, my most sincere condolences. As a mother of a son presently serving in Iraq I can only imagine your pain. I pray each and every day for the safe return of the so many young men & women who constantly face the terrible perils of this war. I find comfort in the thought that if I were to receive the dreadful news that no parent should, Jesus' promise of a resurrection of those in the memorial tombs will give me strength and an assured hope. You can rest assured that the words found at John 5:28&29 will also strengthen your resolve to look towards the future with joy, knowing that you will be able to embrace your dear loved one, once again.

I had the pleasure of serving as a Squad Leader for 1LT Umbrell. We always did'nt agree but I can say he was one of the finest men and most honorable person I have every had the pleasure to serve with. Your Platoon will miss you Sir! May you rest in peace.

My son had the opportunity to meet Colby recently when he visited Lenape Middle School; he touched his life as he has touched many others.
We were sadden by the news of his death and our prayers and hearts go out to the Umbrell family.
It breaks my heart that we have lost two young from our community who had so much more to give; may they rest in peace

Our family could not be more proud of you Colby. We are one less but stronger to have known you. We'll miss you with every day and remember you always. For health and strength and daily food we praise thy name oh lord. God bless you for the man you were! Cousin Wendy

Rest in peace,you gave all you had.

Colby was the best. He will be missed. I will never forget him.

My greatest and warmest sympathy to the family and friends of 1st Lt Colby Umbrell. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him, but his story speaks of great courage, high ideals and unusual kindness. I pray God will comfort you gently in your loss.

Colby was a great man. We went through basic, OCS and IOBC together, and I looked forward to hosting him in Hawaii for a few days after we returned from Iraq. I will remember his tremendous heart and sense of humor. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and Soldiers.

I had the great honor of knowing Colby as both a friend and Soldier. We were assigned to the same platoon at OCS and were commissioned as 2LTs together. He was a great Soldier, but an even greater person. Eventhough I haven't seen Colby in a while I will miss him.
Go Easy Bro
"STANDARDS-NO COMPROMISE" (510-04)

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

We were saddened to read of the death of your son. Our son, Sgt Robert M Carr was also killed March 13, 2007 by an IED in Baghdad. Our hearts break for you and your family, and we will keep you in our prayers. May God provide peace and comfort to you. Your son was a hero. Thank you for his service to our country.

I'm sorry to hear of another fallen solider. My brother was killed in March and he was the same age. I hope and pray your family will make it through this difficult time.