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Mary Nell
September 11, 2021
My thoughts and prayers continue for Sgt Maj Strickland as well as his family and friends. I continue to post the tribute to him to my blog each year. We shall never forget. God bless you all.
Mark Foos
September 12, 2020
Larry was a classmate of my older brother, Mike, in Chewelah. I remember him and his family well. So sorry for your loss nineteen years ago on 9/11.
Mary Nell
September 10, 2020
Another year. I continue to post the tribute to my blog. I continue to think of Sgt Maj Strickland and all of his family and friends. Thoughts and prayers always. Best to all.
Mary Nell
September 12, 2019
My apologies for not getting this posted sooner... but I did post my tribute to my blog this year, as usual. I always think of Sgt Maj Strickland when September rolls around... and I will not miss a year as long as I am on this planet. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family and friends of this terrific hero. Best to all...
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Michael Taylor
September 27, 2018
It's been 20 years since I met sergeant major Strickland, at a military ball. I also work for sergeant majors Strickland's wife who also was a sergeant major. I hope this short message finds you well and if you could please drop me a note I would appreciate it. [email protected]
Sergeant Major Taylor
Mary Nell
September 10, 2018
Every year on the first of September, I know it is time to post my blog tribute to Sgt Maj Strickland. I continue to do so as I recall the wonderful things written about him and what a wonderful man he clearly was to both family and friends. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you all.
Del Newberry
November 14, 2017
My Dad served in the Army and we lived in Woodbridge when I was a Senior in HS, so I graduated from Woodbridge Sr. High. As I review these Legacy entries each day, I am reminded of how many lives were forever changed by that horrible day. First I want to thank Sgt. Major Strickland for his service, and secondly I want to assure his friends and family that I will pause today to specifically pray for you and ask that God will grant you an extra measure of blessings today. With much love from Texas,
Mary Nell
September 10, 2017
Another year has passed. I think of the families of those lost on 9/11 more often than annually... but it does hit home even more so at the anniversary. I have relocated and created a new blog. I am now posting to that new blog. The site is at http://wanderingwaco.blogspot.com/2017/09/god-bless-sgt-maj-strickland-9112017.html
As always, my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of SM Strickland. Bless you all!
Mary Nell
September 11, 2016
Another year has passed but the feelings I had that day, 15 years ago, remain. I continue to pray for the families of all those no longer with us. My tribute to Sgt. Maj. Strickland is posted again to my blog and will continue to be so as long as I am able. Blessings to you all.
Mary Nell
September 11, 2015
My commitment to honoring SGM Strickland on this day continues. God bless all of his friends and family.
http://louisianatown.blogspot.com/2015/09/9112015-please-renew-your-acquaintance.html
Mary Nell
September 10, 2014
My thoughts and prayers remain with all of you who loved and miss Sgt Maj Strickland. I continue to honor him with my participation in Project 2996 by reposting a tribute to him each year. It may be viewed at http://louisianatown.blogspot.com/2014/09/greetings-to-my-blogging-pals.html.
God bless you all.
G. Freeman
September 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 11, 2013
Oh dad, I miss you dearly. Another year, but no less forgotten or loved.
Mary Nell
September 10, 2013
I continue to honor SGM Strickland as part of Project 2996. My thoughts will always be with the family at this time and, I hope, others will come to know a little bit about SGM Strickland through my blog post. God bless you all.
http://louisianatown.blogspot.com/2013/09/9112013-please-renew-your-acquaintance_10.html
Tab Pfeiffer
December 11, 2012
As we are getting ready for Christmas 2012 I am thinking how blessed I am to spend it with my three children, their spouses and amazing grandchildren and my one wish for you and your family is you could all be together too! My heart goes out to your wonderful children, grandchildren and amazing wife! Bless you during this holiday season and always! Larry was a great friend, loyal, dedicated, funny and always there when you needed him...I think of you often and am sending my hugs to Heaven where they can embrace you!
December 10, 2012
I knew Larry as a fellow SGM. This month, I visited the NYC Memorial Park and saw his name on the South Pool. I cannot express the emotion I felt. For all who fell and have fallen since, our prayers are with them. God blesses you all.
R. Berry. (CSM R)
Julia Regan (Strickland)
September 11, 2012
Another year and more tears shed for the loss of my father, but it warms my heart to read the wonderful stories that are posted by those others that were able to experience what an incredible person he was. I thank you for that. Dad, I love you. "I am my father's daughter", and will always be.
Mary Nell
September 10, 2012
I wanted you to know that I continue to remember Sgt. Maj. Strickland with my blog post as part of Project 2996. While I have not changed the post, I want all of my readers to remember him as I do each year. Thoughts and prayers remain with you all especially at this time of year. God bless you.
http://louisianatown.blogspot.com/2012/09/9112012-please-renew-your-acquaintance_10.html
Barbara Thomas
September 11, 2011
I took a hand-band with your name on it at church today to pray for you and your family. I researched your bio so I could know you better. You remind me so much of my brother who passed away on Dec 19, 1999. He was born in Germany in 1950. He was raised in California, went to school at Colombia where he received a degree in engineering. He joined the Navy and lived in Arlington for a while. When he died, he was a reserve Commander with the Jag Corp. He loved the military. He was my Hero. You are everyone's Hero. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as if you were my brother. God bless you.
Mary Nell
September 10, 2011
As a decade looms near, I am again honored to post my tribute to Sgt. Maj. Strickland as a participant in Project 2996. You may review it at http://louisianatown.blogspot.com/2011/09/09112011-please-renew-your-acquaintance_10.html.
God bless the family and friends of Sgt. Maj. Strickland. You will see him again!!
Tab Pfeiffer
September 10, 2011
Larry was a college buddy who was in my circle of friends. I was a "Little Sister" for his fraternity TKE, my sorority AGD was across the street from his frat house, we played a lot of pinochle, hearts and spades together and had a lot of fun together during our years at the University of Washington. He was a groomsmen in my wedding. He was always a character, a sweet guy who loved his family, friends and life very much. I am so happy to hear he had a wonderful wife, children and grandchild. I still live near Seattle and think of him often when I am near the U. of W. My prayers are with you all.
Doris Spence (Sackett)
August 20, 2011
SGM Strickland was one of my mentors while assigned in Heidelberg, GE. Every opportunity I had I would take in everything he taught me. When I learned of his death shortly after 9/11 I was devastated. Every time 9/11 came my school would have a ceremony in memory of those lost that terrible day. No one every understood why I would have to walk away and lose my composer. I had no closer. I remember when he wanted me to come work for him at the Pentagon and I couldn't. I had 2 small children and was afraid of the high cost of living. He understood and supported my decision. I felt as if I disappointed him. He made me the soldier I was along side w/William Norris & Dennis Mungle. This past May I had the opportunity to go on an 8th grade DC trip. Our tour guides Hannelore (Omi) and Skip (Cappy)showed me such a tower of strength when I learned of their son's death. I sought out their guidance & advice on how to heal. The tour had an added change just for me I guess. They took me to the 9/11 memorial. It was there that I finally saw Larry's memorial, sat & cried. It seemed like an eternity. 8th grade student's who didn't know me came over to see if I was ok. It was then when they understood the tears that had fallen prior to the visit & the importance of that very day. This was a major bridge that was built with children involved that helped me take the next step to healing. On our way home I wrote a poem that I dedicated to Larry Strickland & Shawn Mahaffee. I would like to share it:
One More Angel
His loyalty so unconditional
So incredibly genuine & very traditional
The shirt on his back & shoes on his feet
He’d willingly hand over with out a peep
52 years he enjoyed on this earth
Provided with love & guidance every since birth
With a smile as big & bright as the sunshine
In stressful moments he always remained kind
Serving our country without any care
Returning with stories he loved to share
Off to the great heavens he has taken flight
Not leaving with sadness but with great pride
Let’s embrace all the joy, laughter, & fun
For now his new life has begun
He's now care free with the wings of a dove
There’s now 1 more angel guarding us from above
I have been asked to read this poem at our next 9/11 ceremony on behalf of my mentor. I'm not sure I am quite strong enough yet to do it. I will let you know! I am purchasing red, white, and blue flowers to plant around our school flag pole. It will be in honor of all the soldiers & civilians who lost their lives that day!
We are the land of the free because of the brave!!!!! Thank you for your sacrifices but most of all I want to thank the families who support those who serve our country. They too are HEROES and make the bigger sacrifice!!!!!!!
Ike Oshana
May 6, 2011
SGM. Thank you so much for your 30 years of dedication and service to our country. Although I only stayed in the Corps for ten years, I was well on my way to making myself a 30 year man myself. Regret to this day that it never happened. RIP, brother. Hope to see you at the gate when I get there with my unit that is regrouping in hell as I write. Semper Fi. Hoooah. Army, all you can be.
Pentagon Memorial...taken May 2, 2011
Jimmy Tong
May 4, 2011
I didn't know SGT. MAJ. Strickland, but I worked in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 when it was attacked and continued to until 2007. After hearing the news on May 1, 2011, I just felt the need to go and pay my respects to those who lost their lives that tragic day. I visited the memorial on May 2, 2011 and took this picture. This was the first time I visited the Pentagon Memorial since it was dedicated in 2008. Today, I thought I would try to see who this hero was and stumble upon this site. My condolences go out to the Strickland family and all the other families that lost loved ones that day.
Debra Strickland
May 1, 2011
Tonight the President announced Osama Bin Laden was killed by military action. Finally.
January 9, 2011
I had the pleasure of serving under SGM Strickland as a private stationed at FT Polk, LA. He was hard, but dedicated to his medics knowing their jobs and helping the soldier. I was shocked to recently hear of his passing while searching the AKO website. Thank you for your guidance, caring, and training. SSG Keith Hilton
September 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers.
Gretchen Oakes
September 11, 2010
On this day 9 years ago this Nation, the Army, and the Strickland family suffered one of the greatest losses and experienced one of the most horrible tragedies one could fathom! Not a day goes by that I don't think about Larry and his family! My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the Strickland family and all those who perished on this day!
Gretchen Oakes
September 11, 2010
On this day 9 years ago, the Nation, the Army, and the Strickland family suffered one of the worst tragedies one could ever fathom! Not a day goes by that I don't think about SGM Strickland, his family, and all those that were lost perished on that unforgettable day! My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with Larry and his family each and every day.
Julia Regan/Strickland
September 10, 2010
Dad, you are gone but far from forgotten. I still miss you terribly and think about you constantly. I love you!!!!
Mary Nell
September 10, 2010
I am so honored to once again post tribute to SGM Strickland on my blog as my participation in Project 2996 (http://project2996.wordpress.com/). This allows me a much more personal perspective on this tragic day and I hope my readers have the same feeling.
To the family of this man of character, know that he has left a legacy of honor among many. He clearly touched innumerable lives in a positive way. I know you are all proud.
I will continue to post each year to my blog as long as I am able. God bless you all.
http://louisianatown.blogspot.com/2010/09/9112010-please-renew-your-acquaintance.html
Peggy Childers
September 9, 2010
To the family of Sgt. Maj. Larry L. Strickland:
Larry gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our heroes of September 11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
June 10, 2010
Thinking of you
Bernadette
Julia
April 4, 2010
Love you dad, and miss you!!!
Willie Sandygren
April 3, 2010
Larry and I were friends in college, and I hadn't seen him in years. But it still brought me to tears to hear his name on the news back in 2001. I've worn a memorial bracelet with his name and rank on it since just a few months after 9/11. I will probably always wear it. It reminds me of what a hero is really like, and makes me visualize his smile way back when. I pray that his family has peace.
Steve S. Pinter (LTC, Ret)
November 22, 2009
SGM Strickland,
You provided wise counsel and savvy guidance as we navigated the politics of introducing berets to the Army. I will always remember you provided your assistacne when I needed it most.
SFC Richard Benson
September 24, 2009
A great Leader, a Soldiers Soldier... will always be in my thoughts... I am happy to be one of the ones that can say I served under him. Was a great loss for the Army.
SGM Larry Banks
September 15, 2009
only knew you in passing...quick phone calls etc...but think of you often...God bless you and your family...
Julia Strickland
September 11, 2009
You are still deeply missed. They say that grieving gets easier over time, but, eight years later, it seems like it just happened and it's not any easier. You are the best dad anyone could ever ask for. I personally want to say thank you to all of the friends that will sign in today on behalf of my father.
Ron Wright
September 11, 2009
SGM Strickland, You and Debra are still in our prayers.
CSM Ron Wright (Retired)
Angela Dunn (Resch)
September 10, 2009
At the 8th Anniversary, I just want to pay tribute to this wonderful man and leader. I served with SGM and think of him often, especially around this time of year. I am hoping to be passing through DC in November and plan to visit SGM then along with the others that were lost that I knew.
Mary Nell
September 9, 2009
I was honored to receive SGM Strickland's name for whom to provide tribute for the upcoming 8th anniversary of 9/11 as part of Project 2,996. I did not know him but had asked to be assigned a soul lost at the Pentagon as my mother had worked there before it was finished during WWII. My research about the SGM revealed so MUCH love and respect for him. He was clearly a man of honor and integrity. I truly feel the loss of such a man. We need so many like him.
March 20, 2009
To someone I knew and who's memory helps motivate me to hold the line and help protect my country and its people.
Doug Abraham
February 14, 2009
Happy 60th Birthday!!!
Kevin Dubois
September 15, 2008
My wife and I visited the new memorial at the Pentagon the day after it was dedicated. We sat at the bench of SGM Strickland and prayed for his family.
Hooah,
CSM Kevin Dubois
Ft. McCoy, WI
John Gurule
September 11, 2008
CSM Strickland,
"Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away!" May you fade away in the hands of God. God Bless you and your family. Just a fellow Soldier that ran into you from the P-GON. You will always be remembered. (Salute)
SFC, USA RET John Gurule and Family
Army Ops Center, J3 SOD
Barbara Garb
September 11, 2008
I was in shock when I first saw his name on the casualty list. I had the pleasure of being one of his soldiers. Sgt Maj. Strikland was a great man and one of the finest NCOs I have ever served with.
I was at Arlington 3 years ago to Bury my dear friend Joe. I stoped and payed my respects at Sgt Maj. Stricklands grave,,,I left my hat pin on his head stone. It was a sobering moment for me ,,,,he touched many a soldiers lives and set the finest example of a soldier I have ever known. I was intimidated by him when I first met him,but soon came to know that the stern look hid the man beneath. He was a stern man and a fine leader and it was his stern never failing attitude that turned me into the soldier I became. Thank you Sgt Maj. Strickland.
To his children and CSM Debra Stickland you gave the ultimate sacrifice to this country husband and father. Sorry for you loss.
the kelly-conner's
September 10, 2008
SGM Strickland -I wanted to check in early and say hello and let you know that you are still my hero. My family talks about you often. Your family is in my thoughts always.
Miss you lots!
Julia Strickland
September 9, 2008
This week, we will mark the 7th year of the Sept 11th tragedy, and it still seems like yesterday to me. I take the opportunity to look at this guest book once a year; around this time, and get joy from reading all of the wonderful things that people have to say about my father. Please never forget him, I know I never will!!!
Kristine
August 4, 2008
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Doug Abraham
February 14, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
teri conner
September 12, 2007
SGM Strickland - You are still my hero! I think of you often. I tell my soldiers often about you and hope that I am the soldier you told me I could be. God bless your family.
P Tabbernor
August 31, 2007
In remembrance....
teri conner
September 9, 2006
I knew you when I was a young buck. I hope you know what you kind of impact you had on my life. You are and always will be my hero!
Larry Whitley
September 11, 2003
To the Strickland Family -- On this second rememberance of that tragic day of September 11, 2001, I send my sincerest condolences. Larry and I had many great discussions in the hallways of the Pentagon and he was a God-send for me in providing advice and counsel in my job as Army public affairs SGM. I just found this website and I'm honored to be able to write and send you my prayers for your peace in knowing that Larry was an awesome man and friend to all. God Bless you.
Larry Whitley, Sr., SGM, USA, Retired
Debra Strickland
January 27, 2003
To all: Julia discovered this website and asked me about it. Since I didn't know of it (for some reason), I had not known of such wonderful comments about Larry. Thank you so much, our family appreciates your thoughts. Always, Debra
Elizabeth
September 20, 2002
I am very sorry. I did not no until people at school told me. I have been praying for Larry. I could not believe what happened. The United States has not had a war for a long time. I can not tell you how sorry I am. He is always in my prayers. Bye for now.
Yours Truly,
Elizabeth
Steve Osborne
September 18, 2002
Dear Family of Larry Strictland:
As a way of remembering those people who lost their lives a year ago, some friends of mine planted over 2,900 blue spuce seedlings in honor of those innocent people. I was privileged to plant a tree in Larry's memory. Know that in the little town of Glen Mills PA, Sgt. Maj. Larry Strictland will always be remembered.
God bless you.
S.
Karla Barnes
September 16, 2002
On September 11th 2002, I recieved a wristband from my school, St. Agnes Academy. I looked up Larry on this website but it was crowded for days. Today I am finally entering a message to say that all my prayers are with his family and friends. I wish there was something that I could do to change that day but all I can say is that I am very sorry for his loss and that God bless his family.
Karla
Ken Orth
September 12, 2002
Debra: Larry and I carpooled from Dale City to DC in the late 1970's. I remember driving Larry home one day, at speeds of about 80 miles an hour on the Shirley Highway, to reach you before you gave birth - we made it, and so did you and the baby, a daughter if I recall correctly. I last saw Larry about five years ago at some sort of social function. We caught up for a few minutes and then were on our busy ways again. He was a beautiful guy. God bless you and your family.
SGM (R) Dale McInnis
September 11, 2002
Debra, so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and wishing you and your family comfort and peace. Dale & Gary
Lew Moore
September 2, 2002
Thank you for giving your life for the rest of us to be free. We will never forget any of you.
SGM Strickland & SPC Resch - Sept 98
Angela Ellis (formally SPC Resch)
August 13, 2002
I served directly with SGM Strickland at the DCSPER’s office for 2 years. He was a wonderful, friendly person, like a father to many of us. Always eager to help out, to be supportive, to give guidance, and to try to get you to re-enlist! Even after I got out of the Army and would stop by to say hello, he was always interested in what you were up to. I was truly heart broken when I learned that he was among those that were taken from us on that day. He is and always will be a true hero.
To CSM Strickland, I wish there was something more that I could do or say to make it hurt less. Please know that I think about this great loss to you, your family, the Army, and everyone that he reached out to, each and everyday. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. May God Bless you as you get through this tough time without him.
Ed Alm
June 13, 2002
Larry and I were childhood friends. We would share birthday parties as our birthdays were one day apart. I have not seen or even heard of Larry since we were children. It was a great shock and really brought home this tragedy when I found out that someone I had known lost their life in the attacks. It is comforting to read the tributes that have been posted. He must have been a very fine person and soldier. I am proud that I once knew Larry.
June 11, 2002
MAY THE HEROIC SOUL OF SGT.MAJ.LARRY L.STRICKLAND AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE AMEN.
May 9, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..SGT.MAJ.LARRY L.STRICKLAND AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Christine Haynes
April 9, 2002
SGM Strickland,
You were like a father to me and I will miss you asking me everytime I came to visit the Pentagon if I was ready to return to active duty. You provided me with lots of guidance and you were a top of the line NCO and you make people like me be proud to have served the military. Thank you! God bless your family.
sylvia hvanndal
March 13, 2002
I met Larry at a social function at the Golf Course at Belvoir. He was
a charming man, full of vim and victor. My heart and love goes out to his wife, Debra. May GOD watch over her and his 3 children.
Tina Fields
March 10, 2002
I met CSM Strickland when I was stationed at Ft Meade, MD. He was a proud and dignified man, but also a very kind and sincere man. My heart goes out to Debra and the rest of Larry's family.
Teresa Jahn
January 12, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Larry. We thank him for helping protect America. Such a dedication comes with a brave, warm and caring heart. May his jack of all trades knowledge, his life and love live on in you. Our hearts cry with you in America's loss of a hero.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
SFC Rafael Gomez
January 3, 2002
SGM Strickland,
We met briefly during my tour in the 510th PSB and I was impressed with the way you conducted yourself around soldiers. God Bless you. You are a true American HERO
1SG (R) George Eisenbach
November 23, 2001
A true professional and great person. My heart goes out to CSM Strickland and family. I will forever remember the conversations we shared and the professional advice given to me. A tragic loss to the U.S. Army, your family, and society. My heart goes out to you.
Jan and Zane Azbarea
November 6, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Michelle Cavarnos
October 11, 2001
Dear CSM Strickland,
I haven't seen you in several years since my employment at Fort Belvoir but I wanted to say that I am thinking about you now. When I heard about your loss my heart broke. I know that there is nothing I can say that hasn't been said to you already, but I wanted you to know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Susan Acri
October 5, 2001
CSM Strickland,
Though I have not seen you since Jan.2000, I needed to express my sympathy for your recent loss. This tragedy will remain in my heart and mind forever, as I too have lost 13 friends, all at the WTC, friends and fireman, from my past as a young child and young adult. I pray for you and your family daily, that some higher power will lift some of your pain and help us all to understand. But will we ever? Again, my deepest sympathies. Sincerely, Susan Acri Ex Mayor, Gerber Village, 1999.
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