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Sean Langley Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Sean Langley
Zack Teague
January 1, 2021
Its been quite some time since Sean passed away and it seems that I have not voiced my feelings towards the situation, the friend, the family and the man who was one to model after with the ambition, compassion, persistance, intelligence and love he held in and on his person. After all these years I still think about the guy and how motivating and strong minded he was as a person, not to leave out strong abled as well. I still recall and respect matt having the courage and self control to invite me over a short time proceeding his brothers death, just to talk and reminisce of past times in pursuit to grab every detail of his brothers life as it was, so he could hold onto as many of those stories and great memories of times past. For the age we were at that time, to be able to have that sense of mental clarity, fortitude and prowess is one off and a true sign showing how strong and caring somebody really is in their heart and i hope the few words i did have at that time helped add to the closure needed to mentally guide a person through the trauma nobody could ever be prepared for.. I have nothing but full and upmost respect for that entire family and wanted to say a little peace on my part and add my gratitude for what Sean's mother did for me as Sean's friend and classmate. I couldn't imagine the pain and feeling of losing a child or a brother. I hope matt, mother and john are all doing well. I wish nothing but great things for the kindness they showed to me during those years long ago.. god bless snn and godspeed.. good people deserve only good things but great people are able to turn those good things into great ones.
susan Langley
May 28, 2018
Dear Sean, well, here it is again, another Memorial Day, 2018. I still think of you very often, as I know many others are as well. There are a lot of memories that I like to visit every once i awhile. You will never be forgotten Sean. Love, and hoping to see you again one day, Susan
October 2, 2016
It's been a long time..., but I still think about you every time I remember the past Langley. I still remember having conversations with you in Iraq. I remember when you came to our platoon. The famous CAAT II PLATOON. You will never be forgotten.
Ornelas WPNS CO 2/5. 2000-2004
August 2, 2014
Dearest Son, Today would mark your 30th birthday. The world and your family has missed so much by not having you with us. You still hold my love and admiration as a man and as a wonderful son.
Happy Birthday! Love, Dad
Anthony Juliano
July 5, 2014
Sean,
I just wanted to drop by and let you know that I think of you always. Your bracelet has never left wrist! I miss you brother....
Susan Langley
November 11, 2013
Dear Sean, Semper Fi always. I think of you often. You paid the ultimate price for this country, how brave and courageous you are. I had a lovely call from Tricia a few weeks ago out of the clear blue sky! We will all be together someday, for My Fathers Mansion has many rooms. Rip Sean.
Dad
November 7, 2013
The 9th year since you've gone; this has been the toughest November since 2004. I miss you so very much.
God Bless and keep you my sweet Son, my hero.
Love, Dad
Dad
August 2, 2013
Happy Birthday son! Love you.
Bill Langley
May 27, 2013
Today and every day, I remember.
I love you son, Dad
November 8, 2012
Dearest Sean, I still think of you so very often! It doesn't seem possible that it has been 8 years since your death. I just wanted to thank you once again for your service to this country and perhaps more importantly for letting us know in sooo many ways that you were there with us through those dark times! I know that you are watching over all of us even now! You will never be forgotten!
Ali Hicks
November 7, 2012
To the family of Sean-
Although I never had the opportunity to meet your son, I have been fortunate to have heard many stories through my husband who served in the Marines beside him. Every beginning of November is a tough time for him, as I know it is for you all as well. I just wanted to write and let you know that those people who were blessed enough to know Sean will always remember him and carry him in their hearts, as my husband does.
November 7, 2012
My dear dear son, today is the anniversary of the darkest day of the lives of those of us who love you so much. Eight years have gone by, and yet the dread I feel on November 7th remains as real as it did in 2004. Having lived those years without you has taught me that time does not heal all wounds. You are still in my thoughts and prayers every single day and always will be. Again and again I wonder what our lives would be like had you not been taken from us; would you be married, would you have children, would you be the police officer you always wanted to be? For me, the answer to all those questions is YES.
I love you Sean, and I miss you so very much.
With my eternal respect and undying love, Dad
Bill Langley
August 2, 2012
Happy Birthday Son!! Today would have been your 28th and you are still sorely and always missed.
Love you, Dad
Peggy Childers
November 7, 2011
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Sean M. Langley:
Please accept my remembrance of Sean on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Sean & Dad 2004
Bill Langley
November 7, 2011
Dear Son,
Today marks the seventh year of you're passing from this world of troubles, sorrows, cares, and woes, into the arms of Christ in Paradise. Though I know you are now in a far, far better place, you're being gone from us remains a deep abiding sorrow within me and, I'm sure your Mom and Matt, that we no longer have you with us. The sorrow, I am sure, will never subside or leave us; but knowing you are in a better place brings solace and the knowledge that someday, we cannot know when, though you might, we will all be together again.
It remains my most important mission in life to ensure the memory of Sean Michael Langley never fades from those who had the privilege of knowing and of loving you for so little time while you were with us. From time to time, I still hear from your fellow Marines, men I had not known of before who reach out to me and let your leadership, heroism, and sacrifice be known. Most importantly, at least to me, is that they obviously loved you as a brother. Many tell me some little tidbit of your last days, or of times you had outside the war zone being a happy young man. They tell me that you were one of the most respected Marines they have known; earning the respect of your peers and your leaders is one of the greatest accomplishments one can make in life. You, my dear sweet son, did so with so little time. A combat veteran by age eighteen and a Marine who took the position in the lead so other Marines would not have to, thereby giving your life that others might live, and at such a young age of only twenty years.
You are so, so missed by so many and loved by them as well. Most of all, as I know you are aware, you are missed by those of us who were allowed to be your family; father, mother and brother. Now you would have been a fully mature man of twenty seven and I often think of the things you told me you wanted to do. By now, I've no doubt; you would have accomplished all your goals and so much more. You were such a man; a man who set his goal, then did what was needed to accomplish that goal. That, and your willingness to sacrifice for others, is probably why you garnered such deep and lasting respect and love from all who were given the honor of knowing you during your short time among us.
We love you, miss you, and are ever anxious to be with you again. Please continue to watch over your mother, your brother, me and those we love; as I know you have in the past. Also, please continue to let me feel your presence near me from time to time as I love the feeling of warmth and comfort your aura brings me.
With my undying love, Dad
Paula Briggance
July 5, 2011
A young life taken too soon. Thank you for your service and courage.
Dad
July 4, 2011
Dearest Son, July 4, 2011
Today the nation is celebrating the freedom our founding fathers won for American and that young Heroes, like you, most at tender ages, like you, the vast majority from loving homes, like you, and all having ahead of them the brightest of futures and best times of their lives in their futures, like you, all with the knowledge that their country had been repeatedly attacked in the most cowardly manner as it had been in history past, knew, like you, that it was you and they who were called by their nation to go forth a do battle with the evil beasts that now roamed the world. Like you, many, far too many, have fallen; but the evil beasts is contained and their evil head destroyed by young Americans, just like you.
Many are thankful for your willing-ness to pick up the sword and slay the evil beasts. Many know your sacrifice, and many are saddened by your loss. Their care and heartfelt thanks are endlessly appreciated by me and the rest of the family.
Yet they, those many Americans kept safe, secure, and comfortable in their daily lives, cannot know, save those who have suffered the tragedy of loss that we have; the depth and breadth of our sorrow, caused by the wonderful gift you freely gave to them. I pray they never have to know.
However, this is a day of cele- bration of America's freedom, which, thanks so much to you and many other very young American warriors, is a beautiful light shining on a hill, to par-phrase President Ronald Reagan. It is a light to which many around the world are drawn, just as it is a light the many before, many now, and many to come, have fruitlessly tried to snuff out. They fail, they always fail, and they will always fail, because so very many young Americans, throughout our history, have been, are, and will continue to be, ever ready to pick up the gleaming sword of freedom's strengths and slay any who would dare attack her.
Therefore, it is with great thanks to you and your fallen brothers and sisters in the Global War on Terror, that for the 235th time, Americans celebrate their unmatched freedom.
Thank you Sean, my dear sweet son. The spear of pain still pierces my heart, your Mother's heart, Matt's heart and the loving hearts of your many kin; it always will. But, still we are forever thankful that you were willing to make the ultimate sacri-fice, for your fellow Marines and for your free home; The United States of American!
All my love to you eternally until I see again when we meet in Heaven,
Linda McConnell
June 28, 2011
Thank you for giving your all for America and each of us!! God bless and keep you by his side.
sandi bee
June 28, 2011
Remembering Sean's service. GOD Bless!
Bill Langley
June 28, 2011
As Christ said: "... you are with me always."
Love and Miss You, Dad
Rocky Langley
June 3, 2011
I will never forget what you gave to keep freedom alive in our country.
I just wish you were still here to enjoy the family that miss's you so much.
Love you forever
Jay Jemail Ternes
May 30, 2011
I met you as a little boy. Thank you for your courage.
Ken Eck
May 30, 2011
You are never out of my thoughts. Semper Fi brother!
Allen Langley
May 29, 2011
Your life and sacrifice are never forgotten, Sean, never.
Jim Clark
May 29, 2011
Lance Cpl. Langley - I never met you, but I know you anyway. You were a brave young man that served his fellow man so the rest of us could live in the greatest country on earth. God bless you for being there for us who fall short of your bravery and honor! May you rest in peace for eternity!
Jerri Avedisian
May 28, 2011
Sean, I did not know you but I feel the love of all those who loved you. Thank you for serving our country and paying the ultimate price for our freedom.
Kathleen Bauer
May 28, 2011
Sean, I am very proud of you ~ of who you were and who you became! I have so many memories of you throughout your childhood and as you grew into a fine young man! The family vacation that we shared before your second tour was such a special gift to us all! I will treasure that always! I know you are watching over us all and I thank you again! Love, Aunt Kathy
Dad
May 28, 2011
Well Son, another Memorial Day weekend has come and I want you to know that, although this day is special for remembering the fallen throughout our history, every day is a Memorial Day for me of you. The ache never ends and the sorrow forever lingers but the pride, the pride I feel in having the priviledge of being your Dad never ever ends. You also need to know that I do all I can to make sure everyone who I can touch is reminded of you and the sacrifices you made at your forever tender age of 20 years. Many of your buddys from 2/5 Weapons Company have been in touch with me and many I now consider friends; they all remember, miss, love and most of all respect you, there are even some, still in the Corps who tell me they use what you taught them to teach their young Marines how to stay alive in combat. So even though you've been gone, what seems like forever but is really six and half years, you are still a HERO saving the lives of your brother Marines everyday. As for Matt and I and I'm sure your Mom, we miss you every single day and I, for one, often get the lump in the throat and tears in the eyes wishing we still had you with us. God has you in his loving arms, I know, and I often feel you letting me know that it's okay, but I still feel the same hurt and sorrow I did on the day I learned of your having fallen. I love you and miss you always. Love, Dad
Dad
April 13, 2011
Dear Son, Wish heaven had a phone so I could hear your voice, again. I thought of you today. But that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, from which I'll never part. God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart. Love, Dad (I borrowed this from Shiloh)
November 9, 2010
with love from ireland my son john o shea usmc wil be13 years passedaway will be thinking of your son god bless all
Adrian Murrietta
November 9, 2010
Re-entered by Sean's Dad on November 9th, 2010; original was from Adrian Murrietta on November 7th, 2010:
"LCpl Langley, Its been 6 years this exact date. Today, we dont celebrate your passing. We celebrate your life, your leadership, and friendship. Today, we sit and talk about all the things you've taught, friendship, leadership, companionship, and brotherhood. Men like you are far from near to come by. We love you, we appreciate you watching over us through Ramadi, Fallujah, Habbanayah, and Ramadi one last time. What you've shown myself, I've expressed and passed down to my own Marines. I miss you, we all miss you. And you're leadership skills will be passed on, as well as your story. You're a true hero, leader, guardian, and saint to all Machine Gunners. I still have that outdated Machine Gun Bible you gave me, haha. Thank you."
Murrietta, USMC of Camp Pendleton, CA
Alice Stein
November 8, 2010
God Be With You Always, I never knew you but I know your pride in our country. God's healings to your family left behind, may they see how amazing it is for you to be above and preparing a place for them. Watch over them and greet them with open arms, when it is their time to join you. For this I pray.
Peggy Childers
November 7, 2010
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Sean M. Langley:
Remembering Sean 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
Sandi B
November 7, 2010
Remembering you today Sean - and your earthly family as they grieve the loss of you.
You are not forgotten young hero!
Rocky Langley
November 7, 2010
Hey Sean love and miss you dearly I will never for get you
Love You
Uncle Rocky
Bill Langley
November 7, 2010
By Beloved Son,
Well, today marks the sixth anniversary of that most dreadful day. I think of you every day and as I've said many times, miss you so much I still get a lump in my throat, like right now, and my eyes tear up. Those who say time heals all wounds have never lost a wonderful, shining 20 year old son, like you. Then nobody but you're Mom and I ever had a 20 year old son like you. You are and always will be my hero. Matt is doing great, as you've probably seen; he's a very successful and generally happy young man, has the same bumps in the road most of us have, but I do try to smooth them for him just as he helps me so very much. Seems like since we lost you my health has not been great, but it'll get better I'm sure.
I wanted to let you know that the Republic, the United States of America, which you died helping defend, has saved its self from the brink of becoming Socialist. Patriots came out in droves and voted for a better government which I know you would have approved of.
I love you my son and miss you terribly still, and my heart is still broken. Please watch over those of us who you loved, Mom, Matt and me.
Love, Dad
Judy Rittenhouse
August 3, 2010
Dear Sean - Happy Birthday to you!! I hope you had a wonderful birthday bash in heaven. I'm sure that you are smiling down on your mom and dad. Thank you for being so brave.
Judy Wright
August 2, 2010
On this,what would have been your 26th Birthday,Remembering your youth and bravery and the ultimate sacrifice you made for our freedom. May God keep you close, and heal the hearts of all who loved you.
August 2, 2010
Happy 26th birthday Sean !!! I am sure you are celebrating a very happy one, with no worries, no pains and in the house of our Lord.
I never met you,but have learned of you through you father. whom is so very proud of you now and always. But I just wanted a chance to Thank you for defending our freedom and giving the ultimate sacrafice. I know you must be at the right hand of God for he too gave the ultimate sacrafice.
As for the family left behind here on earth, I know they say time heals all wounds,but it really doesn't it only makes it easier to deal with.My heart goes out to you parents for their loss.But at the same time they are blessed with the many memories of you that they get to cherish. Your dad sent me this link to you and I am grateful that I have this chance to say THANK YOU FOR MY FREEDOM !May God bless and watch over each and everyone.
Midi Howard, Scott City,Mo.
Sandi Breckenridge
August 2, 2010
Remembering your service Sean M Langley and your selfless sacrifices for our country -- AND remembering your family who still so miss their precious son.
Your memory will never be forgotten.
Bill Langley
August 2, 2010
Dearest Son,
Today, unbelievable as it may sound, you would be 26 years old. A young man, handsome and distinctive, no doubt with beautiful young ladies all around. I can clearly see the kind of man you would have become by now, and yes, it would be the kind I would be most proud of being your father. I continue to feel about you the way I always have and always will; no one else could have known you as I did, you and I had a special relationship, the kind that can only be between father and son and one I miss terribly. You were a tough as nails, veteran Marine, who knew how to make others feel a sense of security in the middle of hell, yet, you were still the loving person who cared about the Iraqi kids and dearly loved you Mother, Brother and I. Our lives continue to change, but for me, it is as if we lost you yesterday, the pain is still there, the ache to see you and talk a while.
I love you Sean,
Dad
Sandy
May 31, 2010
Sean,
I had the pleasure of meeting you when you were very young. I know your life was short, but in that short period of time, you experienced things that others will never see in their lifetimes. You stood and served as a proud marine - you saw horrors only imaginable in the minds of others - and you continued to stand by your comrades and protect them until your very last day. I know you are still standing proud today, Sean, as you serve the mightiest power ever. God bless.
William Langley
May 31, 2010
Dearest Son,
Today is Memorial Day, set aside to honor all our heroes, like you, who have fallen in defense of our country. For me, every day is Memorial Day for you. I think of you every day, miss you every day, and every day I wish you were home, safe and secure. I love you and I miss you and always will.
Dad
Drew Mizell
May 22, 2010
To the Langley family,
Sean has been on my mind for the past few weeks. I remember receiving a phone call from Tricia one evening after I had gotten home from work. She told me the tragic news of his death defending our freedom. You see, I was the one who enlisted Sean into the Marine Corps in Lexington, KY. I remember being on recruiting duty when a young Sean called me wanting to know when the next "poolee" meeting was going to take place. He wasn't old enough to join yet but he wanted to be part of the monthly activities that we had for those that were part of the Delayed Entry Program. I remember the day that I sat down with him and his father to discuss his dream of becoming a Marine. I also remember, very vividly, the day that he walked through the front door of the recruiting office in his uniform. He had become a Marine!
I will never forget you Sean. I salute you with honor, dignity, and pride. Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice.
Drew Mizell
SSgt USMC
"Hi Mom!"
May 11, 2010
Marine Ball
May 11, 2010
MSgt.Robert Bowman
May 2, 2010
Through brief meetings with you before you joined the Corps, I could see you would make a difference in this world and the Pride in your Fathers eyes. You have served with Highest Honors. R.I.P. Brother of the Brotherhood.
Kevin Smith
May 1, 2010
Sean,
I never got the honor to meet you, however in a wierd sort of way I feel that I know you. Having worked for and with your Dad we have all listend to the many stories a proud a father would tell of his son. Anyone who has ever spent one minute in his office would be visually taken by the living memorial of you that he made his office into. He is always quick to tell others about you when they might inquire into the pictures on the wall. We have all listened to him talk about the memorable times. I would always know when those hard days were here and having a son of my own could only think about what he goes thru on those dark days filled with vivid memories of you. As we all know you are most assuredly one of Gods special soldiers guarding all of heavens Veterans. Being a DS Veteran myself I salute you and pray that someday I will meet you along with all my other fallen brothers and sisters in uniform. Take care and God Bless.
martin o shea
November 8, 2009
with love from irelandmy son john will be 12 years passed away on tusday 10 november god bless all
0331
November 7, 2009
Sean,
A day never passes with out thinking of you, and the hero you are, I just wanted to say thanks for all you did for me and this country that we are so blessed to live in.
I'm sorry I never got to say good by, but I am full of good memreys of you, and I know that I am a better person today becouse of you!
You are truley missed brouther, S/F
November 7, 2009
Dearest Son,
It never gets easier to deal with your loss, and my pride in your willingness to serve and sacrifice is endless. I am still receiving messages from guys with whom you served, all of them tell a story about what a wonderful person and leader you were.
I wish so very much that you were still with us.
Love, Dad
Kenna Larra
August 11, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 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 and Respectfully,
Kenna
Gordon Billingsley
August 2, 2009
I did not know Sean. I did know his father ... went to school with him. I know the determination and honor his father brought to his own life path. It's obvious Sean got a big dose of that. I think I'll miss someone I never knew.
William Langley
August 2, 2009
Sean,
Today you would havd been 25 years old. I imagine by now you would have been a police officer in Lexington. Below is the Keynote Address I gave at the Memorial Day Service at the VA Hospital in Tampa, reprinted here so others can learn more about you and so I might honor you in some small way. I love you.
Happy birthday and I love you forever.
Dad.
William Langley
June 29, 2009
Sean, I was asked to give a Memorial Day speech. Here is what I said:
I was asked to speak today because I am a veteran.
I am: I served twenty one years and two days in the US Air Force.
But today, I want to speak about someone whose military service spanned a much shorter
period of time. Two years, nine months, and sixteen days. He was a Marine.
He spent the first ten years of his youth as a “military brat” traveling and living wherever
I was stationed.
The remainder of his youth was spent in Lexington Kentucky and Oklahoma City.
With divorced parents he traveled to and fro with his brother and me many times.
When I retired in 1996, I moved to Lexington to be closer to my sons, and I will never
regret having done so.
He was the typical pre-adolescent and teen…trying as hard as he could to cause graying
hair on his parents heads, making life, shall we say interesting for his little brother, being a
fantastic athlete but a terrible scholar. Getting in trouble in school. Getting caught, along
with his step-brother, smoking pot in his mother’s back yard. His mother, by-the-way
is a Lexington Police Officer and she arrested both. I think her efforts to reform them
futile. I later found them doing the same thing in a field behind where we lived. Instead
of arresting them, I did something worse…I flushed their stash of pot down the toilet.
I want to go back a moment here. On April 19th, 1995, while both my sons were living
with me in Oklahoma City, Timothy McVey parked a yellow Ryder truck in front of the
Alfred P. Murray Federal Building and blew it up. Both boys heard and felt the
explosion in their classroom at a Lutheran school more than ten miles away. Sometime
later, after the area had been secured and fenced off, I took the boys to the sight. I
recall telling them, “This is what evil can do.”
We can fast forward not to September 11th, 2001. We all recall the evil of that day.
It was a Tuesday morning and on the following Saturday, September 15th he went to the
Military Entrance Processing Station and enlisted in the Marine Corps Delayed
Enlistment Program. Not before, I must say, he and his recruiter had to spend about two
hours sitting at my dining table convincing me it was what he wanted and that he
understood the risk. He insisted, since he’d wanted to be a Marine since he was about
five years old. His grandfather retired from the Air Force, I retired from the Air Force his
mother served in the Air Force, but he wanted to be a Marine. I was convinced and
signed a parental consent since he was only 17 years old.
He couldn’t go on active duty immediately because he needed one more credit to
get his diploma. He attended a junior college to complete the requirement.
I was awakened on the morning of January 1st, 2002 at about 1 AM, by a call on the
phone. It was the Nicholasville, Kentucky Police asking if I wanted to come pick up my
son. He’d been picked up for underage drinking. I got dressed and made my way the
twenty or so miles to Nicholasville, went to the Police Station, and there he was. He was
trying to stand at attention in the middle of the room but his body weaved around in a
circle. He was obviously quite drunk. I asked him who he had been with and he
mumbled something that may have been a name but I couldn’t quite understand the
language he was using. So, I signed for him and took him home. The following morning
he told me he’d been with his cousin, his mother’s nephew and I thought, Oh boy, that
whole side of the family is going to be really mad because I didn’t bail him out too.
On January 22nd, 2002 he went off to Marine Corps Boot Camp at Parris Island, South
Carolina. When he left he was the typical surly adolescent who spoke little to adults
and when he did it was in low, mumbling (intentional I think to keep adults from
understanding). But a surprising thing happened…he started writing letters home.
The letters progressed though boot camp to the point that, when he graduated, they
sounded as if they had been written by someone more mature than the boy who I’d last
seen. In April I went Parris Island for his graduation from Boot Camp. The mumbling
adolescent had turned into a self confident man, sure of himself. His mother and
maternal grandparents along with his younger brother also attended. We were all filled
pride to the point that our chest almost exploded.
He continued on in his training at Camp LeJuene, North Carolina, then was posted to
Camp Pendleton, California as a machine gunner with the Weapons Company of the 2nd
Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and did more training. I recall him calling me on a cell
phone one Saturday morning. He was on a land navigation exercise by himself and just
wanted to chat. You couldn’t do that when I was teaching Land Navigation in the Air
Force.
The afternoon of January 30th, 2003 he called me from Camp Pendleton to tell me his unit
was deploying to Kuwait. This was the build up to the invasion of Iraq. I heart got stuck
in my throat, I could hardly breathe, I was crying, scared…I’d spent over twenty years in
military and never went in harms way. He was just a youngster, barely 18 years old.
You really don’t understand fear until your child is sent off to war. He ended up
comforting me, telling me everything would be okay, and not to worry. All 18 year olds
are invincible as you all may know. He was a teenager setting out on an adventure and
all would end well. I didn’t stop shaking for a week.
They spent a little over 2 months in Kuwait, training, acclimating, and preparing for a
war that I hoped would come but was sure it would.
Then came March 20th, 2003. The invasion of Iraq began. The fear factor increased
exponentially, for me. You watch TV every second; your stomach is tied in a knot
every time you hear about Marine casualties. You feel completely helpless, you hear
nothing from him. Is that good or bad. You watch the news. You pray. You stay
scared.
Finally, on April 9th they took Baghdad and I watched as the Marines helped pull down
the statue of Saddam Husain. We all believed it was pretty much over. He called finally,
after a couple more weeks. They bivouacked in a town called An Samawha. The Iraqi
people, especially the children loved the Marines. He wrote more letters and they seemed
written by a person older and wiser than any 18 year old could be. His 19th birthday,
August 2nd, came while he was in Iraq. He came home in late August. I
picked him up at the airport in Lexington. He was quieter, more subdued than they teen
who had gone off on that great adventure eight months earlier. He didn’t volunteer much
information about the experiences he’d had or the things he’d seen. He showed a few
things he’d brought home, an Iraqi beret, a few Iraqi coins, and some pictures. As I was
going through the pictures, I saw one where he had some holes or scabs on his chin.
When prodded, he told me that in a fire fight on the way to Baghdad, he had deployed
from his Hummer and a Rocket Propelled Grenade hit the gas can on the back of the
vehicle. He took some shrapnel in the chin and his uniform caught on fire. He said he
was rolling around on the ground screaming like a 12 year old girl. I asked why he
hadn’t told me about it. He said, “You would have freaked out.” He was, of course,
absolutely right.
Life went on, he went back to Camp Pendleton, and trained some more, moved off
station with some buddies and seemed to resume the life of the care free 19 year old.
They went on a “float.” Which, from what an old Air Force guy can understand is a
deployment aboard ship to Australia and some other places to include Okinawa. In
Iraq the insurgency had started and was in full swing.
Then in August 2004, shortly after his 20th birthday, they were told they were deploying
again in early September and there would be no leaves authorized.
I’ll tell you now that I truly feel things happen for a reason. A family member was
gravely injured and he was allowed to come home for about 36 hours. I can
remember him walking out of the hospital room after having been hugged by all the
family members. He seemed a lot more somber, less enthusiastic, and more wary of
going back to war. To me, it is far more heroic for a young man or woman to go back
to war because they had seen how terrible it is and knew what they were returning to.
He called a couple of times. They were in Ramadi which was in the news every day
because of the insurgent activity. More time for Dad’s stomach to be in a knot and my
heart to live in my throat. On October 15th, which is my birthday, I would later learn that
he was wounded again but not seriously.
On November 7th, I was spending a quiet Saturday at home with my wife Susan. The phone
rang. The caller ID indicated the US Marines were calling. I figured it was another
recruiter calling, as they did from time to time, trying to recruit someone who was
already a Marine. It wasn’t.
SSgt Demalteris, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, was calling to inform me, as next of
kin, that he had been wounded, a head wound, and he said it was classified as a VSI. At
time I had no idea what a VSI was and was too scared, shaken, nervous, my ears were
ringing, I was absolutely terrified. The sergeant said I would be contacted by a Marine
Corps Casualty Officer very shortly. He left his number in case I had any questions.
I remember telling Susan, my wife, and she called Trisha, his mother. We agreed to have
the Casualty Officer meet us at his mother’s house. When Susan and I arrived, Trisha
was in her bedroom packing her suitcase. I hugged her and said she couldn’t go to Iraq.
She insisted he was waiting for her. I told her we would just have to wait for the
Casualty Officer and I was sure he’d be okay (I really wanted to believe that as much as I
wanted her to believe it).
Within an hour, a Marine Corps Lt Colonel and a Master Gunnery Sergeant, arrived
in full dress blue uniforms.
They informed us that our son had suffered a wound during combat operations in Ramadi. He had sustained a very serious head injury. The Lt Colonel said he was taken from the battle field to the US Military Hospital in Baghdad. From there he would be transferred to Landsthul, Germany. The Marines told us they would immediately inform us of any changes and said they would return later in the day.
When they returned they said he had died of his wounds. Sean Michael Langley, Lance Corporal, US Marine Corps, aged twenty years, three months and five days, my oldest son had given his life for his country. His mother would not believe it until he was brought home and held on to the hope that it was a terrible mistake and some other mother’s son would repose in the casket when opened.
The next several days are still a blur. Notifying family, gathering, planning for his return and his funeral.
When he returned, it was a rainy, cold night. We were driven to the Airport in limousines escorted by Lexington Police in front and back. As the hearse started to depart the airport Sean’s mother insisted on riding in the hearse with him. She had finally accepted reality.
By far, the hardest thing I’ve ever done is look into the casket when we arrived at the funeral home. He appeared completely unscathed, just sleeping in full dress blues. The only visible injury was a sutured wound on the back of his head. I had feared that his mother would pass out when we first saw him. I passed out, she didn’t.
We were amazed by the outpouring of sympathy from all over the nation. The governor of California, for the first time had ordered the flags in the state capitol to be flown at half staff in Sean’s honor. The governor of Kentucky and mayor of Lexington attended the funeral. The visitation scheduled for two hours went on for six hours because so many from the community wanted to communicate their condolences in person. The funeral procession was miles long and escorted all the way by dozens of Lexington Police officers. All along the route people stopped, hundreds of them, placed their hands over their hearts or saluted as Sean passed.
He was buried with full military honors.
But the most amazing thing to me was what happened over the course of time since his death and continues to this day. I get unsolicited emails from his fellow Marines who have gone to great effort to find my email address. They tell me about a man I didn’t know. I will read a few excerpts from some of those messages then I’ll let you go and ask that you remember My Marine, Sean Michael Langley.
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Langley
I just wanted to let you know that I served in two combat tours with your son. Sean was my friend and I'll never ever forget what he did for me. Sean and I were in the same truck in the 1st war and we were ambushed I was driving and he was security in the back of me. I’m sure he told you but our truck was leading the whole battalion in to Baghdad. Anyway, my 1st Lt. Heil told me and Langley to get out of the truck and provide security and there I was scared almost frozen I saw the compassion in your son's eyes he saw me freeze up and he said "C’mon Ralphie ain’t nothin gonna happen to you were here together your gonna get back to your family in no time." I will never forget that feeling of brotherhood. A kid from Kentucky and a kid from LA. I want you to know that I will never forget Sean he was my friend and my brother. I have Langley’s name forever scared on my heart and on my arm with R.I.P brother. I’m sorry I could not bring your son home but I assure you people that have never even met him know about him and what he sacrificed. P.S There is not a day that goes bye that Sean is not in my thoughts.
Sincerely. Ralph Sarabia of Hacienda Heights
Safely Home
Michel Iezzi
February 12, 2009
Father we entrust our brother Sean to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Sean in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
SHIRLEY DONEY
February 9, 2009
REST IN PEACE LANCE CPL. LANGLEY, TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
Henryk Zaleski USN (Ret)
February 8, 2009
Rest in peace you're paid in full.
martin o shea
February 6, 2009
with love from ireland my son john o shea passed away 11 years ago he was a usms he served at camp pendleton thinking of you
LISA LEATHERMAN
February 4, 2009
To The Family Of Lance Cpl Sean M. Langley:
With our Deepest Respect for your loss,
We are doing a Rally July 1-5, 2009 in KY for our fallen soldiers. We would like to honor our soldiers and their family.
Could you please email me back so we can give your more information on the Rally. We would like for the family members to attend so we can honor you.
Thanks
Lisa L. Leathemran
Our Web site is www.somegaveallky.com
Jon Lowder
December 18, 2008
God Bless Lance Cpl. Langley !
Jon Lowder, Cpl./ North Carolina
Isaac Reyes
December 12, 2008
My deepest condolences to Sean's family.
Sean and I both stayed back in our Camp San Mateo barracks during Christmass leave of 2002 and did little other than play Ghost Recon and hit the gym everyday. It was a really cool change of pace not having a million other Marines around, especially since we were still considered "boots" at the time. This is when we first met Sgt (now SSgt+) Harding who busted into the room we were hiding in and probably talked to us about "the Messiah" - that scared the crap out of us.
Around the same time... The last concert I ever went to was with Sean and Phillips in San Diego, we saw "Taken Back Sunday" and "The Used" at SDSU.
I remember Sean as an outstanding Marine, yet I miss him as a friend.
Sgt. James Day
November 11, 2008
Hey Sean,
Happy Birthday DevilDog yesterday we celebrated the 233rd birthday of our Marine Corps!!! It seems like yesterday that you were here. Time has passed, but I still think of you when I talk to the newer generation of young Marines. Thank you for the memories and We miss you here at 2/5 !!!!
In Memory of Sean ~ (Debra Estep)
November 8, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Sean, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
November 6, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Sean M. Langley:
Sean 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
Chris Murrah
October 1, 2008
Sean,
I don't know if you ever found yourself remembering me, but I remember you. You turned out exactly as I would have expected, a man of honor. Knowing you from so many years ago I know that you brought a lot to the Corps. You were born a Marine and I remember that from when we were children. I still remember running about in the wooded creek area between our houses.
With much respect to you and your family I will forever honor your memory. I may not have been granted the privilege to see the man you became, but it is obvious that the man you became was a great one.
Eddie
July 7, 2008
Your sacrifice for our great country will never be forgotten. I know that God has a special place for his soilders who stand for freedom and christianity.
Jennifer Shepherd
June 14, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family of Sean Langley for making the ultimate sacrafice for his country. I will always remember him in my prayers he is a hero in heaven now and he is watchng over his mom & dad & brother gone but never forgotten i have family & friends in the Iraq fighting for our freedom and they to wanted me to let you know you will never be forgotten
Barbara Bobrick
May 8, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family of Sean Langley for making the ultimate sacrafice for his country. I will always remember him in my prayers. Proud marine mom of 2.
April 19, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Langley!
November 5, 2007
Patrick Graham
November 5, 2007
The man loved a camera.
WILLIAM LANGLEY
August 2, 2007
Dearest Son,
Today you would have been twenty three years old. So young! Matt, Susan and I will be together tonight to celebrate your wonderful but tragically short life. We love you dearly and miss you endlessly.
Love, Dad
July 29, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. 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 Le Ron A. Wilson (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett (Queens, NY)
July 13, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Langley and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Lance Cpl deploying soon
JOEY RODRIGUEZ
July 12, 2007
MY NAME IS JOEY. I WAS ALSO IN 2/5 WITH SEAN. I REMEBER WE BOTH GOT TRANSFER FROM ECHO CO. TO WPNS CO. BECAUSE OF THE SHORTAGE IN WPNS. HE WAS THE YOUNGEST MARINE. HE WAS PROUD AND VERY PATRIOTIC. I STILL CANT BELIEVE THIS IS TRUE. HE IS THE SECOND FELLOW MARINE I KNEW THAT PASSED IN ACTION. I WILL FOREVER KEEP THEM IN MY HEARTS. I WILL PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY AND TODD BOLDING. MAY GOD WITH YOU.
FDNY
May 28, 2007
A true hero that will never be forgotten.
Dee McHugh
April 6, 2007
It will be Easter in 2 days. I feel compelled to post some words of gratitude, but struggle for the correct words that would express my appreciation adequately, but know that my son serves in the Corps with Sean's sister unit, the 1/5. May your family and friends surround you with love and pleasant memories of your William this Easter.
Freedom isn't Free.
March 16, 2007
Not afraid to die.
March 16, 2007
Reaching out to children
March 16, 2007
Not afraid to play
March 16, 2007
Sharing good times with buddies
March 16, 2007
He shouldered the burden
March 16, 2007
Anthony Day
March 16, 2007
Hey bro, how are u? I saw your mom the other day before we left for ar-ramadi again. I am very thankful that she came to see us. it hurt deep inside though cause you arent here. But your spirit will be with us, I know. Please watch over all of us and I will make sure that we remember you all the time bro! take care and I will talk to you soon.
jack gruver
March 14, 2007
From the heart of one infantry Marine to another...may God bless you Sean and I am certain you're at the pearly gates on patrol for your Lord....you be safe Marine...and I can't wait to shake your hand and tell you how proud I am of you when its my turn on the other side...Semper Fi Marine!!!
Donna DeStefano
March 13, 2007
God be with you and your family. Your Marine is shining in Heaven watching over his fellow Marines on duty. My son left yesterday for Iraq from North Carolina.
Tony Kerzmann
December 28, 2006
Dear God...
I am happy that Sean Langley is with you now and the heavenly family, please take good care of him and all his comrades in arms, may the light shine on them always and may their sacrifice were not in vain.
Anthony Day
November 11, 2006
Happy Birthday Devil Dog!! Today we all celebrate the Marine Corps birthday. We haven't forgotten you bro'!!!!! SEMPER FI
Jose Busquets
November 9, 2006
Chief Langley and Family,
Although we did not have the opportunity to meet Sean, as a retired Army Officer and father of an Army Helicopter Crew Chief actually in Afghanistan, we sincerly understand and appreciate your dear son and the sacrifice he and your family has made for our nation. We thank God for people like Sean and the other young men and women in the service who love their God, their families and their country enough to serve in the military, to defend and carry the love of freedom.
Our hearts ache for you as friend and parents as we mourn the loss of Sean. We pray that God will continue to hold you in his arms and give you the courage and comfort to continue to be honored and proud for what Sean has accomplished.
We will continue to pray for you and your family during these moments of grief.
Jose & Sara Busquets
Courage, in the face of fear
November 7, 2006
Determined, even in the haze of exhaustion
November 7, 2006
Dedicated
November 7, 2006
curious
November 7, 2006
my precious boys, my lifetime joys
November 7, 2006
Handsome
November 7, 2006
soccer star
November 7, 2006
my baby sean
tricia langley
November 7, 2006
the days go by,
the nights are longer,
forlorn yearning ever stronger
memories flit constantly
of all that was, but not to be.
you stood strong, straight and tall,
on 9/11 you answered the call.
off you went,
I still hear your voice,
"don't worry mom, i've got not choice."
now you bask in Heaven's glow,
my vision's blurred,
my heart laid low.
then you carry me,
as i once did you,
and show me of your peaceful view.
your love sustains in darkest moments,
pulling me from the edge of despair.
my eyes don't see all that is,
but i feel your silent embrace.
comfort comes as i discover,
your services continues from beyond,
watching over many others
in the ever faithful Band of Brothers.
Semper Fi Sean.
Love, Momma
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