Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Spence

I love you and miss you so much Joey!!!

When Joeys mom, Becky was our OB patient she used to bring you into the office sometimes. Such a cute little boy. That was in the 1980s when I worked for Dr. Lenz. I know its been several years since his young life was taken, but I just wanted to send my thoughts. I also knew his grandma, Therese and step-granddad, as well as being a classmate of Jan Johnson. God bless Joeys family. You all will reunite one day.

I miss you so Joey. Looking forward to being reunited again in glory in our Lord's timing when my pilgrimage on earth is finished. Love you forever, Mom

I would like to share a little story with you(if this page is still open). Our family was having breakfast at the Silver Spur in Santa Cruz. We were going to pick up our new Golden Reteiver and were talking about what we would name him. Looking at the paper, we read the story about Joseph Spence. We were so moved and saddened, that right then and there, we decided to name our puppy Spence. Spence is 14 yrs old and has recently been diagnosed with cancer. He doesnt have too much time left. We are keeping him comfortable and giving lots of love. We are spending time looking back at all our memories. The first one being where his name came from. It has always made me proud to tell people that he is named after the fallen soldier Joseph Spence. May peace be with you and your family. Sincerely, Debbie Collins

Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Joseph B. Spence US Marine Lance Corporal. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Spence:
It has truly been my honor to sign Joseph's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Joseph will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

7 years :( Love you forever Joey, Mom

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Spence:
Always remembering Joseph. "Some gave all."

Never forgotten a HERO LCpl Spence. God Bless and keep your family.

Joey, Can't believe it's been six years since you left us. I miss you so much, every single day. Life is so different without you. Incomplete. I keep getting older and you stay young. I long for the day when we, those who love you, are all together again with you in Heaven. Love you forever, Mom

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Spence:
Please accept my remembrance of Joseph on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Joe,

We've never met. I met your beloved wife and daughter after your passing.
Several years after meeting them your wife asked me to take severa audio cassette tapes you recorded for her and your daughter and 'digitize' them into MP3 files.

I'm moved to be honored to do this for you, for them and others who love you dearly.

My tears are of joy in the greatest of anticipation to meet you in Heaven.

Blessings my Brother, until we meet.

BryanC

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Spence:
Remembering Joseph 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

”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 1,660 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

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 Joseph, 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

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

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

To the family of Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Spence:
Joseph 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

In a little more than a week it will be 4 years. I look back on it and it seems like both ages ago and yesterday.
I know, like you, I do not go a day without thinking not only of my son but of all those that died that day.
I also think about those that did not that day and the feelings that they may have for surviving and going on with their lives.
I’m sorry that I have never written before. I guess it was not my time to do so.
Out of all that died that day I only knew Mike, but they were all brothers and because of that, they were all, my son’s.
The tears that I shed for him I shed for all.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Spence!

It's been 3 years today since you were taken from us. I miss you so much Joey, more and more as time goes on. Today I am grateful for the time we had, and praying for all those who love you so much. Until we meet again, Love forever, Mom

Hey spence, its almost been 3 yrs now and i still miss you and the boys like crazy. i am out in iraq again since the last time i saw you. its hard being here sometimes knowing this is where it was the last time we saw eachother. but i am thinking about you all the time and miss you bro. love you

SGT SCHNEIDER.JOSEPH
3D AABN C CO
FORMER 1/3 2ND PLT "DUECE MOB"
4 MONTHS LEFT IN IRAQ

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 Lance Cpl Spence and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Lance Cpl deploying soon

In Remembrance of this Fine Young Marine, Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Spence, who Gave All for our Country and for Freedom.
May Joseph, rest safely in God's Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Spence family.
There will never be enough ways, to humbly thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4

May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have of Joseph, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country remembers his sacrifice.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Joey,

It's been almost two years . . . it seems like just yesterday, and it seems like an eternity. Your little girl is SO beautiful, and I grieve that she will never have known you in person, and that you never had the joy of knowing her. She will know you through her mother and the rest of the family. You were (still are) much loved!

Joey,

I'll miss you my dear friend, I'll always remember you from our SVMS days, you always stuck out for your family and friends. God bless you and your family.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A PROUD MARINE MOM

My heartfelt sympathy to the Spence family in the loss of Joseph. I did not know Joseph, 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. Joseph it has just been a little over a year since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Psalm 23



1

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3

He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.



This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!



My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!



If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!



Wife & Daughter of the Late

Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford

KIA May 23, 2005

When I met you in Iraq I knew that you were someone to look up to. I would have followed you anywhere.

Dear Joey,

Even though we have never met I feel as though I know you well. I am amazed that one man could be loved so much and by so many. It is obvious to me that you will be loved and never forgotten because you are still here in the hearts and minds of your family. Your daughter will grow up with you at her side, knowing you as if you were here because your family will see to it.

As for me, when I get to heaven I intend to ask the nearest Archangel to introduce me to "Joey, my hero"

See you soon

Love

Lin

God Bless( Jamie,Navy wife)



Forever remembered !!

Joe,

I've saved the email from your mom for a long time, telling of this guest book. Today, Providence's first birthday, seemed a good day to sign it. I know you are watching her from Heaven above!



You are missed!

Joe,

you are one of the greatest men i had a pleasure of knowing, we have been through alot together, its a honor to serve with you and for us to be friends. As a squad leader i wouldn't of wanted anyother pointman or team leader then you. i miss you so much and wont stop missing you. SEMPER FI. LOVE CPL SCHNEIDER, JOSEPH C 1/3 DEUCE MOB 4EVER

hey joe you will be loved and missed i want forget all the songs we made up in iraq you always kept the morale high i love you buddy

marty

Joe, I know that no matter what life throws at me, you will be watching my back. I know you will be with me in spirit through my hardest times, just like you were in the flesh. Even my grandchildren will know your name, brother. I love you and I miss you Joe........I'll see you again someday. One more thing, if they have booze in heaven, make sure you give your wings to a friend before you go out.

Precious Joey,
I mostly remember you as a baby and an adorable toddler. Unfortunately I moved many states away shortly after you were born! I was so happy to receive the letters you wrote to me and my students from Iraq. The day I took them to school to read to my class was the same day I found out you had gone home to Jesus. My heart was broken to lose a family member, who was so young. But, my heart is proud of you too. I love your parents so much and know how much they will miss you. It will be a wonderful family reunion for all of us one day! P.S. Your baby girl looks just like you - adorable.
Love, Aunt Janny

Joe,

You called me on christmas eve and gave me the best present I have ever received,Thank You. Rest bro.

Semper Fi,

Uncle Rodger

We miss you, Joey. There are so many fond memories of you from the feed store, you, Liz and Jon cleaning horse stalls in Bonny Doon, you and Jon (and me) fixing fences at the ranch in Paso Robles. I remember getting you on horseback at the ranch and how much you enjoyed riding. I wondered if you were ever going to get off! I also remember how you and Jon became such good buddies and all the long talks you and I had. Yeah, we really miss you, Joey!

I never had the pleasure of meeting Joe, but I know of him, Elizabeth, Providence, and both of their families through the touching stories my son, SSgt Mike Wear, told us. Mike spoke very highly of each one of you and was touched by your love, faith, and the way you each made him feel like a part of your family at a time when you were suffering so deeply. On the morning Mike was shipping out to Afghanistan, I opened the U.S. News and my eyes went to a photograph...of Elizabeth and Providence at a Memorial Service for Joe and the others that lost their lives that day... it was at that moment, I knew that Joe was telling me "don't worry, I'll be watching over Mike the same way he watched over my family." I truly believe that Joe is Mike's guardian angel. From my family to yours - Thank you and may God bless you each and every day.

Our heartfelt condolences to Joey's family. All of them, Lis, Providence, Beckey, Jim, Tommy, Roger, Beryl and others Joey touched in his short life. We remember you all often in our prayers and pray God's blessing and care of you. We are very proud of the ultimate sacrifice made by all who loved Joey.

"Great" Uncle Bob and Aunt Betsy

Dear Joe,

Thank you for everything you did for Sean. You were a true friend and a man of dignity and honor. We are so glad to have gotten the opportunity to have met you and now are blessed to have your wonderful family in our lives. You are certainly a tribute to them.

God Bless you LCPL. Joseph Spence. You will forever be in our hearts. Lis, Providence and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers daily.



Love You

Joey I miss you so much, i dont think i'll ever laugh as much as you made me. i miss seeing your grey chevy driving down the road. I miss seeing magoo wait at your door to sleep next to you. I miss your burned hamburgers (that progressivly got better) on summer days. I miss you and nick coming to pick up me and lis after work everyday, (especially when you would take out the trash for us.) Thank you for always standing up for lis and me even when it ment fighting. thank you for your solid faith, honor, and courage. Thank you for unselfishly giving of yourself, that we could be free. I'll always remember your love and laughter.



Rosie p.s. your baby girl is beautiful

Dear Joey



I will always remember you and love you till the day I die and we will be reunited in heaven. I will forever love Lis and Providence and help them with anything I can, you have always made me proud and I hope to make you proud of me, Semper-Fi Love From Your Dad

************

I wrote this years ago, but the thought is still the same...



He lived for a dream

That many call an illusion;

For they could not understand,

That dreams are mans hope

For a better tommorow.

I never had the honor of meeting Joe, but through his family, I know that he was one great man, and I looking forward to the day that we can meet face to face. I hope that I took care of your family in the way that you would have wanted. Your sacrifices mean so much and you are truly a hero and a great American. Semper Fi!

Joe, I'm extremely proud of your accomplishments in Fallujah. I know yourself along with Timmy, Sean and Nate are are somewhere good. I promise that your doings in Iraq will forever be remembered, I couldn't have asked for a better Marine such as yourself. I promise to always watch over your wife and child until I pass and will insure that if there is anything they need I will assist in anyway shape or form. Joe God Bless!

Joey, a very special grandson, who served his country and his family well, very loved and we look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.

I am so proud of Joey for the way he lived his short life, for his service in the Marine Corps and his bravery in Iraq to help free the people of Fallujah. I will miss him forever, until that glorious day when we meet again in heaven. His baby girl will always know him by my love, and all those who loved him. His memory will be kept alive always in our hearts and minds. He will always be a part of me that lives as long as I do. I am so blessed and honored to have been chosen by God to be his mother.

Love you forever,

Mom

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Joseph. I did not know him personally, however I feel as if I lost part my extended family. My daughter's fiancee, Lcpl. Fred Maciel was on the chopper with Joseph. Times like these make us so profoundly sad...yet so profoundly proud. We lost so much on January 26, 2005 and I know that the emptiness will be with us for a long time to come. However please take comfort in knowing that your family is in our prayers everyday. Our loved ones are heros and I personally find solice in knowing that they are in a better place. May God bless your family and may you find peace in knowing that someday you will be reunited with Joseph.



With much love and saddness,



Pat Hommel

God Bless You Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Spence and your family. Thank you for defending our freedom and protecting my children from harm. My prayers and hopes are with your family in their time of need.