Lance Cpl. Richard A. Buerstetta

Not forgotten

Some gave all for the Freedoms we all have in the United States. As did Richard. You will always be remembered as a true Hero of Freedom.
I did not no Richard, but I know he had to be a wonderful young man. May God always be with his parents and brothers and sisters. This is something that will never be forgotten as the days and years come and go. Know that he is in a better place and is watching from above.
Special prayers for his dad. A really sweet and kind person.
Hugs and much love always.

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Richard A. Buerstetta:
Please accept my remembrance of Richard on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Richard A. Buerstetta:
Remembering Richard 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

March 12,2010

To the loved ones of Lance Cpl Richard A. Buerstetta:

I have been wearing the hero bracelet (www.herobracelets.com) of your fallen soldier for the last 18 months. Over this period of time, many people have asked me about the bracelet and what it represents. On a daily basis, I take the opportunity to talk about your courageous young soldier in an effort to keep his memory alive. It has been a pleasure for me to honor him in this fashion.

I realize that freedom comes with an enormous price tag. I am so grateful to those who have paid the price for their fellow Americans.

God bless all of you who have been touched by this tragedy. I pray for all of you everyday.

I was walking this morning and passed by an American flag. I paused and gave thanks for all who gave "the last measure of devotion" to this great land, preserving liberty for past and future generations of Americans. One name was especially remembered this morning . . . Lance Cpl Richard Buerstetta. May he enjoy the glory of heaven and may his family here on earth be comforted in their sorrow.

Please know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. On Saturday May 23 I was honored to read the names of Tennessee's fallen in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars at a ceremony in Washington DC at the WWII Memorial. USMC LCpl. Richard Buerstetta is remembered.
Proud Mother of USMC Cpl. David Bass
4/23/85 - 4/2/06

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 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

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 Richard, 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

To the family of Lance Cpl. Richard A. Buerstetta:
Richard 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

Richard is fondly remembered by our family and mostly by our Marine son Austin Collom-Richard;s friend. Your loss is our loss and we continue to think of you his family, and keep all of you in our prayers. My son remembrs Richard as a wonderful, fun and good friend. He is missed by many. May God grant you all peace.

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

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)

Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N.

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Buerstetta and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

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

A PROUD MARINE MOM

Hey Richard! You have SO many people that miss you down here! it has only been a few months, and I still struggle with your loss at times. You are a hero. Thank you! I will never forget you.

“Paid in Full”
In Honor of The War Against Terrorism’s Fallen and Injured Marines


Marines through and through, they paid the price
Six thousand miles away, we live the life
For which they paid with their blood, spirits and bodies
We will never forget what they paid in full

We hope and we pray that somehow their loved ones find comfort
In God, in the flag, in the memory of their loved ones’ bravery
They’re gone now but we see them still…proud, strong, willing
Covering each other’s backs… courageous, moving forward

What kind of love did they have for us to be willing
To give it all for the Black, White, Jew, Christian, Muslim?
We don’t comprehend but we honor you now and forever
You are Our Marines…some living…some not
Forever in our minds we will cherish your lives

Lives too short yet immortal they’ll be
Highest brotherhood of the few, the proud
They stand at attention, and we gaze with awe
Some know their names not, but our admiration for them
Flows limitless within us, between us

They sacrificed their limbs or their lives
Freedom still rings, a soft sound across the miles
It tolls slowly; all of creation takes note
Of the lives that were lost for people unknown

Out of sight but not lost; forever among us
The starched blues marching straight
Toward the place where we will meet them
Many years from now…how we loved them…
Well done beloved Brothers and Sisters…You’ve paid it in full
Always Faithful Marines, You Have Paid it in Full

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

We are sorry for your lost. May peace with you at this diffcult time.
On behave of Cpl Oestrick and the Oestrick Family.

To Richard's family and friends-
My family and I are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We send our deepest empathy as we lost our Marine on 11/30/05 in Fallujah. We are comforted to know that our Marines are serving their country with such honor and bravery. We are so proud of our Marines and all of our other service men and women for all that they have done and continue to do to keep us safe and to give us the freedom we have that so many take for granted.
They are true Heroes and need to always be remembered for their selflessness and sacrifice to better our world. We will forever be united in the loss of our heros. We are so sorry for your loss and hope our words will ease some of the pain, and maybe fill some of your emptiness.
Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!
Our sincerest gratitude for their bravery-
The family of Cpl. William "Billy" Taylor
2/6 WPNS
KIA outside of Fallujah 11/30/05

My heartfelt sympathy to the Buerstetta family in the loss of Richard. I did not know Richard, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Richard you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Dear Buerstetta Family,
Even though we have never met, I feel as if we are a part of a "family". My daughter's fiancee was killed in Iraq by an IED on Oct. 3, 2005. It is my prayer that you will feel God holding you as close to His heart as He has held my family this past year. May you feel His comfort and peace as you travel down this difficult road.

God bless Lance Cpl Buerstetta and keep him. You have proven yourself worthy amoung your Brothers. So short a life yet so great a life lived.
Thank you Cpl Buerstetta for your service. I pray that we will prove ourselves worthy of so great a sacrifice you have placed on the altar of Freedom.
To the family of Cpl Richard Buerstetta, your loss is so great but take pride in that your young man followed his dream, performed his duty, stepped forward when others turned aside. I have known many young men such as Richard in the past that gave of their civilian lives to wear the uniform of their country. Service of this kind is second to none and can only be understood by those who have followed that path.
Take pride in his memories and lift him up to the hands of God.

To the Family & Friends. We send our heartfelt condolences. Thank you for allowing the Patriot Guard attend and be a part of the services held for Richard.
God bless each of you.

To the Family of Richard Buerstetta, you have my deepest condolences. May the Lord keep His loving Arms around you during your time of sorrows. It was my honor to meet you both in Gallatin, TN on Thursday.

Richard, stand down, Marine, your mission here is complete. Fly now on the wings of Angels into the Loving Arms of our Lord.....

Dreamcatcher
TN RC, Patriot Guard Riders

My nephew, Marine Capt. Justin Peterson, was killed in Al Anbar Province Oct. 1. Up until then, it was only names I heard on the news. Now I know the heartache so many families feel. Please know we are praying for God's strength for you as you face each day. I am so thankful for the sacrifice each person is willing to make to defend our freedom.

I had 2 sons who served in Iraq at the same time and I can only imagine the sadness your family is going through. My sincere smypathy and prayers are extended to you and your family in this tragic loss of your love one. I also send my deepest respect to your love one for the sacrifice that he gave in serving his country. May God wrap HIS arms around you and comfort you. God Bless you!!!

My heart gose out to the families and friends of LCpl. Richard A. Buerstetta. May God give you comfort and strenght now and in the times to come. My husband served with him in Iraq and he and I are very saddened by this news. Your in our prayers.

To Richard's family:
Our hearts break for you. Thank you for your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your son.
A Proud Marine Mom
USMC Cpl. David A. Bass
KIA 4/2/06

Please accept the condolences of this Marine family. We will honor Richard and his sacrifice by remembering him in our prayers of thanksgiving, and will keep his loved ones in our prayers that you find peace and comfort in the Lord. Semper Fi.

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Hero, and my sincere thanks for his service. May God grant you peace.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

In memory of PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
3/8 Weapons
KIA 4/6/06, Anbar Province

I wish to offer you my condolences of the loss of your Richard. He is a true American Hero. He will always be remembered by us. May God Bless you all and God Bless Richard.

Lance Cpl. Richard A. Buerstetta
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Please accept our family’s heartfelt sympathy for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Marine Parents of
LCPL Craig Robidoux &
LCPL Derek Robidoux,

My condolences to the Buerstetta family, we share your great loss. Our prayers are with you. Lance Cpl. Buerstette thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held
Peace, peace, and farewell..."

Jack Colnot and Family
(Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot, KIA 22 April 2006, Iraq)
email [email protected]

Please know that I am deeply sorry for the loss of Lance Cpl. Richard A. Buerstetta,
As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly,
and as a sister, who has lost a brother to war,
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain that you are experiencing.
The overwhelming heartache, seems to surface through our shock, as the time passes.
Please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.
Ever so softly and slowly, time does heal.
May Richard Rest Safely, in the Loving Care of God
and know that he WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
I pray that God's Loving Comfort and Grace
will be with the Buerstetta family.
I am the sister, of such a Young Hero,
who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.
Psalm 55:22

With each new day, may the Lord restore your soul and, through His love, give you the strength to go on.

To the Family of Lance Cpl. Richard A. Buerstetta:
If your child can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 as well and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for right now. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten . You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

In recognition of Lance Corporal Richard A. Buerstetta's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment Number 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Don Elseroad
Junior Vice Commandant
MCL Detachment #969