Replies

When his body returns we will all go up to N.J. for the funeral. Don't know when that will be but from what I have heard so far the response from the locals in his home town has been bejond belief. The police and city and neighbors are all they could be and more.
Shawn his mothers company has been superb to the point that we can't believe it.
The townsfolk are going to name a road after him. Police wil stop traffic wherever and the whole of the town will mourn.
At his wedding he had several marine buddies do the whole thing where they tap the bride in the can with the swoard and welcome her in as a marine wife.
I'm sure the marines and his comrades will represent the marines here too.
Flags in the town are at half staff.
At his wedding just about 7 months ago I went up to each of the Marines and I think one Army buddy and personally thanked each and every one for their service to their and my country. I also thank you for yours.
By the way it was a most fun wedding, and his bride was beautiful.
John his father cried through the whole ceremony and before and I know he cried now.

The news of John's death has touched nearly every single Marine from his officer training school class in Quantico, in every corner of the world. Walk within 100 feet of any 2LT here and the inevitable "Have you hear about...." starts every conversation. I spoke to my old roommate this weekend who went to the infantry school with John, he and the other infantry officers were quite shaken by what has happened. Each one seemed to express a unique mix of anger and sadness; either way his memory will no doubt be spiritual fuel we will all draw upon in the struggles and challenges ahead.

Another 2nd LT I spoke to, currently in training at the officer school said their commander brought the entire class together and told them of John's death in Iraq, and told them to think about him as a reminder of how seriously they must take their training. One of the students there has apparently already been ordered to Iraq to be John's replacement. They told me there is a renewed sense of purpose and dedication among the students- something that can fade in the false security of a school training environment. They may have never met him, never seen his face, but they sit in the same classrooms and patrol the same woods he trained in just a few short months before. They know him, because they know he is one of them.

It is extremely touching to see the tremendous outpouring of support in John's hometown for his family. He will no doubt be remembered as a hero and his memory not soon forgotten in Jefferson.