“Not a day goes by that he is not in my head and heart. I am proud of my Nick and miss him everyday.

RIP Nick....we love you ....till we meet again.”

“I was inspired that after the Marines, Derrick continued his service. He mentored and talked to students often urging them to make a difference in the world.”

“Today, we Marines [are] together again for your final mission. Today, we Marines, together, said goodbye but not for the last time. This unbreakable bond of brotherhood sees us through this life and unites us in the next. Goodbye my roommate, my friend, and fellow Marine. Semper Fidelis.”

“This one is for you. Happy birthday brother. I wish we could all be together celebrating your life today, with your family and friends. Sooner than later, we will be telling stories, pouring drinks, and having laughs... and you’ll be there in spirit.

Semper Fidelis brother...”

“Chris had a lifelong love for and special connection to animals. As a young boy sitting on a seawall at his grandparent’s home in Florida, a pelican came and sat beside him, as if he were the most natural companion. He relished long hikes with his dog, Simba. Kindness and generosity were defining traits and Chris would reach out to support anyone in need, be it a friend or new acquaintance. He was a talented artist growing up and played a mean game of chess. His smile and laugh brightened many lives.”

“I remember hearing stories of his service in the Army, where he boxed, played baseball, and served in Korea. Then, one night a few years ago, he lay in a hospital bed after a major health scare, and told me stories of him and his men on patrol.

His service inspired me to serve. His example after service inspired how I lived after serving in Fallujah. I wanted to make him and my grandma proud.”

“Donald was a close friend of mine during my tour with the Main Battery, 1980-1982. I have fond memories of our time together in the Line Shack and our only WestPac 81-82 together.

Fair winds and following seas shipmate.

God bless, rest in peace.

He was kind and gentle and loved hard.”

Ouellette was posthumously awarded the nation’s second highest award for combat valor, the Navy Cross. Details of his heroic exploits were laid out in an award citation.

Clay was open about having PTSD and survivor’s guilt, and he tried to help others coping with similar issues. He worked hard to move forward and found healing by helping people, including participating in humanitarian work with Team Rubicon and participating in IAVA’s annual Storm the Hill advocacy campaign. He also starred in a public service advertising campaign aimed at easing the transition for his fellow veterans, and he helped wounded warriors in long distance road biking events.

“My dad was a Marine for 9 years including a tour in Vietnam. He was a very caring and giving person with in the community. He is the father of 3 boys who also went on to serve in the military, as well as 2 daughter in laws and two grandsons. He was the epitome of God, Country, family. He is loved and missed by us all!”

My dear cousin Dennis “Ox” Oxelgren died of natural causes over three years ago. Estranged from his daughter, who is executor, those of us who love him and wish to provide a fitting memorial do not know where his cremains are located. We don’t have access to his uniforms, medals or citations. So this is my attempt to honor Dennis.

Lieutenant Colonel Oxelgren retired from the Air Force after twenty years of service. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice and a Silver Star for gallantry in action during two tours in Viet Nam. He trained pilots all over the world who consider him their brother. Rest in peace Dennis, you are loved and remembered. Your “grunt” cousin, Captain MJ