Part of the rescue operation, EO1(SCW) Timothy J. Fabela
remembers. published 2004

To view the orginial memorial movie. published 2003

Memorial movie in honor of the anniversary of
May 19th, 2003. published 2004

You will need a Flash Player to view the movie.

Rest in Peace Brave Warriors. Whenever we look up at night and see the brightest stars, we will know it is each of you shining down on us and looking over us.
Semper Fi
The Taylors in North Carolina
USMC

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Five new warriors now abide in that place of honor shared by the heroes who have gone before. Like all those we will honor on Memorial Day they gave their last full measure, not for personal gain or glory but in service to a greater good. We who have been privileged to serve with such men know that this courage and sacrifice is not theirs alone, but is shared by those who love them and wait for their return. May you be comforted by the certain knowledge that many others share in your grief for these fallen heroes.

Al Chancey, LtCol USMC(Ret)
Purple Fox, 1967-68

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It is with deep regret that Jane and I heard of the loss of our Purple Foxes and the wonderful Infantry Sergeant who lost his life attempting to rescue them. Even though we do not know these fine men personally we know of their courage, dedication, and devotion to duty in their service to America. The loss of a son is unbearable under the best of circumstances but these make the loss even worse. We pray for the families of those lost and for the safe return of those still serving. The loss of these Marines is a wound that is difficult to heal and impossible to forget. I talked with our son LCPL Paul Wood on Wednesday and he described the loss as the worse thing experienced by the members of the Purple Foxes. Please accept our condolences and let us think of the families as we go into this Memorial Day Weekend. This is a Memorial Day they will never forget and neither should we.
Semper Fi.

Jane and Ray Wood
Proud Parents of L/Cpl Paul Wood

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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Purple Fox family, but especially to those who lost sons, husbands and daddies.
May this prayer bring you comfort.
Linda & Tony Macone

NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER
I give you this one thought to keep --
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still – in each new dawn.

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Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to you, the families of the lost Purple Foxes, and to the family of the Marine attempting to rescue them. May God give you comfort, courage, and strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Barbara and Tom Vrable

Parents of 1st Lt. Jason T. Vrable

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Hello my name is Nicole Thomas,
Lcpl Jason Moore went to my high school. Currently my boyfriend is overseas and when I heard about Jason I was speechless. Tragedy knocked on our back door losing someone from our town. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends and my debt to Jason. He died serving our country, protecting it's freedoms, and fighting for people he didn't even know. I appreciate the sacrifices that are made by every single person in the service. Hold you heads high, you are doing this country well. You are all my heros!!! God Bless!!!

Love,
Nicole

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God has called home five precious children and there are five new stars that shine down on us. May God bless their families.
They are truly heroes.
John & Brenda Gruenewald

Our condolences go out to all the families of these brave men, may they rest in peace. God Bless.

Pat & Jerry Donaldson

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We will never forget your courage for standing in harm's way to protect others.
May you now be at peace.

Kerry and Vicki Wages

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This is to the five marine families that have lost their loved ones.

Please know that we are proud of your loves one and our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Semper Fi

Hope and Jim Dodd

Parents of CPL Matthew S. Dodd

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A Prayer From Chuck And Jeannie Harell

Father God, as we approach your throne tonight,
it is with a heavy heart for the loss of the five young, brave men who gave their lives fighting for the cause of freedom.
We lift up to you the families of Timothy Ryan,
Andrew LaMont, Aaron White, Jason Moore, and
Kirk Straseskie. God,give them strength and courage to face the difficult days, weeks, and months ahead. Surround them,O Lord, with your presence that they may know they can lean on you and there find comfort. Lord, you told us in
your Word you would never leave or forsake us. May these families rest in the knowledge that you, Lord, our God, are their rock and in you they may find Peace.
We thank you God for the service of these young men and for the ones still in harm's way. Protect them as they continue to serve and bring them home safely. We ask these things, Lord, believing that you hear and answer prayer. We are thankful we can call upon you during our times of
need as we do now. Bless these families and the families of all of our military. In Jesus name we pray, Amen

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In Memorial to the Purple Foxes &
Sgt. Kirk Straseskie

"Until"

I thought of you today,and realize life can't ever be the same

the tears and heartache are immeasureable,
at just the mention of your name.

There are no words or condolences that help my crying heart

But I love to hear all the good stories and humor,
even if folks forget some part.

They say that time heals all wounds,but it'll take
more than the passing of time

And you know I've got to deal with this confusion
and anger that storms this heart of mine !

But this I know -- you enriched my life and the lives
of others in such a special way

And I hope you're there to meet me when I reach
the end of my last day

We'll have such a blessed reunion and it'll all
be clearer then too

For then I'll see just what was accomplished
when your all - to - short life was through

So till then, go on I must -- but there's an
emptiness nothing of this world can fill

And so it seems the echo of your voice says: "until."

Author: Kit Strickler -- Oklahoma City,OK.

[cousin to Sgt. Kirk Straseskie -- 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, from Camp Pendleton]

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