Anniversary of death of buddy in battle. Life after.

2014-09-27T15:59:20-04:00

I was awarded 2 purple hearts along with 2 Bronze Stars w/ Valor and hero I'm not. This story is about a very dear friend. The Purple Heart displayed on my profile picture is for my buddy who died in combat alongside me. He never got to pin his on. So for you Special Forces SGT. L.L. I display your medal. Our anniversary is near. Your always in my heart and mind. Every day I think of you and our stories and calming words.! I got a tribute tattoo for you and know you still have my back from the Heavens. I promised to get you home, I failed you brother but we will meet in that celestial place one day. Always RIP Buddy I still miss you. I know many of us have similar stories. Just a way to vent among peers.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 27 at 2014 4:36 PM

2014-09-27T16:36:09-04:00

I am sorry for our loss. We can't hold ourselves responsible for the loss of our loved ones. We are not granted those powers. Celebrate the time you had with your friends. No one we love wants us to me miserable in life. Honor them with how you move forward and succeed in life. Your future happiness is the best way to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Prayers from AZ, my brother.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2014 5:16 PM

2014-09-27T17:16:04-04:00

Thank you brother. Your words bring me comfort. No one teaches you to cope in all the military schools and classes. Just be a brave litttle soldier, lol. But I moved on. I actually did 10 years as Law Enforcment Officer which I loved till I was offered my current job. Just the anniversary every year hits me. I lost many peers but he was my best bud. And I know he would want me to move on. Just had to do a little venting to get it off my chest. Thanks for listening!

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 27 at 2014 5:44 PM

2014-09-27T17:44:21-04:00

SFC Todd Garzon, First I would like to say thank you for sharing this with us here on Rally Point. As this helps you to mourn and heal it also allows us the opportunity to pay our respects to a fellow service member. My feelings are cut from the same cloth as SFC Mark Merino's and if you need to vent or just talk this is an excellent place to do so. Like you have stated there are many here with similar experiences. May God grant you and your friend's family comfort and may your friend rest in peace.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 27 at 2014 11:00 PM

2014-09-27T23:00:22-04:00

SFC Todd Garzon,

I am humbled by your service. In my opinion, you are a hero, because you remember, because you answered the call, because you share so we can all grow and bond with each other.

We should all be so lucky as to serve with someone of your caliber and call you brother and perhaps even friend.

Thank you for honoring us as peers. We are brothers in service. We all have one last formation to be in with the ones who were granted R&R before us.

You have your brothers back and we have yours.

Thank you,

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 27 at 2014 11:45 PM

2014-09-27T23:45:16-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member Brother, our Nation is grateful to you and guys like you, the special breed of warriors who do the special things that most of us would never really understand. I believe that your friend is up in Heaven, living a perfect life now, but here on Earth, he deserves to be honored.

Every day our Nation calls and young men and women go willingly where she needs. The direct result of that unselfishness is that we all get to live free. Agree and Disagree with our politicians, judges etc. Drink beer, go to the movies, heck even drive Hondas.

Thank you. And keep the memory alive. We will all meet again.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 28 at 2014 9:57 AM

2014-09-28T09:57:50-04:00

God bless and thank you both for your service. May SGT L.L. rest in peace.

Response by SSG William Patton made Sep 29 at 2014 2:38 PM

2014-09-29T14:38:35-04:00

SFC Garzon, losing buddies is as difficult as losing family members and sometimes, more difficult. I feel your pain brother. I still recall those I was close to in Vietnam and think about them and pray for them on the day they left this earth. It never goes away, but through sites like this and staying connected with those who understand and care, it does get easier. God Bless L.L. and may he rest in peace.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Sep 30 at 2014 2:07 PM

2014-09-30T14:07:55-04:00

Every year, hell every day.
Cpl. Ron Eberle
L/Cpl. Jim Travis
L/Cpl. Marcia Wilbanks
L/Cpl Linden Brittingham
RVN 1967-68.....guardin' those gates...and waiting for check in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 2:09 PM

2014-09-30T14:09:58-04:00

I am inspired and feel you CPL Fresch. L.L. was a nickname. He was African American and looked like L.L. Cool J so he got the nickname.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 2:16 PM

2014-09-30T14:16:21-04:00

As I just responded to CPL Fresche. L.L. was his nickname. He was lost in circumstances that I'm not allowed to discuss or I'd say the name. L.L. was a African American who looked like L.L. Cool J's twin thus the nickname.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 9:08 PM

2014-09-30T21:08:01-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member thank you for sharing with us. Know that by sharing you are honoring your fallen brother. I have a KIA bracelet for a SGT who was killed in Afghanistan when I was there who I knew. I also have a battlefield crosses with names engraved on them for him and another Soldier who was KIA that I was honored to carry to his final resting place.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 9:05 PM

2015-04-16T21:05:31-04:00

My condolences. Many of us have had friends who have died and many of us strive to find ways to best remember them. I think the 25 meter target is just remembering and supporting the family and those who loved the Service Member however we can. And beyond that whether it is pictures, tattoos to the drawer full of memorial bracelets some of us have, they all share a common theme; to memorialise those who we all have lost.

I think the healthiest way I remember those lost has been trying to make my life a living tribute to them by living fully. Grabbing life by the horns and appreciating every day above ground, for we were lucky enough to come home and dammit we should appreciate it. I also fully realise that most of my deceased friends would kick my ass if they saw me moping around, crying and feeling bad for them or myself. I do things that I know they would have enjoyed and recall their memory. Whether is is catching a wave, taking a dive or tossing back a few, I think of them and toast to their life. I am still lucky enough to be in uniform and have returned healthy enough to press on. When I feel like wimping out on that tough run, tough school or Airborne back blast, I recall that I am still lucky enough to be breathing and try harder. I remember that and I strive to memorise them in living life to its fullest in and out of uniform.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 17 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-04-17T17:44:40-04:00

Life is bitter sweet sometimes. Take a shot and smoke a cigar in his honor.