|
Name: Richard Allen Warner Location: Clarksville, Tennessee Comments: A beautiful tribute to Bobby P. Warne. This site was forwarded to my brother Bobby Warner who at age 77 plays taps on his trumpet at many veteran's funeral services each year in Pennsylvania. As a Captain USMC(ret.) I am greatful to all the Marines both past present and in the future who gave, are giving, and shall give so much to insure we are a free country. God bless each one. Especially your Marine who paid the ultimate price in Iraq. Name: Loretta De Priest Location: St Louis,Mo Comments: I want to thank you for your sacrifice... for the good of all America. the video brought tears to my eyes.May God Bles You All.You will be in my prayers. Name: Silvio & Margarita Ocaña, Sr. Location: California Comments: We are praying for all his family and want to thank you for his sacrifice. You should be very proud. May God bless you all and help all of you through your grief. We will never forget his sacrifice. Sincerely, Silvio and Margarita Ocaña Sr. Name: Jeff Bruneau Location: Finland Comments: My deepest sympathy for your loss! Unbelievable video tribute to your great son and great Marine. Semper Fidelis & God Bless Your family, Jeff USMC 89-99 Name: Michael Howarth Location: Oxford, England Comments: A truly touching and beautiful video. One can only stand in awe of someone like your son who was willing to give the ultimate sacrifice. May you be removed from the overwhelming grief by the thanks of the people and nations he died to save. Yours very sincerly and respectfully, Michael Name: Penny Snell Location: New Braunfels, Texas Comments: I can never repay the price that he paid for my freedom, but there are people out here who think of you and share your pain. Thank you for allowing him to help preserve this country. Name: Pamela Bell Location: Sheboygan WI, but moving to NC in April Comments: I am so sorry for your loss. As a Marine Mom I can understand your pain and sorrow. My son, LCpl Jerry E, is now stationed in Iraq and we will be moving soon to his home base area of Camp Lejeune. May God comfort your sorrows and mend your broken heart. God Bless and YES.... If the Army and the Navy ever look on heavens scenes, They will see the streets are guarded by United States Marines.... Name: Mike Davidson Location: dayton, texas Comments: I CRY. Name: Brian Hart Location: Bedford, MA Comments: The family of PFC John D. Hart, KIA 10-18-03 wishes to express to the Warns family, our most heartfelt condolesnces in the loss of Bobby. It is a wound that never heal. Name: Arlene Location: Cleveland Ohio Comments: It is the hardest thing in the world to lose a child. You are very proud of your son and with thoughts of his braveness and duty to our country will bring peace and comfort to you. He was defending and helping to make life better for the world. He is to be respected for what he sacraficed his life for. A friend sent me this site and I read it and just felt I needed to let you know I said a prayer for your family and son in heaven watching down on you and our country. God's Blessings Name: Bill Otto Location: Saint Louis Missouri Comments: This video was truely amazing. But not as amazing as what Cpl. Warns did. Thank you Bobby. Name: Fr. Thomas Saucier, O.P. Location: Oak Park, IL Comments: Dear Warns family, My name is Fr. Thomas Saucier, O.P., a Dominican priest and teacher at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL. I teach with your niece and cousin Alana Behnken. We were all grieving with Alana and with you and the loss of Bobby. What a terrible tragedy. Your grief must be unimaginable. A few days after Alana returned to school I presided at a memorial mass for Bobby attended by faculty, staff and students. It was a nice show of support for Alana. With the marvels of technology in classrooms today I showed all of my students the video of Bobby. Let me say many tears were shed and lumps in throats. This video is an incredible tribute to Bobby, which still brings a lump to my throat. Recently I took 19 Fenwick students to Washington, D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration and many had remembered Bobby when we came upon a display of the dead in Iraq and made a point to look for his picture and we found it. Just know that Bobby has touched people's lives who never knew him. In the months ahead be assured of my prayers and that Bobby will be remembered in my masses. Peace in Christ, Fr. Thomas Saucier, O.P. Name: The Parkinson Family Location: Texas Comments: What a wonderful young man you raised! There are no words great enough to express our sincerest thanks for his service and sacrifice. There are no words warm enough to relay our condolences for your loss. My brother is a Marine and there is such a great brotherhood in this organization. Congrats on a baby girl who promises to be as awesome as her father! Thanks Semper Fi Name: Don G. Location: Colorado Comments: Dear Cpl. Robert P. Warns, II, Thank you for loving our country, the United States of America, our freedom, and our liberty, so much that you joined the Marines to serve us, it's citizens, and protect us from our enemies, wherever they may be. Thank you for loving people you didn't even know (like me), so much that you gave your life for OUR freedom, OUR liberty, and OUR families ... which includes ME and MY family. In the Holy Bible (John 15:13), Jesus says "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." On the day you lay down your life, you called me (and my family) "friends", and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for every freedom we enjoy today. With deep respect, I salute you sir. Don G. Name: CPL Andres G. Rojas Location: US Embassy /Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Comments: Your son will be in my prayers along with a prayer for the rest of men and women that are dying in this war. Hopefully this will end soon. Respectfully, CPL Andres G. Rojas -Semper Fi Marine Security Guard US Embassy Kyrgyzstan Name: Michael Young Location: Kensington, Maryland Comments: I watched the video tribute to your Son, Cpl. Robert P. Warns II, and I can honestly say that I have never seen anything that has moved me more. The video brought this Grandfather of 2 boys to tears of Sorrow, tears of Pride, and tears of Purpose. My heartfelt prayers are with you and your entire family. This great nation is truly blessed to have such patriotic families like yours. May God Bless You and Yours Always! Mike Young Name: Heather Location: Denver, CO Comments: Thank God for people like your son, Robert. May God be with you always. It is such an honor to know that marines and soldiers are fighting for this country. Robert is truly a hero, and his daughter will be so proud of him. God Bless, and your family will be in my prayers. Name: Carol Martin Location: Washington, DC Metro Area Comments: I humbly extend my condolences to the family and friends of Cpl. Robert P. Warns II. I am moved beyond words. I am also very thankful for the sacrifice this brave man made to ensure freedom for us all. While no words of mine can ease your loss, my prayers are with you all. Peace be with you, Carol Name: Gary Location: Brady, Texas Comments: Our Warriors are the ONLY reason we're the Greatest Country the World has ever known. There are no words in the English language that would adequately express my extreme sorrow to Cpl. Warns' family for their loss. Just as there are no words to describe the deep, deep sense of humility I feel just to be a citizen of such a great country and American Brother to such a Hero. That youngsters like him would die for me is the ultimate compliment . . . and the ultimate act of courage . . . and I feel so small in the presence of such a man. Some say the World War II generation was the Greatest Generation of Americans ever. My Beloved Father was a member of that generation . . . he fought on D-Day and in the Battle of the Bulge and most of the other big battles both before and after . . . but his words on this topic will never be far from my lips. He said . . . "Yes, we fought and died for our country and I'll be Forever Proud of my service and the service of those who were there with me. I lost many, many friends. I lost cousins and uncles . . . two of them dying in my arms. "But this Greatest Generation crap is nonsense. We were Americans doing our duty. So long as the rest of the world continues to misunderstand just what THAT means . . . we'll always be the greatest country in the world. "You give me an American Marine with a rubber band and a Q-tip and so long as he BELIEVES he's fighting for his country, so long as he BELIEVES American citizens' lives are dependent on him doing his duty . . . that Marine will completely destroy an entire squad of our enemies with the latest high-tech weaponry. "He's an American. He's a Marine. He's the GREATEST Generation because he's protecting our shores now. Not in 1945. Right now! He's dying for us as we speak. Tomorrow he'll be replaced by another GREATEST Generation. "THAT is our Secret Weapon . . . that we can continue to come up with brave and honorable citizen-soldiers willing to give their all for their country and for it's citizens." Cpl. Warns proves my Father was right. God Bless Cpl. Warns. May God Bless and look over his family. May every American fall to their knees tonight and thank their God that Cpl. Warns and his compatriots are looking out for us. I salute you, Cpl. Warns. I love you, son, and I never knew you. Name: jeannine Location: clinton nj Comments: My condolences for your loss.....he was a hero and will still be especially to his daughter when she grows up. Name: Meghan Halaska Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin Comments: To Bobby Warns Family - My name is Meghan and my brother CPL Scott Freiburger was apart of the 2/24 Mad Ghosts with Bobby. Even though they were in different companies I am so deeply saddened by the loss of a great hero. I know that Bobby is in a much greater place right now, but his absence still leaves such sadness for the family and friends left behind. You will be reunited together once again, and you truly have the best possible Guardian Angel looking out for all of you. I thank you so much for your son's ultimate sacrifice as well as your own. With Deepest Sympathies, Meghan Name: Pam Biedenbender Location: Quantico, VA Comments: Sincere condolences on the loss of your son. I'll be remembering Bobby and your family in my daily prayers and during Mass. Babies are wonderful! I hope Payton brings you great comfort and joy...and not too many gray hairs:) Pax Christi! Semper Fidelis! Pam Name: Kay Zieschang Location: Liberty, texas Comments: He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. We your walk along and you feel the wind remember that is Bobby wrapping he arms around you and holding you tight. My prayers are with you and your family always and forever. Name: Rosann Lawson Location: Waterbury, CT. Comments: I am sitting here at my desk, on a cold Friday morning. When I check my email, my mother sent this particular one to me. My family is in a orginization called: Support The Troops. My brother was in Afganistan. I guess I can sadly, but happily say, that my brother returned. After watching this video, I can not imagine what every last family that has lost a child / brother / sister / friends / husband / wife due to the war. This was the most touching video, that I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing your sons life with the world. My God Bless your Family. Your Son will forever be a Hero! Name: HARLEY W. BROCK Location: Riverside, CA, 92505 Comments: MY HEART BREAKS FOR YOU AND YOUR LOSS. HIS LIFE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN GIVEN FOR ANY HIGHER HONOR. NOT EVEN LOSING IT ON EWO JIMA IN WWII. I WAS LUCKY AS I RETURNED FROM OKINAWA IN 1945. PRESIDENT REGAN MUST HAVE BEEN SPEAKING OF BOBBY WHEN HE SAID " MOST PEOPLE SPEND A LIFETIME WONDERING WHAT THEY CAN DO TO HELP MANKIND, MARINES DON'T HAVE THAT PROBLEM" Name: Erin S. Warpole Location: Jacksonville Comments: What a beautiful tribute to your loved one and 1 of America's Heros. I am the daughter of a deceased Vietnam and Korean War Veteran so I have a fond appreciation of our military families. How unfortunate that he had to be involved in the present war but I know, just as I am of my Dad, you are proud and comforted to know he was doing what he was called and wanted to do and died giving the ultimate sacrifice for his country and family. We are all blessed because of men and women like Cpl. Robert P Warns. Please know that he did not die in vain. I appreciate his service and now that I have seen this tribute, I have a face to recall when I thank God for the ones he sent to save the rest of us. Name: SSGT James L. Wilson Location: Birmingham, AL Comments: Our prayers and support are with the family and friends and we salute cpl warns on a job well done and god speed. Name: mike mullins Location: windfall, in Comments: I work at Chrysler in Kokomo and know Rich. He sent you a poem I did a few months ago as I thought of my own son and is wife who were serving in Afghanistan. He is on his second tour there, the first coming immediately after 9/11. His wife is now home with us as she is expecting their first child. I served as an infranty soldier in Viet Nam in 1968-69. We are Army but no matter the uniform we all believe in America and its ideals. I cannot tell you the emotions I feel when I think of your loss and what he did. I would post the poem or would love for you to feel free to do so if you really want to do that. I feel that way about every one of our troops who are backing their belief with action. They are the foundation of our home and our future. Young people like your son live on in many hearts and for those of us who truly understand his commitment and sacrifice I would like to say that every monument, every celebration, every form of recognition in this country are about him and those like him. His daughter will be blessed by his family and like him will be touched by the love and support that he had to have received as he grew up. She will be a living tribute to him. God bless you all and may your tears turn to smiles of pride as you remember him and love her. Name: Sean Frickey Location: Iraq Comments: My name is Sgt Sean Frickey. I'm a Scout Sniper in Bobby's unit. I just wanted you to know that all of our hearts and prayers go with you over the loss of your son. I would personally like to thank all of you for the contribution you have made as well as your son. God Bless you all. Semper Fidelis! Sgt Sean Frickey Sniper/USMC Name: Jim Reime Location: Colorado Springs Comments: Thank you Bobby for your service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You gave the ultimate sacricfice and for that I thank you Sir. I prouldy display the POW/MIA stickers and patches, but I have always wondered why KIA was not included. They are the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Again, thank you Bobby!!! Jim Reime If any of you are sons or daughters of a Korean War Veteran please visit http://geocities.com/koreanwarstickers/index.html I have free bumper stickers for you (no postage or anything like that) Name: Mario Alvarado Location: Deer Park, TX Comments: Rest easy Marine... You and you family will be in our prayers. Semper Fi, The Alvarado Family Name: Patrick Murphy Location: Michigan Comments: Weith deepest sympathy... I am a former MARINE I got out honorbly in 1995. It saddens me to see fellow marines pay the ultimate price of war. I did not know Bobby but I'm sure we would have been good buddies... That video really moves me. I watch it on a regular basis... God bless your family and God bless the united states MARINES. Name: Cpl Chris Edlebeck Location: MCAGCC 29 Palms, CA Comments: I can only imagine what is like to loose a loved one like him, I often go to funerals for marines to pay my last respects to them on my battalion's funeral honors dietail. People like Bobby are the reason the USA and the Marine Corps are what it is today and people like him is the reason we have so much pride in what we do,everytime I look at the flag I think about the sacrifice of the these people and their family. Bobby you make us all proud to wear this uniform and my God bless your family and always watch over them. Name: Frank Amato Location: Cypress, CA Comments: In peace, sons bury their fathers; in war, fathers bury their sons: Herodotus. To the family of Bobby Warns – thank you for giving us a great American. He exemplifies what is right with our country. Semper Fi and Gods Speed Marine. Name: Sgt Leonard Location: MCAS New River Comments: As a wife, mother, and a Marine myself my heart truly hurts for you. I have three small sons, my twins will be three in March and my baby was one year in December. Children are God's gift no matter how old. How blessed you are to have a grandchild on the way. I have been in for over six years now and commend you for how you raised your son. Our children are reflections of us. Men like your son have founded our nation and that's why I'm proud to say I'm a United States Marine. You gave life unto him, and in return he gave life, unto us. Semper Fi, Sgt Amy L Leonard Name: MSgt Ron Dillon USMC/Ret Location: Athens, Georgia Comments: Folks, After viewing this tribute back in December and after regaining my composure. I sat down and started a program called "Reach Out & Touch A Hero", I collect items and donations to send gift packages to the Troops in harms way. People always ask me why I am doing it, and I always give them the address to this site and I tell them that if I can put a smile on just one face before the ultimate sacrifice, that I will have done something worthwhile. I commend you on this tribute to your Hero, and I salute you. Bobby Warns will never be forgotten as long as this old Jarhead is still around. God Bless you and know that Bobby is standing tall at the Gates, and yes, guarding the streets. Semper Fi, Ron Dillon Name: angela self Location: salado tx Comments: Our prayers are with your family. What a precious and moving triubte to your son. My heart is broken for you.What pride your son must have brought you in his life and the bravery and patriotism that led him to defend his nation, and the cause of freedom that he made the ultimate sacrifice for. His death was not in vain. Name: Matt Cervone Location: Fort Lauderdale Comments: Thank You for raiseing a son who would defend this great nation. No greater love does man have than he lay down his life for another. Thank You, Thank You so so much. You are in my prayers Name: Kenneth Schlegel Location: MCLB, Albany, Ga. Comments: May God bless and keep you through this painful and trying time. I want you to know that there are people out here in the world that thank the Lord every day for the brave men and women that defend our way of living! My family and I will pray for you and yours. Proud son of a Vietnam Veteran/Marine ks Name: Mike Pittenger Location: Pensacola, Fl Comments: God Bless from all of us still "over there" CTOC(SW) Mike Pittenger Name: Maj. Gen. John M. White, Commander AL ANG Location: Auburn, Alabama Comments: My wife and I were touched by this tribute to Bobby. Bobby made our country stronger and he is the reason we can experience liberty everyday. He will be missed by our country and we are forever grateful to the family for sharing him with us. God Bless! John and Robin White Name: Sandra Moudy Location: Placentia, Ca USA Comments: "To the family and friends of Corporal Robert P. Warns II, Eskimo Legend Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom" Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA" Name: Will Kellett (USMC Recruit) Location: Columbia, SC Comments: Thank you for your service and sacrifice! Hope too be as great as ur son! Thank you for everything! Name: curtis wright Location: Titusville, Fl. Comments: as many before me have done, my family and i offer our most heart felt condolences. for a loss so great words can never repair. I am thankful for men and women who serve our country so unselfishously. there is not a day that goes by that i do not take a second to say a prayer for those in iraq and other posts around the world. for the family of this soldier, stand tall and be proud as your son gave his all to make this world, our home a better place. thank you for sharing with the world a short but very powerful message to those who come upon this site. thank you for parenting this hero. God bless you all, and God Bless America! Name: Todd Location: Vernon, BC, Canada Comments: As a serving member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police whose detachment lost a peer in the line of duty in November 2004, I offer my sympathy, thoughts and support to you folks. Keep talking and listening to Bobby as I'm sure you are. Name: Robert G. Wagner LCDR USN (Ret) Location: San Diego Comments: We all should thank God for young men like your son, who was raised by a wonderful family, to value freedom enough to risk his life to preserve it for his fellow Americans and to share it with the Iraqi people. Your fine son with his comrades are making history. May God bless Robert, and all his family and fellow U.S. Marines. Name: Bruce Brown Location: Georgia Comments: God Bless you all and Bobby thanks for being there for us, my thoughts go out to your family as we all know your in a better place. Name: ken golding Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl Comments: To the Warns family, Growing up during the Vietnam era, living overseas during my whole childhood, and serving in the Navy for 8 years, gives me a special appreication for the sacrifice that you and your family have made. Bobby's story is one of bravery and heroism, and I consider him a national hero. Someone who was willing to put his country's call before his desires. I truly feel for you in this time of grief and suffering, and I am sure that I will never appreciate the pain that you all must be feeling. I pray that you will at least feel some pride knowing that Bobby was a special person and is truly appreciated by me and my family. Ken Name: Tom Location: Binghamton, NY Comments: We read of servicemen dying almost everyday in Iraq. We somehow become numb to this fact. It is shamefull. Bobby was an incredible gift to our country and the world. Thank you for his and your families sacrifice. The video reminds us that we must all live life the best we can and never forget the price people like Bobby have paid for our freedom and security. God Bless you all. Name: Chris Morrow Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania Comments: Dear Warns Family, Please accept my sincerest sympathy in the death of Bobby. He is a Hero and I along with millions of Americans and others abroad are proud of him and the sacrifice he gave as well as your strength to endure this unimaginable pain. Having served in the Corps from 1987 through 1991, I share the utmost pride that only other Marines feel. As I type this, I can't help but to look around my office at all of my Marine memorabilia and feel that it's because of Marine's such as Bobby that we as Marines have that pride. Please find some comfort in knowing that Bobby is a Hero and that his sacrafice is part of the reason the United States Marine Corps is eactly that, the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis Name: Laura Eigenberger Location: Plymouth, WI Comments: I want to express my deepest sympthy. I am Cpl. Brian R. Prenings mother-in-law. Not a day goes by without a prayer for your family! I am happy to hear of your little girl!! My daughter is having Brian's little boy. His name is Brian Robert Jr. We will keep you in our prayers. God be with you! Laura J. Eigenberger Name: Jim Holt Location: Northern California Comments: Mr and Mrs Warns, I am sorry to hear of your lose, I'm sure Bobby was a son to be very proud of. Your website is truely a moving memorial. I found myself crying during most of the video. I myself was a corporal in the marines in the first gulf war. Seeing and hearing of all these great marines being killed or wounded makes me wish I would have stayed in so I could be shoulder to shoulder with them. My deepest sympathy Jim Holt Name: Christina De Plata-Dydasco Location: Guam, U.S.A. Comments: First off, I'd like to say that the video of Cpl. Robert Warns II's service was an absolutely beautiful production. Thank-you for sharing the emotions of his family, friends, loved ones, and those who came to pay their respects to this hero. It was obvious that Robert lived a life filled with the mutual love of many around him. Secondly, I would just like to commend you, his family, for maintaining as much strength and understanding in the time of Robert passing onto his new life. Our soldiers work for the greater good of Americans, and ultimately, for all of humanity. For Robert's contribution, we are thankful more than words can convey. I, and the rest of my family and friends who have viewed this, pray with you - for your continued strength and growth, and for Robert as well, on his homecoming. I leave you with this, as when we think of our loved ones passing on, time can surely feel endless. This particular piece helped me out very much when my friend Cooter passed recently. He was also in the military (Navy), and passed away on the submarine he was stationed on. I hope you find comfort in it as well. Death is nothing at all I have only slipped away into the next room I am I and you are you whatever we were to each other that we still are call me by my old familiar name speak to me in the easy way which you always used put no difference in your tone wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together pray smile, think of me, pray for me Let my name be ever the household word that it always was Let it be spoken without effort without the trace of a shadow in it Life means all that it ever meant it is the same as it ever was there is unbroken continuity why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you somewhere very near just around the corner All is well Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918) Canon of St Paul's Cathedral Name: Eric Shellhamer Location: Lancaster Pa Comments: THANK YOU CPL WARNS. I AM A FORMER MARINE SGT. THE VIDEO BROUGHT OUT A FLOOD OF EMOTIONS. I CANT SAY ANYTHING ELSE. SEMPER FI MARINE Name: WALTER COLBERT Location: Boaz, Alabama Comments: I am a former marine myself. I appreciate what Cpl. Warns done for our country. He is a genuine marine corps hero. Semper Fi.
Name: Jackie & Mike Location: Near Ft. Drum, NY Comments: Please accept our sincerest sympathy in the loss of Cpl. Warns. He is truly a hero in our eyes, and makes us so very proud. Thank you for giving up the ultimate sacrifice for us to have our safety and freedom. We wish you all, only our best wishes for the future, and know that he is looking down on you right now smiling, because he knows he is in a great place. God Bless you all. Name: Ben Boyer Location: Wookstock, GA Comments: As one of the millions who enjoy freedom as a result of sacrifices such as yours, I can only say "Thank you." I wish I could find words that would ease your pain, or that would let Bobby know the gratitude felt by the people of two nations. But such words don't exist. Until they do, please know you and all other families who have made such a sacrifice remain in our prayers. Name: Carmen Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Comments: Your tribute to Bobby was so moving...I have shared it with so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends. My brother Daniel is a US Marine and that makes us family...we mourn with you. Name: Cpl Keegan Murphy Location: Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq Comments: I'm in G. Co. and knew Bobby for almost 5 years. He was one of those guys who made you smile every time you saw him, no matter what you were doing or where you were. I wish every day he and our other brothers were coming home with us. God bless you and your family. Semper Fi. Name: Jeremy Jackson Location: Cincinnati Ohio Comments: Very beautiful video, of a very couragous man. And may his beautiful daughter help to warm your hearts just a small bit more. With Much Respect, ~Jeremy Jackson Name: Coyle Beard Location: Dallas,TX Comments: Thank You for your sacrifice, I am a father and I cant possibly understand your pain. I do believe that GOD is in control and someday this will all make sense. Name: sean draper Location: modesto , ca. Comments: TO THE Warns family there is nothing i can say but that i have sons around bobbys age im writing this with tears coming down my face i cant even think of the pain you all must feel im am so sorry for your loss GOD bless you all who knew him in christs love sean draper Name: David p. Brown Location: fort worth,tx Comments: I ran across this video of Bobby Warns from another web site. I have been truly blessed by this video. My father retired with the army this past year. While I personally don't have any military background, my father has instilled in me the truth of all these men and women. What an honor it is for me that your son,husband,and father was there for me and we never even met. One last thing. I am a proud father of a 3 year old little girl. Bobby, she will always be daddys little girl. God bless you all, Christian love Name: SrA Darren Fox Location: Little Rock AFB Comments: To all those striken by grief, I have just viewed this video for the first time today and had never knew of this type of reaction. To see a family that has been hit so hard with tragedy, but yet able to show it's support so publicly is unimaginable. I have never been deployed overseas personally, but have seen my closest friends and their family go through such hardship as distance and time. I wanted to offer my deepest sorrows for your lost and to remind you that everyday we as a country, and you as a family grow stronger. I personally have been moved by this act of heroism from your families behalf. I leave you with these two quote from Thomas Paine. " Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." " The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion. " To Cpl. Warns, even though we never met, you are a hero to all who serve and those who supports us. We, as service members, are not seperated by rank or branches, but are bonded by one common thing, we are all willing to give our lives for all mankind, and that sacrifice seperates us from all mankind. You have made the ultimate sacrifice, and shall be remembered as a hero and a comrade to me always and forever. May the lord hold you in the highest regard for all enternity. Sincerely, Senior Airman Darren J Fox United States Air Force Little Rock Air Force Base Name: Jessica Hodges Location: Parris Island SC!! WE MAKE MARINES Comments: I am a wife of an acitve duty Marine! We have been in for 10 years and have 4 beautiful children. I want you to know that your son and husband and brother and friend, Bobby lives in all of us. We think about the hundreds that have given it all for our freedom. You have given and served our country as well. You are also not forgotten. I thank you for your great unspeakable service to our country, we as family and friends of these military men and women are serving for freedom as well. I see hundreds of new Marines walk out of these gates every week and I think as I watch them go.. I would love to hug each of them for giving so unselfishly. I will hug my Marine today and today it will be Bobby that I am hugging!! Name: Tim Location: Illinois Comments: I cried. That man is a hero beyond what anybody who hasn't served will ever know. Semper Fi, Cpl. Warns. Every servicemember and every American thanks you, for it is you that provide them the freedom they take for granted. Name: Mary Mirr Location: Mukwonago Comments: Dear Warns Family, I just wanted to say thank you for the letter sent to me and others that attended Bobby's funeral. I had been wondering how you all were doing . I haven't seen Bob or Bridget around much lately. Its very uplifting to hear how blessed you are in realizing that Bobby is still very much with you . I agree with you in that you live in a wonderful neighborhood. I could not imagine a better neighborhood in which to work. A few times in which Bobby had come out to get your mail ( in my earlier years of starting the route) I remember thinking to myself after a few minutes of chatting, "what a handsome and polite young man." He was always very cordial.So when Bob Sr. had told me that he joined the Marines , I thought to myself " he will make one damn good Marine" . I come from a long line of military . All my uncles , brothers and my son in law have all been or are in the Army and Marines. Being around family and friends who have lost loved ones protecting our country will always be a great loss to me but I think being around it all my life does make it alittle easier. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was deliver what I believed was one of Bobby's last letters to his family when I knew you all were suffering such grief , but when I saw the look on Bridget's face I knew right then that if that were my child that would be the most precious piece of paper anyone could have given me. I believe that Bobby is still with us and always will be. I want to thank him for being the fine young man he was in serving his country and protecting us all from harm. While you are no longer physically able to hold him in your loving arms and protect him , I take comfront in knowing that he is in Gods arms now being protected. God Bless you all and God Bless my hero Cpl. Robert P. Warns II and may he always rest in peace. Sincerely Mary E. Mirr Dear Mary, Up until a couple of minutes - and many tears ago - I was under the mistaken impression that I hadn't missed anyone in the "Counting Our Blessings" letter. Boy was I mistaken! During the absolutely worst - and in some ways best - week of our lives, you were an angel to us! I will never forget the day that my sisters, my daughter Katie and I were all standing in the drive way. We were just leaving for our first outing after November 8th. As we were talking, you drove up before you started your normal route and handed us the letters from Bobby. We had no idea that we would still be receiving mail from him. When I saw the post mark it was like he was still over there. Still able to send us more letters - still able to come home. Mary, you are so right. That letter was one of the most precious gifts I have ever received. I was so touched that you took such care with it - that you knew how important it was. We are so very blessed to be surrounded by such caring, wonderful, loving people. It still amazes me when I think about it. We are lucky to be in this neighborhood and to have such a very special friend as you. God is good and he has given us many blessings - and you are one of them. Bridget and Bob Warns Name: Location: Comments: R.I.P. Bobby Warns Name: Derek Frazita Location: Charlotte, N.C. Comments: God Bless ya'll for being so strong. I love the video and, yes Bobby will live within us all forever. I served in The U.S. Army Rangers for 4 years and spent time in Kuwait, I'm now a Police Officer in Charlotte. I was there in 1998. Two of my buddies were killed when Osama Bin Laden bomed the embassy in Egypt. I have also lost my best friend. He was killed during the assault on Bagdad April, 3 2003. I wish you folks all the best and hope Bobby's wife delivers a beautiful baby. I watch your sons video everyday and thank god for my blessings. Your video inspired me to rejoin The Army and now I'm going to be a Forward Observer for an Artillery Unit, thats because of my experience. It also made me cry. My father in-law who just retired from the Marine Corp cried as well. He spent many years deployed in Vietnam, Iran, Grenada and Panama. Again thank you and may God and Bobby watch over you. Name: Amanda Bliemeister Location: Wisconsin Comments: Wow, this video was great. You really get a feel of how incredibly faithful these men and womena are to our country. It's not everyones hopes for them to pass, but if it weren't for them where would we be. This video is put together wonderfully. Very touching. Name: Terrence Hicks Location: Miramar, CA Comments: In the recent loss of my mother, I can honestly say that losing a loved one is a greater pain that some have never experienced. I have watched the tribute video at least once a week since I first saw it. However, today is the first time that I realized the website at the end of it. When I saw that there was a due baby, my heart dropped. I am saddened that anyone would have to go through a thing like this. My deepest condolences to your family. I did not even know Bobby, however he, nor the little girl, Payton, will be forgotton. Name: Ingelcia DeCaporale Location: Seekonk, Massachusetts Comments: I am a junior at seekonk high school and in our past english class we watched the memorial video about your son bobby. While i was watching it i thinking that i wish i had the chance to tell you how much your son is a hero to America. So i went online to the site our teacher gave us and i saw that we could write to you. Therefore, i would just like to say God Bless to you and your family and remember that your son was a true hero. Again, God Bless Name: james nowak Location: fishers junior high school Comments: dear readers and Warns family, Thank you for the support, on my behalf and the rest of the Nowak family. You help me make it through each day and you are always there. To auntie bridgie you are amazing and are a role model to us all. Uncle bob you keep us running (literally) and are always willing to help. To the rest of the McDermott, Warns, and Rovtar clan I am looking forward to the big hug this weekend sincerely and always yours, James Brendan Nowak Name: Bryan Location: Texas Comments: I myself am a United States Marine. I have seen the triumph and the tragedy while serving in Iraq. I ask that you do not focus on the political BS, focus on the boys and their mission there. I am sincerely devastated by your loss. After watching the video it really hit home, you and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers always. To all my fallen brethren; I miss every single last one of you regardless of your nationality. I miss you guys! Semper Fidelis, Corporal Bryan H. Ott USMC Name: Kevin S Location: Trinity, Texas Comments: Your video was very moving. After watching this i took a few moments to relize how good life is to me. Your son is the reason we all have a chance to enjoy lifes happiness. Young men like your son truely make this place a better world. God bless you all. Name: Scott M. Pryhocki (Cpl. USMC 87-91) Location: Lake Villa IL Comments: My condolences to you all. It was very brave of you to but this on the web, it will serve well as an enduring memorial to the great man that your son was. I thank you for raising such a fine example of what America is made of and what makes America great. God bless you all and God bless the Marine Corps. Scott P. Name: John Kobilis Location: Germantown Md Comments: To Bobby's Family and Friends, I am truly sorry for your loss. Words can not express how I felt as I watched the (very well done) video. I am not going to take up alot of your time just know that if you need something send me and Email I will do my best to help. I am moved by the comments that people have sent and I think the website is a wonderful way to let people express how they feel.. Name: Lisa DeLaune Location: Baton Rouge, LA Comments: I was very moved by this beautiful tribute to Bobby. What a great man to pay the ultimate sacrifice to make our world a better place. His death is not in vain. His family and friends should be so proud of him, I know I am, and I didn't even know him. His sacrifice speaks volumns of his character. His little girl will know her daddy was a hero! I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I pray you will find peace and I will remember you in my prayers. Name: Cassie Goodwin Location: Phoenix, AZ Comments: Thank you. Name: RP3 Jeffrey J Dexter Location: Ar Ramadi Iraq Comments: Hi there I am very sorry for your loss and I am honored to be emailing you all. I didn't know your son or family member, but being over here in Iraq and serving with 3 different Marine units it has been more then an honor to serve with the few the proud. I am from Lakeville Minnesota but am a Packer fan (not that it should matter in light of this web site) so this loss really makes me think and pray for these heroes over here and around the world. Bob's willingness to serve in spite of the horrible dangers is proof enough that you have a person that I will think of as unselfish and selfless. It's neat to see this website because it will change me as I walk through this life in a selfish world. Cpl.Bob will always be my reminder of selfless serving. Which I pray to God that it will be the way I can serve my family and friends the way Bob has served. Please know this, your loved one Bob did not die in vain. I have seen death and destruction all around us here In Ramadi and each time I see these hero's fall they are forever in my heart and thoughts. This email probably makes no sense, but I am so nervous emailing you in this time of loss. Thank you from the Bottom of My heart. In Christ, Petty Officer Jeff Dexter, NMCB-23 Ar Ramadi Iraq. Jeff, Never be afraid to offer this kind of solace to those of us who have suffered such a great loss. It renews our spirit to get such a beautiful message and to know that Bobby's unselfish act of heroism had such a powerful effect on you. Thank-you for your service to our country. You are our hero and will be in our prayers. God Bless Bridget Warns Bobby's Mom Name: Catherine Gerdes Location: Havelock, North Carolina Comments: There are times when mere words are simply inadequate to express what is in our heart. I find myself in that position. What can I say to convey the sense of awe that I felt as I watched the video. What courage - both his and yours! What sacrifice for my freedom! My husband sent me Bobby's video after he showed it to his Marines and I was moved to tears over the unfathomable gift he and your family gave to our country. I cried again today when I hugged my husband good-bye as he deployed to Iraq, and I thought of your family and your courage in the face of your loss. And now as I write to you, my throat aches with tears afresh as I consider the dignity with which you have addressed his sacrifice. I stand amazed and humbled. Thank you for sharing your grief and loss and in so doing, providing a shining example for the rest of us to follow. By standing tall and strong you have demonstrated how we should conduct ourselves and in doing so brought further honor upon your son, and the family that called him theirs. May God bless and keep you in His care. Gratefully - Catherine Name: Carla Mao Location: Oregon Comments: It is a blessing and a tragedy to have such brave soldiers fight for our country. I believe that Cpl. Warns family must be very proud of their son, and to his wife, my best regards to you.I can empathize with your situation, and cannot even imagine how hard it must be for you. My husband will be leaving soon to iraq, and i can only pray that he will have a safe return. Even though i may not know you, you are in my prayers. Name: Chris Isaac Location: Pineville, La. Comments: Dear Family and Friends of CPL Bobby Warns As many others have already stated; Bobby is a brother to us ALL! My heart goes out to the ones he left behind. I train soldiers everyday; and many of them are on their way to the battle fields as soon as they graduate. Its never easy to hear of a fallen soldier whether you knew them or not! Bobby's family will remain in my prayers. May God Bless and Keep You Safe!! SSG Chris Isaac Instructor/U.S.Army Name: Lyn Horn Location: Florida Comments: God Bless you and yours, I feel for you.... my son was in Iraq too long... but home now and I did not know if he'd ever arrive. I thank God and will pray for you ! again.... God Bless your family!!!! in love and light Lyn Name: Jason Ory Location: Baton Rouge, LA Comments: A friend of mine recently posted the video tribute for Bobby on my website. We often get caught up in the daily hustle in life and take many things for granted. I am guilty of this myself. After viewing the Tribute for Bobby, it makes you stop and think about life in a new perspective. It has touched my heart. Your Family and Friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Name: CarolynBarrow Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Comments: Comment- I have a son in the US Navy station in Norfolk Va. Aboard the US George Washington. He was diagnosis with a brain tumor. He has surgery last Monday. Went he came out of surgery, and they told us he came thru it alright, my husband and I just cried in relief that we still had our son. We are still waiting on the biopsy to come back.The doctor do not think it was cancer, but they want to be safe. Also my husband lose his nephew in a car wreck just four week agos, only 19 years of age. That was the worst thing that our family had to go thru. But we know that your son and my husband's nephew are with God. Some day will we all meet again. I want you to know that are prayers are with your family and we are very proud of your son through we never met him. Carolyn Barrow-Mother of a US Navy's son-Seamen Joe Barrow Name: John Freitag Location: San Diego, Ca Comments: I cannot begin to fathom how anguishing it must be to have to leave such a precious gift on the alter of freedom. From all of us that serve, thank you for your sacrifice. May God touch and bless all of you during this time. John Freitag GySgt USMC Name: Pilar Ramos Location: Miami, Florida Comments: What a beautiful and moving tribute! Bobby is truly loved! Please, never feel discouraged by such huge loss! People cannot imagine how you and all his family and friends are able to cope, specially with a baby on her way. So hard, so sad. So many dreams suddenly destroyed... But always remember, and make sure to tell this story to that child, that your country is extremely proud and grateful for his ultimate service and sacrifice, one that most of us would not dare take on, and the world will truly be a better place because of this special being. It may not be readily apparent and at times it may not seem worth it (why? you may ask), it may take many years, some people will doubt it, and even you may feel angry (why him? you will ask) because of what had to happen, or not fully understand it, but remember that it was never in vain. Bobby, along with so many heroes before and after, who put their lives on the line for others to achieve peace and freedom, will be the reason for a world that will no doubt be better and more peaceful. Why does America have to be the protector of the world? Well, because we care; because we believe in a greater cause than ourselves; because we are grateful for our country's many blessings and need to share them with others who were not as lucky (as some missionaries do in a totally different way); because we believe in God and we must do good, whether we are understood or not. USA has done a whole lot of good for the world already, and some, the weak, resent it, some, the progessive, are grateful. We can only love, and hope, and have faith our example influences someone who will, in turn, influence another one, and so on. Becuse if not us, who? Who will do it? Responsibility is so hard, too hard for most. But special people, like Bobby and his comrades in arms, are not afraid to take it on and do good for goodness sake. War is ugly but its purpose is to prevent further and bigger wars. Evil must be stopped and humankind respected. For my own kids' future, thank you, thank you. America salutes and honors you. God bless Bobby and his family always. He is part of our history now and we will never forget. Name: GySgt Sean M Slade Location: Camp Pendleton Comments: They say that the Marine Corps is a brotherhood and I did not know Cpl Warns but I can say I'm proud to have him as a brother. Cpl Warns is a hero in the real sense. May God be with your family during this time. Once a Marine ALWAYS a Marine!!!!! Semper Fi!! Name: Cpl Steve C. Morris Location: MCAS MIRAMAR, CA Comments: Semper Fi! Name: Glenn Location: New York Comments: I recently watched the dedication video for Bobby Warns. I have seen my share of videos such as this one; yet none as emotional and gripping as this one. Tears were shed when watching this as it was a beautiful dedication. I have nothing but 100% support for our troops home and abroad. With the joining of the armed forces one takes on a great responsibility. I cannot begin to express my sorrow for your loss, or respect for Bobby and what he did. This is a name I will likely not forget from now on. Thank you for having this tribute made, and maybe people will begin to see the extraordinary sacrfices made by great individuals such as Bobby. My prayers go with you all. -Glenn Name: Thomas McCabe Location: Quantico, USMC Comments: To the family of Cpl. Warns, please accept my sincerest condolences. I'm a former Marine, who served during the first Gulf War. May God be with you and your family. Respectfully, Thomas McCabe Name: Harold Woodrom Location: Wildwood, Texas Comments: I am one of those old Marines whose heart breaks that we cannot stand with those on the line today. I am certain his life was not lost in vain, our prayers are with you. Last year I met a Marine at the DFW airport and thanked him for his service, he interrupted me to thank me for the standards the old Corps set, now this put a tear in my eye and has in the eyes of all the other old Marines I have told this story to, but the Corps your son is a member of is setting standards far above any we could have envisioned. My heartfelt support and gratitude Semper Fi. Harold (Woody) Woodrom, (Sgt.E4) VMF(AW)114---1957 to 1960 Name: Kristen Hunt Location: Dallas, TX Comments: I was fowared the video by my older brother, he told me how it made him cry. Being an Army wife I understand the difficulty of your loss. I am sorry for the loss of your loved one! May God Bless You and Your Family during your time of sorrow! Words will never be able to express my sadness for you and your family, but please know that I am praying for you. America cries as it loses another Hero! God Bless You Bobby! The Hunts Name: Jeff Coker Location: Fort Worth, Texas Comments: Semper Fi Name: LTCOL Eugene K. Polk, USMC Location: New Orleans Comments: There isn't much I can add to what's been said already, but I'll try anyway. Many years ago, President Ronald Reagan said, "Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference to the world, but the Marines don’t have that problem." Indeed, although your son's life was short when compared to most, I hope you can take some comfort in the knowledge that to many, many others beyond your family, Corporal Warns did make a difference. Normally, Corporals salute Colonels, but today I salute you Corporal Warns. Rest in peace Marine, you've earned it. Name: Sharon Bowen Location: Savannah Comments: May God bless you and bring you comfort in this time of need. Please know that your sacrifice is not forgotten. Sharon Bowen Name: Louise Karwacinski Location: Ronan, Montana Comments: My husband sent me the video "Cpl. Robert P. Warns II, Fallen Marine" through e-mail. He is a Marine currently stationed in South Carolina. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Bobby Warns family for the loss of a son, a friend, and true dedicated Marine. To the family of Cpl. Robert P. Warns II, I'm deeply sorry, the memory of your son will live on in our hearts. When we think about all the great warriors that have died to save this country, we will remember Cpl. Robert P. Warns II. I didn't know the family or even Bobby Warns, but I just want to let you know that you're in my prayers. Thank you for sharing the video... Cpl. Robert P. Warns II, is a true warrior and will live on in our hearts forever. -Louise Name: Philip Dorr Location: Chicago, IL but a TEXAN at HEART Comments: Dear Mr. & Mrs. Warns: I cried and am still crying as I watched this video of your wonderful and handsome son. May GOD be with you and your family throughout the rest of your walk on this earth and may the anticipation of being reunited with your son in HEAVEN give you the inspiration to go about your daily lives. I for one can't wait to meet Cpl. Robert P. Warns II and tell him how much I respected the roll he played to make this country safer for me and my 6 year old daughter....to the extent it even cost him his life. My daughter and I will pray for you, your family, and for Bobby's soul in HEAVEN until that day we are all reunited with God our Father in HIS heavenly kingdom. Thank you so much for sharing your son with us via this video......he truely is an AMERICAN HERO. I didn't catch it on the video but where was Bobby raised and where is he buried? I would love to come through his hometown some day when I am traveling the country and show my daughter where this American Hero is buried in Body Only as his SOUL is already in heaven.............may GOD Bless you all and help you through this most difficult time in your lives. Philip Dorr Name: David J. Millush Location: New Bern, NC Comments: Our heartfelt prayers and thanks go out to Bob's family. Our humble words will never be enough to ease the burdens of Bob's loss. As a retired Marine and an American, I can only say a sincere thank you for allowing Bob to serve. His sacrifice will always be remembered by everyone who values freedom here and in Iraq. God bless you and keep you as we wait for the opportunity to be with our loved ones in Heaven. May you take comfort in knowing that Bob is now serving the Lord in the same proud way he served his nation. Semper Fi! Name: SGT Clayton Ballas Location: Ft. Gordon, GA Comments: OOOORAH! Dear Bobby, I didn't know you in the flesh, but of course we all know each other's hearts. It doesn't take any man or woman to do what we do, it takes the best man and women to do what we do. My heart goes out to the ones you left behind. I'll see you in heaven brother. Until then, hold down the fort. Name: Ben Finley Location: Cumming, Georgia Comments: Rest easy Devildog ! The video was very moving and I know your family is as proud of you as the rest of the nation is also. It pains my heart every time I hear a fellow Marine has died. All I can say is that the Lord needed another hard charger to guard the streets of heaven. Semper Fi. Cpl. Ben A. Finley 3rd. Bn. 2nd. Marines 2nd. Mar, Div. 1986-1990 Name: Kent Morstain Location: Fort Worth Texas Comments: Words can not express my sadness for your loss. I live down the street from the first Marine to die from Ft Worth, and when I pass that house I always remember the sacrifice of their son. Please know this, your son and countless others will always be remembered for their courage to face evil in the face. God Bless Kent Morstain Fort Worth Texas. Name: Keith Johnson Location: Princeton, NJ Comments: The peace of Christ be with you. Name: Kathy Skalkos Location: Glen Ellyn Illinois Comments: Dear Bobby's family: you and the video have made me a different person.I bet it has probably been hard since Bobby has died. The movie blew me away - it was a beautiful tribute. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all Kathy Skalkos {11} Name: Kurt Dorr Location: Naperville, IL Comments: I just watched the video and I can't stop crying! My heart is torn in two for you and your families sacrifice. I hope I have the honor of meeting Bobby when I die and enter into heaven. God Bless you all and thank you for your sacrifice. May God hold you all in his arms and give you the peace that passes all understanding. This United States Citizen wants to thank you from the bottom of my heart for protecting us here at home. God Bless you !!!!! Name: Joshua Tetreault Location: Columbia, S.C. Comments: When I saw the video, I was unable to hold back tears of sorrow for your loss. I hope that it brings comfort in knowing your loved one died fighting for what he believed in, and for his country. What a special and loved man he must have been. I have your family in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. I hope that all is well, and that the baby girl knows one day what a wonderful person her father must have been. IM sure she will have no less love given to her with a family as dedicated to her as you were shown to be with Bobby. -Josh Name: Tom Barger Location: Burnsville, MN Comments: i would just like to say to u & ur family that i cried like a baby viewing the tape of ur son(it REALLY touched me ALOT). my heart goes out to u, & ALL of the families who lose a son and/or a daughter. may our dear Lord & Savior richly bless, hold, & keep u & urs VERY near, dear & close to His heart!!! GOD BLESS THE USA!!! Tommy B('ol blue eyes!!!) Name: Brandon Powell Location: Housont, PA Comments: The solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice on the alter of freedom! Thank you for your courage, honor and strength. Though I never knew him or served in our armed forces his video has moved me to better appreciate all that our troops are doing. Weather their actions are popular or not in the eyes of the world US Marines always serve with honor, dignity, and grace. May God be with you! Name: Nicole Lubomski Location: Chicago, Illinois Comments: Dear family and friends of Cpl. Robert P. Warns II "Be not afraid," for God the Father has given Bobby a special place in heaven, and Jesus Christ walks by your side. Let not the terrors of the world disturb your faith; Jesus leaves no man behind. May your family find solace in the fact that Bobby passed protecting millions of brothers and sisters and the soil of America that we call "home." I pray Bobby is HOME now... and remains beside the watchful eye of God the Father. For all fallen soldiers I pray. Sgt. Nicole Lubomski Illinois Army National Guard Name: Fr. Thomas Hengstebeck Location: Lennestadt, Germany Comments: Dear Mrs. and Mr. Warns, dear members of Bobbie's family. I just come back from Lourdes in France where I participated at the celebrations of the Feast of the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes to Sainte Bernadette on February 11th. On this place Lourdes, which is so much dedicated to the sick, dedicated to all our brethren and sisters who suffer and mourn, I prayed for the sake of the soul of Bobby and I prayed for you, that God may heal the wounds of your hearts. This year the motto of the pilgrimage to Lourdes is taken from Mt 11,28: Come to me, all you who labour. It is this gospel, that I chose for my first Holy Mass after my ordination in 1992. So I would like to pass this invitation of our Lord to you. And maybe the invitation to come to Lourdes too. I would like to send you the special addition of the Lourdes magazine according the theme of this year and therefore ask kindly for your address. I continue to pray for you and send you most heartly greetings from Germany. Yours in Christ. Fr. Thomas Hengstebeck Name: Gerri Larsen Location: Houston, TX Comments: I saw this on Lone Star Times and wanted to send my wishes for healthy/happy life in the future for Cpl Warns family. What a special man he seemed to be with all the pictures of family/friends at the services. Your family is in my heart now. Name: Darrell L. Evans Location: Tomball, Texas Comments: I too am a Marine and a father of a Marine. My daughter is 2nd Lt. Annette C. Evans USMC. She will be going to pilot traning to fly F18 fighters. I can not feel your pain but I can feel your pride of a great son who gave the ultimate. May God give you peace. I want to thank you for having such a son to carry on the Marine Corps sprit and tradition. Your son is a hero who has given us freedom around the world. Yours Respectfully Darrell L. Evans Name: Melissa Webb Location: Omaha, NE Comments: May God bless all of you! My family thanks you and your son for serving our country so proudly and making the ultimate sacrifice so that we can sit here in our "jammies" drinking a cup of coffee and reading a newspaper that is so full of negativity and hogwash (I am putting it nicely)about the war in Iraq. Just so you know, most Americans who are really paying attention know the true story, this is a war we must fight, that we are winning this war and we will always be forever in debt to our men and women in uniform!! God Bless!! Name: Neal Deacon Location: Texas Comments: God bless you an your family and may he give you strength in your time of sorrow. Name: Don Martin Location: Seminole, Oklahoma Comments: As a retired army officer, combat veteran of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and as the father of a soldier, father-in-law of three soldiers, all of whom have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, I was most touched by the tribute video in honor of Bobby's life and sacrifice. May he rest in peace and honored glory forever. May God comfort his family and friends. Thank you for honoring this American Hero. He stood tall. He will always stand tall! Semper Fi! Name: Donna Location: Maryland Comments: What a beautiful presentation in remembering the Life of Bobby Warns. This is something main-stream American MUST see. We view the war in Iraq on television, but the effects of our efforts are felt here in the US. May God bless you and your family, and thank you for sharing the life of Bobby! Name: Julian Mijares Location: Antioch CA Comments: Dear family, I just happened to see the video of your son and was just thinking of the sacrifice you all have made in order to preserve my freedoms. From the bottom of my heart I would like to express my condolences and gratitude. I hope and pray that God comfort you during this time of grief and pray you find peace knowing your soldiers sacrifice has not and will not go unnoticed. The short video of your son will forever be burned into my heart and should a time come when I may be asked to sacrifice myself, I will remember your son and know that every freedom has a price that has been paid ahead by someone else and never take that for granted. God Bless you and I am praying for you! Julian Name: Margery Sinclair Location: Glendale Comments: What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful young man! I greatly admire Bob's accomplishments and the loving family that brought him this far. As on mother to another, Bridget, my heart goes out to you. He will always be young, handsome, and perfect. It's so important to remember, and retell, the funny things he said and the naughty things he did as a little boy. We never forget. Love and blessings, Margery Name: Matt Alford Location: Angola NY Comments: God bless you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers tonight. All those serving our country overseas are in my prayers daily. Believe me that Bobby's sacrifice, and those of his fellow Americans, will never be forgotten by me or my family. I am a former soldier, and several of my family members have been too. My best friend and my cousin have both served in Iraq, and my brother-in-law will be going this summer. I truly hope and pray for the safe return of everyone over there and for peace. But we both know that one day, we will all know peace in heaven. And Bobby is already there, safe and no doubt smiling. My son Eric is in heaven too. He died almost 3 years ago as a baby. I know it's not the same, but ever since then I appreciate life so much more and am thankful just for the time I did get to spend with him. Trust in God and know he is always there. He has been for me. Name: PR Mathias Location: Johnstown PA Comments: Semper Fi, Bobby. I'll be looking for ya when I report to the Regimental HQ, topside. I watched your video, and my eyes got kind of broken. They wont stop leaking. ::laughs:: Someday, bro, there will be a street named after you, and when there is, I'll go there, and walk on hallowed ground. My daughter Andrea, is seven years old now. She lives the life of a free American, because of the continued sacrifices of heros like you. She was born on Pearl Harbor Day, 1997. I will make sure she knows the significance of that, and of the significant men like yourself. I am honored to call you my brother, and can only hope to stand at your left, when we form ranks in Heaven. Go easy, Bobby, and watch my little girl, yeah? You've got a much better OP now, than I do. And tell your folks that I am proud of them as well, for raising such a respectable, strong, dedicated man. PR Mathias LCpl. USMC India 3/9 1st MarDiv '88-'92 Name: Harve T. Location: Dallas Comments: Just wanted to say thanks on behalf of a grateful nation. Name: Yehudit Location: New York Comments: Your son died to help create a new nation free from tyranny. I follow the Iraq news closely and I do not believe they will let him down. You can be proud of him. Name: Judi Blake Location: Savannah, GA Comments: Thank you for your sacrifice, Bob. See you in heaven! Name: Army Mom Location: Texas Comments: My heart is heavy with your sorrow. May God continue to carry you through this difficult time. How blessed you all were to have had time with this wonderful young man. My oldest son is now in Iraq as a SO sniper with the Army. Pray for my courage as I pray for your strenth. Name: Tony Location: Savannah GA Comments: I send you my deepest condolescences in the loss of your son. It's obvious that he was well reared by you to have a love for you and his country. Your sharing his sacrifice is a further gift to our nation. I know that God will bless all of you and give you comfort. Name: Kari Location: Tinley Park Comments: I'm so sorry for your loss. My cousin Mark was in the Air Force and even though he did not pass I can still understand how you feel. Once again I'm truely, from the bottom of my heart, sorry for your loss. Name: Tara Location: Toronto, Canada Comments: I have had the pleasure of recently coming to know Lt Col Mark Smith - and through him - I've come to know all the men of The Mad Ghosts. This tribute to Bobby Warns is beautiful. It moved me deeply. May Flights of Angels Sing Thee To Thy Rest Sweet Prince... Semper Fi Bobby! And thank you Mr and Mr Warns for having shared your gorgeous courageous son with us. I'm so sorry for your loss..but please know that even NOW he touches me, and inspires me to live my life with passion. Name: AM1 Scott Connell Location: Fort Worth, TX Comments: My deepest and most sincere condolences to the family. I have some insight as to what it means to be in a Marine family as my Father is a retired Marine GySgt. I'm sure he was smiling in Heaven on January 30th when the people he so bravely gave his life for exercised their rights and voted. As long as Bobby stays in your (and our) thoughts and prayers he is not truly gone, but as was said at his service "standing his post" with those who have gone before. Please never feel alone, because you are not. You will always remain part of the Marine family and I know that Bobby will be watching down and smiling on us all, including baby Payton. My thoughts, prayers and best wishes to each and every one of you. Respectfully, Scott Connell Name: Matt Fiske Location: VERMONT USA Comments: I just watched the video and i wanted to thank your family for having to make such a sacrifice. your son is in a better place! Name: Alan krukowski Location: minneapolis, mn Comments: my wife and i salute your son and his family for selfless service to country. he has paid the ultimate price and now you feel that price daily. may the god of all comfort supply your needs as only he can. may he bring those into your life that can help you bear the burden of emptiness. our hearts and prayers are with you as we still have our marine (pfc paul) with us in active service. semper fi and our love in christ, al and anne former usaf captain (b-52 aircrew commander) and sgt (admin asst) Name: Violet Attungana Location: Anchorage, Alaska Comments: Bobby Warns seem like a great and kind person....makes you wonder what kind of plans God has for him. By deepest symphany and many thanks for sharing who Bobby Warns was. Name: Michelle Lester Location: Marengo, IL Comments: With deepest sympathy. Seeing the pictures of Bobby, I just know he is in heaven smiling down on all of you. God bless you and your family. Congratulations on expected baby Payton. She will be a sweet little joy -- may she brighten your days and fill your hearts with happiness. Name: Marcia Westhoff Location: Great Bend, Ks. Comments: My heart goes out to Robert's family. For all of you who have given so much, especially Robert, our prayers are with you all. Robert and all of his family are the bravest of heroes. Thank you for being who you truly are.
Name: GySgt Anthony S. Hocker Location: NAS Patuxent River, MD Comments: Every fallen Marine is a fallen Brother, and I mourn your loss. Thank you for sharing your tribute with the world. He was in the Corps, and the Corps in him...the Corps will live forever, so he will live forever. Semper Fidelis Name: Patrick Blanco Location: Fort Worth, TX Comments: Dear Mr. and Mrs. Warns, There are no words to express my sorrow and grief. May the grace and dignity demonstrated by those who are mourning send a message that is heard by all. May God Bless you and your family. May I offer the following in rememberance of Bobby: The Greatest Love Whose love for all of those like me, With courage fighting our enemy, So my own children can live and grow, The greatest heroes, woman and man, Never again to see this sweet land, Or to feel the touch of family, With pride we stand and voice what we want, While overlooking soldier souls haunt, Smiling while children laugh and play, In freedom growing day by day. All because of those unknown, I pray that maybe, when they take their last breath, That they closed their eyes, And just before death, Took the vision to glory, Of America green, And smiled when thinking of those unseen. The greatest love I was ever shown, By Kimm Gant, Member of The Presidential Prayer Team 3/26/03 Name: Sgt. Michael Smith Location: Merced California Comments: I want to wish your family condolences on your loss of your son Bobby Warns. I didnt know the Young man personally but as a Former Marine I am proud of your Son for his contribution to our great nation. I come from a Military Family my Father was a Marine in Vietnam then went on too Colorful Career in the US Air Force and I joined the Marines and did my tour in the Gulf in Desert Storm and my little Brother is currently in the US Air Force so I feel your loss. But you must not feel that Bobby's life went in vain as he has done as many of us have done gave our lives to defending such a great country. And I thank you for his honor and courage that you disiplined in him . Once again Thank you and God Bless you in your adventures in life Name: Jean M. Skalsky Location: Michigan Military Mom Comments: I am truly sorry for your loss. He is an angel watching over you right now. My prayers are with you and all of the young men and women who have fought for the good of this great country of ours. Ones who have come home to their families and those who have departed this great earth to a better place. God Bless America! Name: Matthew Ogle Location: Robins AFB, GA Comments: I am a Master Sergeant serving in the USAF for 17 yrs. I watched the video of Cpl Bobby Warns (Your Loved one). I was deeply touched and moved as the thought of leaving my 3 yr old daughter (Madison) has once again arrived. As she watches her father head to war yet again, I can only hope she will someday fully realize the price that some of our men and women pay each day for this country. As I do my duty in the desert I and thousands of other men and women will uphold and cherish the precious gift your son, husband, brother and friend has so costly layed at the alter of freedom. God bless you and yours and may we all remember Bobby as we serve. MSgt Matt Ogle USAF Name: MaryEllen Location: Charlottesville Va Comments: HERO: 1. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility purpose; especially one who has made risks or sacrifice. 2. An object of extreme admiration and devotion. 3. An American Marine. Semper Fi Name: MaryEllen Location: Charlottesville Va Comments: Dear Warns Family, As a long time supporter of our troops I get hundreds of emails, articles, and media concerning our Soldiers/Marines/Sailors. I recieved Bobby's video from a fellow supporter and in turn passed it on to many in my book. A few days later a different supporter sent me this in an email. It is a powerful read...you may have already seen and read this, and if you haven't I wanted to be sure you had a copy. My condolences are with you all, Bobby's spirit and sacrifice will never be forgotten. It is profound that his soul is touching so many around the world. MaryEllen Posted on 02/05/2005 9:14:59 AM PST by InfantryMarine Here's a powerful boots on the ground look at the prep work done by 2d Battalion 24th Marines in Iraq leading up to last Sunday's election; remarkable insight not presented for the general public by mainstream media. The author is the Bn Cdr., LtCol Smith, the Indiana State Trooper who commands a RESERVE battalion in Iraq. It would appear that this guy is fighting the war the way it should have been fought by EVERY unit in Iraq -- down and dirty, out there amongst them. Subject: Weekly Update 03 Feb 05 As usual, I am sincere in hoping that this week's update finds you in good health, high spirits and full of that good ole' Marine Corps motivation. Many has been the occassion, too many, that I have dreaded typing on this computer on a Thursday night, knowing that I would be communicating to you the tragic loss of life of our Marines. Those occasions are branded into my memory, and will haunt me many a day and night. I will finish this update by coming back to that very point. But, on this particular occassion, it has been all I could do not to send the update early. I have eagerly anticipated typing this week's update and communicating with you the momentous events of this past Sunday. So, please bear with me, for this is a story worthy of being told, and then passed from generation to generation of Mad Ghost families; for they should share a pride that both binds them and guides them for decades to come; decades to be spent in peace and FREEDOM. To truly understand the significance of what occurred in the Mayhem AO on 30 Jan 2005, I have to give a brief history lesson, covering facts that I was not at liberty to divulge prior to the election. In November of 2004, the Iraqi Interim Government (IIG) had made the decision that the S Baghdad District, better known to you as the Mayhem AO, would not have elections. The IIG's reasoning was sound and their logic clear: it had no Iraqi Police, a fledgling Iraqi Army/National Guard and a violence level that was beyond acceptable. However, and not that it would have mattered one iota, 2/24 was not advised of this decision. All 2/24 knew was that we had a mission: conduct security and stability operations in zone to ensure the conditions were set for the establishment of Iraqi civil administration. Now, please remember back to an earlier email where I introduced you to the Assistant Division Commander of the Fighting 1st Marine Division, BGen Dunford, and his remark that professional Marines do not "discuss exit strategies," they "achieve an end state." Well, our stated end state was simple: ensure the conditions are set to conduct elections in S Baghdad on 30 Jan 05! For months, we executed our strategy to achieve that end state. We went into the "zip code offense." We seized the former and destroyed police station with Co F in Yusufiyah, an absolute stronghold of the Wahabists and Salafist terrorist networks along the Euphrates River. We sezied a former Iraqi Government building with Co G in Lutafiyah, an absolute stronghold of FRE, Ba'ath Party and opportunistic criminals. We took control of Mahmudiyah and Rasheed with Co E and their relentless foot patrolling effort. And, we had the monumental task of securing a 22 mile or so stretch of interstate closed to civilian traffic, and a high isibiIty/target rich environment for the enemy. In doing this, we deliberately chose challenge over simplicity, hardship over comfort, and taking the fight to the enemy over being defensive. It has been phenomenally challenging: from every aspect of Battalion Operations, admin/intelligence/operations/logistics/communications/engineering/civil military operations/ information operations, etc, etc, etc. Just the sustainment challenge alone required the absolute OWNING of main supply routes (MSR). This was done by YOUR Marines living some of the most brutal conditions you can imagine. No, no Hollywood version of brutal, I mean real brutality. No showers, MREs day on stay on, and living under a bridge. Yes, under a bridge. The Marines of Co G who accomplished this mission DESERVE your respect for not only their sheer physical toughness, but for engaging the enemy relentlessly and devastating his ranks to a level that their MSR is now open to civilian traffic! The next challenge was to own one of the alternate supply routes, which was harassed daily by the insurgents, and challenged our sustainment effort. Well, it was time for the Iraqi National Guard to step up. At this time, I was reading much press in the US about the absolute failure of the ING. I did not believe it then, and I KNOW for a fact I don't believe it now. Our magnificent engineers from Va, supported by our outstanding Marines from Truck Co, PA, set about to move the materials required, and in less that 5 days total time: built 2 bridges and 3 Iraqi checkpoints, all under the watchful eyes and lethal skills/firepower of our Mobile Strike Teams from Weapons Company. Since that time, the ING have captured some of our most high value targets, and now routinely conduct offensive raids against insurgent forces. They are not US Marines, nobody is but US Marines, but they are a viable security force, operating efficiently, and OWNING the streets of the towns in our zone, along side, and more and more, independent of their Marine counterparts. The efforts of Captain Guillermo Rosales, and his unbelievable Marines from 3rd Plt, Co G, who have served as our combined action platoon (CAP), living, mentoring and training the ING have been phenomenal. A book should be written about them and how to conduct CAP. Simultaneous with these efforts was the counter-insurgency fight! This was where the heavy lifting of the letter companies, E, F and G, supported by the Mobile Strike Teams, Artillery, Mortars and Combat Operations Center would earn their keep and truly see if they have what it takes to be Marines. The Companies set out in earnest, following seizures, on relentless and round the clock patrolling efforts. They learned every resident of every house and every owner of every store and every nook of every cranny. They learned the ebb and flow of the town. They knew when something was right, and when something was wrong. They knew who had legitimate business and who had insurgent business. And, as I expressed last week, they always carried the Flag of the US. They carried it in their spirit. To the legitimate and the oppressed, which was usually one and the same, they brought all the best our country has to offer: ompassion, concern, genuine caring and an attempt to solve problems and make life better. To those who had insurgent business, they brought violence. Often times this violence ended in enemy casualties, most times in incarceration. While the Companies were doing this, the enemy did not sit idly waiting. He set his lethal IEDs, he fired his rockets and mortars, and on some occassions he attacked. On 12 Nov, he tried an attack on Fox Company, that to date, I can find no evidence of a similar attack anywhere in country similar to what he attempted on that day. But what he learned, was futility. Futility and the AWESOME lethality of the combined arms team of a Marine Rifle Company, fully supported by arty, air, mortars and a competent COC can bring. He has never again attempted that suicidal feat, though we stand ready for it, should he try. When he would fire his mortars and rockets, we would fire back. The Marines gained phenomenal skill in counter fire drills and would routinely be firing back en masse in less than minutes, making the occupation of an insurgent mortarman a VERY dangerous profession. They studied his IEDs hard and learned his techniques, and adapted their movement methods to outsmart him. We had casualties, you all know that. We suffered the sting of death of our own. But, YOUR Marines pressed on, and they pressed harder. They continued their relentless fight, and slowly but surely, the tide was turning. The mortars and rockets were less and less. More IEDs were being found and rendered safe than being detonated. And, hundreds, many hundreds insurgents were raided in the night and whisked off to Abu Ghraib. This was done because as the Companies were unleashed in their zone the intelligence picture was developed. See, the Marines would gather the information, and the amazing Marines of the Human Exploitation Team and the Intelligence Section developed the picture. They learned the cells, identified the networks, put names with faces. In this counter-insurgency our goal is simple: give me two things, their name and where they sleep. If you are an insurgent and we know your name, and we know where you sleep, well, "it is game on for us, game over for you!" Now, in our saga, we are approaching Christmas time, and we, as a Task Force, are switching from the Command of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit under Col Ron "Jawbreaker" Johnson, to the USA 2nd Brigade Combat Team under Col "Fightin' Mike" Formica. With the 2 BCT came added forces and a set of toys that allowed us to take relentless to a new level: sleepless pursuit of the enemy. For we were still seeking our end state. Then, like a slap in the face, we were hit with the news: no elections in our zone. People living in our zone would have to transit to Baghdad to vote. AGAIN, PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT AT THE TIME THIS DECISION WAS MADE, IT MADE SENSE! We had no issue with the decision for its merit, only disappointment that we had achieved so much and felt as if we were facing failure. For Marines, this is the worst fear of all: FAILURE. But, just like every good story with a happy ending, this one was full of heroes. One of them was Col Mike Formica. Col Formica went to bat for the Mad Ghosts, and for his Troopers that had 13 months in country, were on an extension to assist us in zone, and had fought in Najaf, Mosul and Fallujah. He went to bat and made the argument that the Mayhem Battalion had achieved the conditions necessary for elections by reducing violence, and could make this happen. Next in the heroes, MGen Chiarelli, CG 1st Cav Div, who took the ball to the next level. Beyond that, I do not know the heroes, for they are far above my pay grade, but they said yes. They said yes on the caveat that the 2 BCT and 2/24 would have to do the hard work. We would have to establish and secure the sites that would allow for the workers to conduct an election. Now, for the sake of brevity I will tell you this. Identication of, keeping secret until 48 hours out, seizing and establishing force protection of polling sites is not an easy task. It was days of meticulous planning, changes to the plan, changes to the changes, and then flexibility. But, here is what happened: 8 sites, 2 per urban center in the Mayhem AO were seized and secured. Force protection barriers and procedures were emplaced. Our Iraqi Army counterparts assumed the inner cordons and hundreds of Iraqi Election Workers and Officials were moved into the sites. Our Election Set was complete at 0700 30 Jan 2005! What happened? Well, most of you have heard stories in the media and the internet. I will focus on our zone. What happened was a miracle! You can attempt to diminish it any way you choose, if you choose to do so. But for those of us that witnessed it, it was a miracle! Thousands of Iraqi citizens WALKED to the polls to vote! The walked to the polls, they waited in lines for hours, and they voted. They had been threatened with death if they did so, and they voted! They voted for the first time in their lives as FREE men and women. They voted among falling mortars. In Yusufiyah, 20 separate mortar attacks were attempted. Fox would identify the origin, and counter-fire. The enemy was highly ineffective because one, he knew Fox would shoot back, and two, he has been so shot up and decimated he is using his junior varsity, which with these guys the varsity is suspect at best. In Lutafiyah, they tried to mortar and then escape, which is what these cowards do. Too bad for this mortar crew their route of egress was cut by a Mobile Strike Team. Well, suffice it to say, one of them will never be a mortarman or anything else ever again, and two were apprehended, and all of their weaponry and mortar tubes seized! They tried to mortar in Al Rasheed as well, and were attempting to use a four man observation team to direct the accuracy of their rounds. Seems bad luck was all-around this day for the insurgents as one of our Sniper teams put an immediate and permanent halt to that activity. But, for all the precision and tactical efficiency of your Marines on this day, the miracle was the Iraqi people. With all the threatened violence, and most importantly all the REAL violence that was going on around them, they VOTED! They never broke and ran. They never hesitated. They stayed, and they VOTED. Why? Because, they had tasted the power of FREEDOM. They have had enough of the tyranny, the repression, the brutality, the sheer suffocation of other men telling them their destiny and the inner thoughts of their own minds and their own souls. And, as powerful as those emotions, those passions are; it requires strength to break the chains. Their strength on that day was YOUR Marines! But more than that, and please forgive me, on that day their strength was THEIR Marines!!! Now THEIR Marines and YOUR Marines are the same. YOUR Marines are the Marines that have lived in THEIR towns, have endured THEIR hardship and have striven hard, and given their lives for THEIR children. THEY recognized it. THEY appreciated it. THEY honored it. They did all of these things by standing side by side with YOUR Marines and offering the only resistance to the insurgency they have, THEIR FREEDOM! On this day they showed the world what they learned from YOUR Marines; that "it is better to die on your feet, than to live on your knees." And one simple question should come of their actions: where did they learn this courage? From a cave hiding Osama Bin Nothing? From a hate spewing and slithering snake Abu Masab Zarpunkery? From Sadam Hussein? No, they learned it from YOUR Marines! And, if you were to ask them, they learned it from THEIR Marines, THEIR neighbor Marines, THEIR caring Marines, THEIR freedom Marines, THEIR brother Marines! Just don't know how else you explain a midget pushing his 70 year old father two miles under mortar fire so his father could know freedom and the power of the ballot before he dies! Now Ladies, I do not know what will happen in this region of the world over the next decade. I suspect much violence. I know for us, our fight is not over, and has only intensified as we try to strangle the life out of an insurgency that will never quit and must be vanquished. It will remain for us mortally dangerous work until the day we depart. But, I know this: on 30 Jan 2005 a flame was lit that cannot be extinguished! A flame of liberty that is going to continue to burn until repressed and oppressed people are free of tyranny and terror. It will take a while and it will be bloody. But, such was the beginning of our Nation, and has been our history as we continue to seek the perfection of the human condition to the best ability mankind has to offer! In closing, let me offer one last anecdote of our weekend. Hundreds of the Iraqi election officials were aboard our FOB, St. Michael, as we achieved election set. We closed our chow hall and turned it into a lounge for them. Something occurred in that lounge that you all MUST know about. The Iraqis, as is their custom, set about drinking sodas, smoking cigarettes and talking in the loud and demonstrative tones they are accustomed to. Except for one spot. There was one spot in our chow hall where they would not smoke, they would not drink, they would not talk. There was one spot where all they would do is stand in silent reverence. That spot...our memorial table with the pictures of our heroic fallen. No, at this spot, they showed nothing but respect and honor! This was not something they were told to do, it was something that came natural to them. I have asked myself many times why that is, and I have come to this undeniable conclusion: for they were bound with those Marines who gave their last full measure of devotion on the battlefields of Iraq not by religion, not by race, not by color, not by creed, not by custom, not by culture, not by anything one can think of save one thing: they were bound with those Marines as FREE MEN AND WOMEN. And, you see, FREE MEN AND WOMEN can disagree, but cannot hate! In this simple truth is the cause of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In this simple truth, we press on. In this simple truth, Cpl Brian Prenning, Cpl Robert Warns, Cpl Nathaniel Hammond, Cpl Peter Giannopolous, LCpl Branden Ramey, LCpl Daniel Wyatt, LCpl Richard Warner, LCpl Shane O'Donnell, PFC Ryan Cantafio, and PFC Brent Vroman gave their lives. That in bringing freedom to the world, hate will vanquish, and YOU, the ones the loved so dear, will live on free: free of fear, free of opression, free of tyranny and God Almighty in Heaven willing, free of War! To my 10 Heroes: mission accomplished. Be proud in your brothers, for they honored you. Be proud in your people, they supported you. Be proud of the Iraqis, they learned and they drew courage from you. May you rest with the Angels...eternally free of all pain and sorrow! God Bless and Keep the Magnificent Families of 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, keepers of the flame of FREEDOM. ** Links deleted as requested ** LtCol Mark A. Smith, MAYHEM 6 CO, Task Force 2/24 "Mayhem from the Heartland" or as the terrorists call us "The Mad Ghosts" Name: Barbara Gilbert Location: Los Angeles, California Comments: As one Marine mother/family to another, we have more to be proud of than anyone will ever know. Our own flesh and blood is fighting not only for our freedom but the freedom of generations to come. I am so sorry about your loss and know that your heart aches. But have faith that you will reunite with your son again, and his spirit will live on in his child. My son, who is a Captain in the Marine Corp, is proud to lead such courageous young men as your son and others. May God continue to bless you and heal your heart. And may God bless all our service men and women. Name: Christopher Jenkins Location: Winthrop, WA Comments: My heart felt sympathy goes out to your family. I want you to know that as Warriors we live on through the spirits and minds of you, our families and friends. We await you on the other side, clearing the way for you. I too was a warrior in the 82nd Airborne Division, Robert is with you every day, as the many who have become before him. God bless you and to his daughter Payton, may you come to know him as a hero. All The Way! Name: Donald J. "Aly" Kahn Location: Menomonee Falls, WI Comments: As a brother Marine, he will always be in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. Former Sgt., USMC Korean Veteran Name: Ron Leigh Location: Bolton England Comments: God Bless this family as the loss of Bobby must be so hard to endure . We in England are AGAIN profoundly in appreciation to American Heroes who give their lives so we can live in a better , peaceful and more civilised world .The Movie made me cry bigtime TAKE CARE ALL OF YOU Kind Regards Ron Name: Leigh Location: Los Lunas, NM Comments: My brother, whose son is in the Air Force, sent me the link to your video of Bobby. I write this with tears. I can't begin to imagine your sorrow. Please know that common, ordinary people like me appreciate your sacrifice, and admire Bobby for giving his life so that others can be free. This isn't a cliche and I don't say this lightly. He is a hero. God bless everyone of you who suffers from this loss. Name: Eileen Location: PA Comments: No words can express my sorrow after seeing such a fine young man in the prime of his life taken away from such a loving family.You will be in my prayers and hope some comfort will come to you all. His daughter will grow up knowing her dad was a wonderful and loving person. God bless you. Name: Bob Arnold Location: Fermilab Batavia, Il Comments: This is very difficult for me to do because I have 3 healthy boys that are grown and have families. I feel like I have escaped the devistation of having lost one of them as you have and can only immagine the grief. I have forwarded this to all of them with a note that they are very lucky that they didn't have to serve in the armed forces. I did, as did several generations before me. The point I'm trying to get to is that your loss is felt by everyone even if we haven't had this kind of tragedy. You have to know that our hearts are with you all. We all owe you and your family a great debt of gratitude. Bobby is now in God's hands for all eternity and maybe with Bobby's help we can end this and all wars. God Bless you and all those in our armed forces. My most sincere sympathy, Bob Name: Ken Lange Location: Bolingbrook, Illinois Comments: What a great tribute to a brother Marine! I did not personaly know Bobby, but as a Marine who served in Beirut, Labanon I know firsthand what an honor it is to be a Marine and to go in peace to serve others and to make a difference in other's lives.We can do so much with our lives every singe day, but being a Marine gives us the opportunity to do that and so much more - it's an opportunity that a Marine feels deep down as a calling and a need to fullfill. Be proud of your Marine - HE IS OUR MARINE ! I look forward to seeing him at heaven's gates someday and sharing the guard duty as only a Marine can. SEMPER FI ! Name: Andy Location: Aurora,Illinois Comments: My deepest sympathy to your family. A very moving and emotional video,my brother in law was a Marine killed in Vietnam in 1968. I served in Vietnam 1970/1971, my son is a Marine stationed in North Carolina. SAEPE EXPERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATRES AETERNI "Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever" Name: Chris and Ami May Location: Houston, Texas Comments: We are very greatful and proud of your son. He is a hero in our eyes. We are very sorry for your loss. The few that fight for the freedoms of many should never be forgotten, and they will not in the hearts of true Americans. Chris May Name: David Williams, CMDCM(SS)ret Location: Elberta, AL Comments: I just retired after 25 years of service. I have seen many tributes and memorials, but I have to say I have seen none that is as great as Bobby's. I did't know Bobby but it is very obvious that he was a GREAT MAN. May God comfort you and give you strength. May you celebrate the fact that Bobby will never know sadness, pain, or hate, for he shall have eternal peace and happiness in the arms of our Lord. God Bless You and Your Family Dave Williams Command Master Chief Submarines Retired 10/31/2004 Name: Kevin Bania Location: New Berlin, WI Comments: I was very moved by this short video. My deepest sympathies to all of Bobby's family and friends, but most of all my appreciation to those soldiers and their supportive families, for my being under the protection of such honorable Marines. Soon I too will be a protector and a soldier in the Army, and I look forward to humbly doing my part to honor and protect the freedom we've all been afforded in this country. An appreciative and thankful soldier-to-be, Kevin Bania. Name: Marc LeGare Location: Baghdad, Iraq Comments: My wife sent me your son's website. This is a moving testimony of his and your family's sacrifice on the part of our nation. I am currently stationed in Baghdad. I am retired Army Infantry and managing a communications company that is supporting the Iraqi and US government. I had the honor of being here for the recent elections and want you to know that the hope and joy of the people that voted last week were bought and paid for by the sons and daughters of parents like you. I saw whole families deliberating on who to vote for. I saw people "voting with their feet" as they walked 13 miles to the closest voting location. I can not describe the vibrancy of the people. It was uplifting to watch. But I was also reminded that this came with a price. I also saw terrorists who would take away personal choice and hold captive the human heart. The fine young Iraqi men that work for me were excited about the opportunity to choose. They remain confidant that our commitment to freedom will not waiver. This is a very difficult, yet achievable mission here. Thank you for allowing your son to contribute to a worthy cause. Name: Ken McMahon MMCM Ret. Location: Yorktown, Va Comments: To the Warns Family, Please accept my family's sympathy. We know that we are safer because of Great Americans like your son Robert. Respectfully, The McMahon Family Name: JIM MEYER Location: CALIFORNIA Comments: I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PARENTS OF THS YOUNG MAN THAT GAVE OUR COUNTRY SO MUCH.THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE SAID MORE THAN THANK GOD FOR THE MARINES AND THE BRAVE YOUNG MEN THAT KEEP US SAVE. MAY GOD WATCH OVER USE AS YOUR SON WATCHED OUT FOR US. JIM MEYER DEPUTY SHERIFF SAN MATEO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE |