Fallen Heroes Honored, P. O. Box 968, Castle Rock, CO (2026)

Active Duty, Veterans, First Responders and their families. Gold Star Families. Blue Star Families Daily operations at Fallen Heroes Honored. Chaplain Timothy Davis
tim.davis(at)fallenheroeshonored(dot)org
fallenheroeshonored(dot)org

06/01/2026

American Hero
< SFC Virgil R. Case >
19 Jan. 1983 - 01 June 2004

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
John 15:13

Never Forgotten

22 years ago today, this 37yr old Warrior from Mountain Home, Idaho made the greatest sacrifice for this country.

Thank you for your sacrifice brother. We can never repay you or your family for the sacrifice you have made on our behalf. But, I will commit to telling your story so others can learn of the life behind the sacrifice.

Please take a moment to honor, remember and pray for this American Hero and his family. Everyday is Memorial Day for the families and friends of our Fallen Heroes. Please keep them and our Warriors in your prayers.

If you know the whereabouts of his family please send me a private message with contact info so we can create a Fallen Hero Bible for this American Hero and his family.

Honor, healing and remembrance to you and your family.

We will NEVER forget your sacrifice for the American way of life.

In honor and service,
- Fallen Heroes Honored

--
37, of Mountain Home, Idaho; assigned to the 145th Support Battalion, 116th Brigade Combat Team, Idaho Army National Guard, Mountain Home, Idaho; died June 1 of non-combat-related injuries in Kirkuk, Iraq.
--

SSG. Virgil Case, 37, of Mountain Home passed away on June 1, 2005 while serving his country in Kirkuk, Iraq. Burial will be held in Shiprock, N.M. A memorial service will be held at Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2005. Virgil was born on Oct. 18, 1967 in Fort Myers, Fla., and graduated from high school in Collinwood, Tenn. Virgil joined the Army in October of 1986. He met the love of his life, Claudia, and her two children, while they were in Fort Bliss, Texas in 1989. They were wed in 1991 and were later blessed with two more daughters. 1991 was also the year that he joined the Army National Guard. During his life, he served 18 years in military service. He took pride in working full time at the Mountain Home Army National Guard Armory and being a member of the 145th Support Battalion. He was called to serve in Fort Bliss, Texas in June 2004, and from there deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq in December 2004. He enjoyed being with his family, serving his country, hunting, fishing, and woodworking. His family shared that he was a "busy body," always working on various projects in his spare time. His smile, great sense of humor, and loyalty to his family and country endeared him to his community and his fellow soldiers. There is now a shadow across Mountain Home and Kirkuk, and he is greatly missed by all. Virgil is survived by his wife Claudia; their children Stevie, Randy, Danielle, and Harlee; his uncle Ken; sisters Vivian and Vicki; and his brothers Frank and Randy. He was preceded in death by his parents. Claudia and her family would like to profoundly express their thanks to everyone in the community for their love and support during this difficult time.

--
Idaho soldier dies in Iraq

Associated Press

MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho — A soldier from Mountain Home has died in Kirkuk, Iraq, of non-combat related injuries, the Department of Defense announced Thursday.

Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Virgil R. Case, 37, died Wednesday morning, defense officials said, but the military would not release his cause of death. The matter is under investigation, said National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Tim Marsano.

Before he was deployed to Iraq last year, Case worked full time at the Mountain Home armory. He was assigned to the Guard’s 145th Support Battalion, 116th Brigade Combat Team.

Case is survived by his wife, Claudia Case, and four children.

The family has requested privacy from the media, Marsano said, but they released a prepared statement through the Army National Guard, saying Virgil Case was proud to serve in the military.

“He was a loving father and husband who lived for his family,” the family said. “There are no words that can express how much he will be missed. He will never be forgotten.”

Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz, Idaho adjutant general, said Case would be remembered for valiant and dedicated service.

“Sergeant Case was a true professional who lost his life while defending the rights and freedoms that have been the hallmark of our country for over 229 years,” Lafrenz said. “All Idaho National Guard soldiers and airmen grieve his loss and extend to his family our heartfelt prayers and condolences.”

--

"to SST case my buddy in arms.i have miss you since your departing from us in June 2006 you are in God hands now. i remember the long talks we had setting out in front of the h***h drnking coffee"
Dale Black of clarkston wa

"We will always remember how kind and funny he was, and how he love life ."
Charlotte of Nampa,Id

"Virgil (tennabama),My very good friend,I will and have missed you so since that day. All of AA plt. will never forget you and what you have done for us all. May God bless you and your family. We love you virgil..."
Vernon L. Shockley of Atlanta Tx.

"Virgil, my friend I lost without saying goodbye. I carry your name in my vest at all times, remembering you and honoring you. I hope your family is doing well. I pray for them everyday, and hope the kids know how great of a man you are. I have not hunted since you passed, but remember the good times we had."
James Cook of Parma Idaho

VIRGIL MY SWEET BROTHER, I MISS YOU EVERYDAY..YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY BABY BROTHER THAT I LOVED SO DEEPLY.. IF I COULD ONLY TURN BACK TIME, I WOULD BRING YOU BACK HOME TO YOUR FAMILY...I'M SO PROUD OF YOU AND JUST KNOWING THAT YOU AND MOM ARE TOGETHER AGAIN GIVE'S ME SOME PEACE...MY LITTLE HERO IF ONLY FIVE MORE DAY WOULD ARRIVED SOONER YOU WOULD BE WITH US..PRECIOUS ANGEL TAKE CARE I LOVE YOU.. YOUR SISTER VICKI 06/15/07"
Vicki Rodgers of Fort Myers Fl USA

"Just wanted to say thank you for the memories of you showing me how to clean our offices at four in the morning. I thought I knew it all but you set the example. Even till this day I talk to my peers about the struggles you endured and experienced to give them hope."
SGT Escamilla, David of San Diego, Ca

"To the Case Family, I wish to offer to you my most sincere condolences. Your Virgil will always be remembered and honored. He is a true American Hero. You are all in our prayers. May God Bless you all and God Bless Virgil."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Sergeant Case, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

6/3/05
To Virgil's family,
We know your pain, and wish to express our deep sorrow for the loss of your precious son. He is truly a hero and will be known forever for his bravery and willingness to protect our great nation. We pray every day for the families of lost soldiers. God bless and keep you.
'My sacrifice, God, is a broken spirit;
God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.' Ps 51:19"
Webster and Ruth Reed (father and stepmom of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Baghdad on 1/28/05) of Krotz Springs, Louisiana

"VIRGIL, YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND YOU ARE SOMEONE TO ME. VERY THANKFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND FOR OUR FAMILY. YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. AMERICA IS SO MUCH SAVER SINCE 911. AN THOSE PEOPLE IN IRAQ ARE ALOT SAVER THEN EVER BEFORE. SO YOUR MISSION IN LIFE VIRGIL. WAS ONE OF GREAT PRIDE AND ACCOMPLISHMENT. SO THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL YOU SERVED ALONG SIDE OUR SON. NOW YOU BOTH ARE TOGETHER.DOING WAHT YOU GUY'S DO BEST. WATCHING OVER BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S BACK. (MILITARY FAMILY) AN YOU VIRGIL HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOREVER. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MY TEARS ARE WITH LOST AND HONOR TO YOU VIRGIL!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

---

06/01/2026

American Hero
< PFC Markus J. Johnson >
19 Jan. 1983 - 01 June 2004

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
John 15:13

Never Forgotten

21 years ago today, this 20yr old Warrior made the greatest sacrifice for this country.

How will you honor his gift to you?

Thank you for your sacrifice brother. We can never repay you or your family for the sacrifice you have made on our behalf. But, I will commit to telling your story so others can learn of the life behind the sacrifice.

Please take a moment to honor, remember and pray for this American Hero and his family. Everyday is Memorial Day for the families and friends of our Fallen Heroes. Please keep them and our Warriors in your prayers.

If you know the whereabouts of his family please send me a private message with contact info so we can create a Fallen Hero Bible for this American Hero and his family.

Honor, healing and remembrance to you and your family.

We will NEVER forget your sacrifice for the American way of life.

In honor and service,
- Fallen Heroes Honored

--------
20, of Springfield, Mass.; assigned to D Battery, 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, Kitzingen, Germany; killed June 1 when an Avenger air defense vehicle rolled over in Anbar province, Iraq.
--------
We Will Never Forget

(The following tribute to Pfc. Markus Johnson was written by a member of his unit ministry team. — Ed.)

By Cpl. Travis Runnels

Battalion Chaplain’s Assistant, 4/3 ADA, 1st Infantry Division

As we finish the final stage of the memorial, we begin to move on and accept what has happened. For most of the Soldiers in 4/3 Air Defense Artillery, this is one of our first experiences with the ultimate price of war, and all too often we forget that things like this can happen. It serves as a reminder of how fragile life is and how we must live every day to the fullest. Now that we have lost one of our brothers, the war turns more personal for us as, unfortunately, we are now forced to reflect on our losses and not just our accomplishments.

Personally, this was my first time dealing with the loss of a Soldier and, I hope, the last. The tremendous outcome and the overwhelming love that was expressed at the memorial showed the type of people soldiers and Americans are. The theater was packed, soldiers came from everywhere imaginable. Whether they knew PFC Marcus Johnson or not, Americans and Soldiers came to pay their respects. It was a simple ceremony designed to help the Soldiers in the unit prepare to move on with the mission and respectfully say good-bye to a dear friend and a fellow Soldier.

It is sad that it often takes an event like this to help us to remember how great being a Soldier really is. The sacrifices we have made as Soldiers bring us together, and it shows the immense love and compassion we share for each other in a time like this. There was not a dry eye in the ceremony, whether you knew him or not. We all came here together, served here together and are supposed to leave here together. There is a never-ending bond that only Soldiers will know; the loss of a brother is never accepted, and will always be honored.

There is something special that happens as you progress through the ranks and “make it,” something special that allows you to consider yourself a Soldier. Many Americans don’t know the joys that come with the sacrifices we make. The pride we all feel is expressed in our own ways; it can never be compared or questioned.

The Soldier that we lost died with honor and dignity and, most of all, the pride of knowing that he died making the ultimate sacrifice for his family, friends, fellow Soldiers and his country. He has moved on to be with God now; he is in a better place. We will always remember those who went all the way and helped to make this country what it is today. Today, we now must remember Private First Class Markus James Johnson and his contributions to his unit, the First Infantry Division, the United States Army, and to his fellow Soldiers. He will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Markus James Johnson, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. From one Soldier to another, “Thank you, I will never forget you.”

Massachusetts soldier killed in Iraq

BOSTON — A soldier from Springfield was killed in a vehicle rollover in Anbar province, Iraq, the Defense Department announced Wednesday.

Pfc. Markus J. Johnson, 20, was killed when an Avenger air defense vehicle, a Humvee equipped with a missile launcher, rolled over. He was assigned to the 3rd Air Defense Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, based in Kitzingen, Germany.

The incident was under investigation, the Army said.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Mass., whose district includes Springfield, said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the death.

“No words can adequately express the profound sorrow that I have for the family and friends of this brave young man. At this difficult time, they will be in my thoughts and prayers,” he said in a statement.

A Neal spokesman said the congressman’s office had not received any information about Johnson as of Wednesday evening. Family members could not be immediately located.

Johnson is the second Massachusetts soldier to die in recent days while fighting overseas.

Brian Ouellette, a Navy SEAL from Maynard, died in Afghanistan last week when a mine detonated beneath his Humvee.

— Associated Press

Fallen soldier honored in museum exhibit

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — On the anniversary of his death, a Springfield man who was killed while serving in Iraq was honored at the unveiling of an exhibit at a city museum.

Pfc. Markus J. Johnson — along with Francis Lynch, a Springfield native killed during World War I — are being remembered in an exhibit at the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum.

The exhibit opened Wednesday with a ceremony for Johnson, who was killed June 1, 2004, when an air defense vehicle he was traveling in rolled over in Iraq’s Anbar province. Johnson was 21 years old and had joined the Army to earn money for college.

“Markus was a young man ... seeking education, seeking a way out of poverty, seeking a way out of the ghetto and the slums, and he grew up fighting his way out,” his 26-year-old brother, Nathan Johnson, said during the ceremony, the Springfield Republican reported Thursday.

Johnson is among at least 26 Massachusetts natives who have died while serving in Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Air Defense Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, based in Kitzingen, Germany.

The exhibit is entitled “In Harm’s Way: Two Soldiers, A Century Apart,” and runs through Oct. 9. It includes Johnson’s Purple Heart and a video of his visit home for the holidays in 2003.

The exhibit also honors Lynch, who joined the Army at age 16 by lying about his age. He was 17 years old when he died a prisoner of war after being wounded in Germany. On display is Lynch’s prayer book.

— Associated Press

06/01/2026

American Hero
< SGT Jonathan W. Lambert >
13 Sept 1974 - 01 June 2003

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
John 15:13

Never Forgotten

---
"It was a hard battle with many Marines wounded or killed in action. But this is what we had to do to protect your way of life."
from Sgt. Lambert's letter posted below.
---

23 years ago today, this 28yr old left a wife and a baby girl behind. Thank you for your sacrifice brother. We can never repay you and your family for the sacrifice you have made on our behalf. But, I will commit to telling your story so others can learn of the life behind the sacrifice.

Please take a moment to honor, remember and pray for this American Hero and his family. Everyday is Memorial Day for the families and friends of our Fallen Heroes. Please keep them and our Warriors in your prayers.

If you know the whereabouts of his family please send me a private message with contact info so we can create a Fallen Hero Bible for this American Hero and his family.

Honor, healing and remembrance to you and your family. Stand strong at the gates till we arrive brother.

Saepe Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas

In honor and service,
- FHH

-------
28, of New Site, Miss.; assigned to the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died June 1 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, as a result of injuries he suffered May 26 when his Humvee rolled over in Iraq.
-------

Jonathan Lambert joined the Marine Corps in January 1995 and was assigned to the Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division since January 2001. He died at Lansdstulh hospital in Germany from injuries he received in a Humvee accident in southern Iraq.

His division was traveling by convoy from Baghdad to Kuwait to prepare to return to their home base in Camp Pendleton, Calif., when the May 26 accident occurred.

A 1993 Booneville High School graduate, Lambert worked in wireless data communications as a member of the 1st Marine Division.

In a message e-mailed to his hometown newspaper, The Banner-Independent of Booneville, Lambert had written: “I am hard and thorough with my Marines to make sure the job is done right. Many other Marines depend on us for their survival in combat. I will not let them down.”

Survivors include his wife, Betty; a 2-year-old daughter, Kinsey; and his parents, Becky and Johnny Lambert of Booneville, Miss.

https://vimeo.com/75530476

— Associated Press

Today's post is a letter written by Marine Sgt Jonathan Lambert of New Site, MS to the Banner Independent Newspaper of Booneville shortly before he was killed in Iraq on June 1, 2003 - nine years ago today.

Dear Sir or Maam,
I was born and raised in Northeast Mississippi. I come from a good family. I was raised in a middle class home in New Site and was taught my values by my mother, Becky, and my father, Johnny. I have a sister, Misty, and I am the oldest. My father worked hard to support all of us and my mother took care of us while she worked, also. I went to school at Hills Chapel, Booneville High School, and Calvary Academy. I also went to NEMCC. I have a wife, Betty, and a daughter, Kinsey Jade, who live with me in Oceanside, CA..

I am a Marine. I have been in the Marines for over eight years. It has always been a dream for me to be in the Marines. I love the challenge. I continuously work and sweat for it. I feel that I need to give back to my nation what so many have gave before me. I have an uncle, Carroll Brown, who was in the Marine Corps during Viet Nam. His stories are what enticed me with the thoughts of being a Marine.

My occupation is wireless data communications. I am hard and thorough with my Marines to make sure the job is done right. Many other Marines depend on us for their survival in combat. I will not let them down.

On March 22nd, my section crossed over into Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We continued to advance for the next three weeks until we were at Saddam’s front door, Baghdad. It was a hard battle with many Marines wounded or killed in action. But this is what we had to do to protect your way of life. Your freedoms, also. This operation was history in the making. This was the furthest the Marine Corps has fought a battle inland in the 227 years of its existence.

I’m not writing to you to toot the horn for the Marine Corps, but many people look at the big picture and forget about what it took to make it. It takes people dedicated to protect this nation. I have respect for all services, law enforcement, and especially the firemen. We know that this is more than a job, we do it for our children, grandchildren, friends, and family. To make sure that their future will be protected as ours is today. So I say thanks to everyone who supports us. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We are one family here, as we are back home.

I have included a picture of me in front of a Russian made Type 54/55 tank that was destroyed by artillery by some of my fellow Marines using radios that I manage. It is located in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq at about 180 miles south of Baghdad. We are slowly making our way back home. Also, there is one with me sitting in front of one of the thousands of murals of Saddam. Thanks for your time.

Semper Fi,
Jonathan W. Lambert
Sgt USMC

---------

"Daddy I miss you so much! I want you to come home! I know you wouldn't want me crying, but it's hard not to. I know you're gone, that's what kills me inside. Everyone tells me I act like you. I want you! You died a day before my second birthday, I miss you more and more everyday. I only know you from pictures! I want to hug you! I was your baby girl, I was the reason you smiled. I heard when you were on your way back that you were going to help raise me. It just breaks my heart, I know you'll never see me graduate, get married, or you'll never see your grandchildren. Daddy, I miss you so much. I still sleep with Linsey, she just gives me hope that you are near me❤️ I love you daddy, I'll see you in Heaven.
~you're baby girl, Kinsey Jade"
Kinsey Jade Lambert of Rienzi, Mississippi

"Sgt. Lambert,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"I served with Sgt Lambert at 2D AABN Bravo Company. We did many cax's and field ops together he will always be remembered God Bless you Brother SEMPER FI"
GySgt Poole (RET) of Fredericksburg,VA

"I served with Lambert at Camp Lejeune with Bco AAV Batt..He was a Great Comm Guy and always knew his gear was squared away..Bro RIP and Semper Fi."
MK BOEKE of OLD FORT NC USA

"Johnny W"/ "Wyatt",
RIP brother, save a space in heaven for me. You were a great Marine and roommate in Oki. I will always remember your Mississippi accent and your ability to take all of our money playing pool. Mrs. Lambert, God Bless you. We will all miss Johnny and you and your family is our prayers."
Sgt. Casey Ross of Phoenix, AZ/ USA

"Jonathan, I miss you so much. Kinsey is growing up so much and is so much like you. I miss seeing you smile when Kinsey always did something that would make us all laugh. You were always a good brother as well as a protector. Your neice Allie also misses you so much. She likes to look at pictures and tells everyone about you and how proud she is to have you as an uncle. We are so proud of you and know that you are looking down from heaven on us."
Misty Eaton, Sister of Booneville, MS

"Jonathan, it has been nearly two years now, and I miss you more each day. I can still see you smiling and waving goodbye to me at the San Diego airport the day I flew back home after spending a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday week with you and your family in 2002. We told each other we loved the other and hugged tightly because you always gave the best bear hugs. I did not turn around again because I did not want you to see the tears rolling down my face. I see your smile, and your bright eyes each day in my memory, and in my heart. Kinsey is growing up to fast Jonathan - but she looks so much like you, and some of the things she does are just like you use to do too! Son, you will never be forgotten by your family or this Country for the ultimate sacrifice you paid to protect us from harms way. God has you now, and one of these days we will see each other again, and I will feel that great bear hug once again. My love to you, always, and Semper Fidelis Marine."
Becky Lambert, Gold Star Mother of New Site, Mississippi

05/31/2026

American Hero
< LCPL Dustin L. Sides >
27 March 1982 - 31 May 2004

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
John 15:13

22 years ago today. This 22 year old American Hero GAVE ALL. Thank you for your sacrifice brother. We can never repay you and your family for the sacrifice you have made on our behalf. But, I will commit to telling your story so others can learn of the life behind the sacrifice.

Please take a moment to honor, remember and pray for this American Hero and his family. Everyday is Memorial Day for the families and friends of our Fallen Heroes. Please keep them and our Warriors in your prayers.

If you know the whereabouts of his family please send me a private message with contact info so we can create a Fallen Hero Bible for this American Hero and his family.

Honor, healing and remembrance to you and your family. Stand strong at the gates till we arrive brother.

Saepe Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas

In honor and service,
- FHH

------
22, of Yakima, Wash.; assigned to 9th Communications Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; killed May 31 by hostile fire in Anbar province, Iraq.
------

"Dustin, I still see you preparing your vehicles for that convoy. You were the last Marine still working to make sure all was ready. All the Memorial Days I will live to see, and many days between, I will always remember you, Motivator. Your sacrifice for our nation will NEVER be forgotten. How proud your family, friends and fellow Marines are of you. How they love you and miss you is reflected on this site. Semper Fi, Motor-T, Heaven-Reconin'-Warrior!"
Jeffrey Roach, MGySgt USMC (Ret.) of Vista, CA

"Sides, you were my best drinking buddy, and one of the 3 or 4 Marines in the battalion I really considered my friend. I was in the only truck in front of you on that convoy and I often think about why it wasn't my truck that got hit. It's been a long time, but I love you man and I think about you often."
Ssgt. Kaiser of Fairfax, VA

"Happy Marine Corps Birthday, Cpl Sides. 11 years later you are remembered by all. At our Birthday Ball the table is set for you. God bless and continue to comfort your family. Thank you for the times you rode supporting me. Semper Fi,"
LtCol Righter of USMC

"Sorry I missed 9 but today is the 10TH year of your passing. You still make me SMILE DUSTY even after 10 years! I LOVE YOU and thanks for my hello from heaven while I visited Japan. I saw our Favorite Good Charlotte banner on the side of a building which was so interesting since that came out many years ago, I know you were saying hello to me! MUAH MISS U 10 years ago and I still remember the worst call in my life to hear that Memorial Page Dustin Sides has passed away. Wow 10 years! GC for life baby! I LOVE U FOREVER! RIP Dusty and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND MY LIFE!"
Aryn N of Camp Pend/ CA

"It is the start of Memorial Weekend and it's been 10 years this year sense u were here. I think of u and Ur family a lot. RIP Dustin u are missed a great deal by friends and family !!!!"
Rene Jarvis of Yakima Wa

"It has been almost 10 years now... I want you to know that it seems like yesterday to me. I will never forget the sacrifice you made. You and your family are often in my thoughts and prayers. Semper Fi Brother!!"
Sgt. Scott Tatum (9th Comm BN, Support Company) 2001-2005 of Oceanside, CA

"I will be heading to Yakima on the 10 year mark if anybody want to join me for remembrance. Lest we forget."
LCpl Jonas of Rochester, NY

"Semper Fi Marine"
Doc 9th Comm of San Diego

"John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Semper Fi to our Guardian Angel"
GySgt Kris Siegfried USMC Ret

"LCpl Sides we did a CrossFit work out in your honor on Memorial day out here in Afghanistan and tomorrow we will pay our respects and do it again. You are missed and my prayers continue for your family. If anyone wants to join below is the workout.

400 M Tire Flip
500 x Pull-ups
600 x Sit-ups
700 x Squats
*Buddy Workout*"
MSgt Shakir of Oceanside, CA

"Keep guarding the streets, on heaven's scene, Marine.
9th Comm Bn, Svc Co. CEM Plt (2002-2004)"
MSgt (Ret) Curtis Sinkfield of Tampa, FL

"met Lcpl Sides when he arrived at the unit was his tool room NCO he stayed behind while most deployed it was a brief encounter. I sometimes think i'm lucky to live my short life, I sometimes think younger men that died were better men than me, see you on the other side SEMPER FIDELIS"
Tony Vasquez of Temecula, CA

"Dusty, it's been 8 years now and I think of you all the time! I miss hanging out and partying with you! I'll never forget your sweet smile! 🙂 It's so hard for me to know your in a better place since I never got to say goodbye- it still feels like your still here. I went to the bar and I caught myself still looking for you and your boys, I still hope to one day get out there to WA! I miss you and still play our favorite songs! You'll always be my favorite "girl"! 🙂 I LOVE YOU! ❤ much love to your family and friends as well! oooohraaaaahhhh! GC baby!!!"
Aryn of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Cpl. Sides, hey buddy it's been awhile, but know that I have still not forgotten you brother. On this 2012 Memorial Day, I just remember what an amazing person and Marine you were, and still are. Guarding the streets of heaven, I know you are brother. Love and miss you man."
LCPL. Brett L. Grant USMC of Beaumont, TX

"Dustin -
Just letting you and your family know I am thinking about you on this Memorial Day 2012.
R.I.P."
Todd E. Lyons of Moxee, WA

"To all those who remember my son a heart felt Thank You. Tues Dustin would of been 30 yrs old. I cant help but wonder what his life would of been like... with friends like the ones he has here I bet his life and relationships would be as amazing as he was. I am so proud of my boy...he made his mark on life with his love of others, that lives on through his friends and family, Thank you Dustin, you are loved and missed."
John Sides (dad) of yakima, wa

"Sides, not sure what made me look you up today, after so many years. It is 2012, and my memories of you are not of how you left us but what you left us. I read through the messages on here and see all the people who you had an impact on, young or old, it didnt matter, your impression was made. I remember driving from Kuwait to Iraq. You were in my stick, and made life easier knowing you were with me. I had NO concern that you were more than capable to handle any issue with any vehicle we had. I remember sitting at night always laughing at you, not with you 🙂 it has been many years and Im still laughing brother. To Dustins Family, your son lived well and will always be remembered. Semper Fi"
GySgt Blake Richardson of Phoenix, Ariozna

"LCpl Sides I was a Mech for 9th Comm back in 2007 to 2011 and many of times as I would go up to The company office I would see you and Cpl Kim on a plaque and I would offen times think about how much of an honor it would have been to know ya'll. Everyone you graced with your presents will never forget all the great memories. Semper Fi Marine!"
Sgt Ledford of Abilene, TX

--------

Lance Cpl. Dustin Sides knew he had a dangerous assignment, driving tow rigs and other heavy trucks in Iraq.

But he had volunteered and had decided to make the Marine Corps his career, family members said. The Camp Pendleton Marine was killed in action May 31.

"He was so loyal. His family and the Corps were all he needed," said his father, John Sides, of Yakima, Wash.

"I talked to him two hours before he was killed, and he said he would stay in the Corps. It was something he always wanted to do. He loved the Corps. He loved the structure. He came from a divorced home, and he liked always knowing someone was there."

Sides, of Yakima, died in Al Anbar Province. He was a motor vehicle operator for the 9th Communications Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. He joined the Corps July 22, 2002.

The elder Sides said his son, a 2001 graduate of Eisenhower High School, loved sports, including fishing, archery, water-skiing and motorcycle riding.

"He was one of the happiest, funniest people," the father said.

Paul Billings, also of Yakima, married Dustin's mother, Wendy, when Dustin was 13.

"He was a real go-getter and a live wire," the stepfather said. "The first day I pulled up at their house on my Harley Davidson, Dustin ran outside and said, 'Mom, I don't care who he is. Marry him!'"

In addition to his parents and Billings, Sides is survived by brothers Derek and James, sister Katie and stepmother, Nancy Sides.

Sides had been in Iraq four months and was stationed near Fallujah, his family said. He called both households on Memorial Day to say he'd finished a mission and would be going back to base.

Along the way, a remote-controlled bomb destroyed his 7-ton tow truck. The truck caught fire and a comrade was unable to rescue him, Billings said.

"He knew he was in a dangerous area. We were under the false impression he was in a fairly safe job, driving," Billings said. "That night at midnight a visitor from the Marine Corps came and told us of his death."

Billings and Sides said the community rallied around the families, flying flags at half-staff and donating food for services that were held June 5. Yakima police escorted the body from Seattle to Yakima. A retired Army sergeant anonymously donated a military burial plot at Tahoma Cemetery.

"It's phenomenal," Billings said. "So many people are concerned about this young man. He's a town hero."

Sides said: "I'm very proud of my son. I'm proud to have known him."
– Pauline Repard
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