With all do respect to everyone here (BBS) this has nothing to do with us....any of us. It has everything to do with these people.
Jen,
On this 20 month anniversary of you going to Heaven, I have to tell you that I miss you now even more than before. I'm waiting for it to get easier. It's really, really hard. I will be forever grateful that you were such a huge part of my life and I will love you forever.
Linda xoxoxoxo
Jennifer,
You were supposed to be joining us at the Pentagon for the Senate Youth Program after you came home and I remember I was the one who had to break it to Cynthia Minnick at DoD public affairs you wouldn't be coming home. I could hardly tell her ... We had never met in person, but the three of us worked so hard preparing you for this prestigious program, and we couldn't wait for you to get to DC so we could finally meet you. Cynthia told me that when she told the ladies from the Hearst Foundation that they cried for quite a while ... that it broke their heart you weren't coming home. I think about you every day. You and Maj. McClung ... the two of you will forever be a part of my life ... and a part of the legacy of Women Marines who have lived their lives to the fullest, and have loved like no one else can, and who have been some of the best darn people to ever walk the Earth. You will be missed. But you will never be forgotten.
(MSgt.) Kristine Scarber (Stafford, VA)
Dear Jen
It seems like it was just yesterday we shared a wretched old WWII tent in the middle of the desert of Kuwait (OIF I). You always amazed me with the motivation you had to fly in the middle of the night and then pop-up bright and early at the break of dawn to get a run in before it was too hot. It is hard for women like us to stand amongst our peers---yet you shined above them all from your ability to be sensative when the situation demanded it--to your sense of ergency when you knew your movements were the deciding factor in saving someone's life! I remember you got the name "Dove" while we were there...and Jen I think I will always remember you as that beautiful bird both inside and out! You and Megan (Maj McClung--stationed with me in Ramadi and an Academy Alumni) have etched out a divine sisterhood for all of us to celebrate each year. You will always be in my heart and I will spend the rest of my life, celebrating yours! Semper Fi!
Major Charece Martin (St Paul, MN)
Jen
Not a day goes by without a thought about you. Your picture hangs in my office and I always remind my Marines and Sailors of your sacrifice. You are truly missed by everyone. Prayers to your family and friends on this 1 year anniversary. You will always be a part of this Band of Sisters and Brothers.
CWO4 Lori Dean, USMC
Aviation Supply Officer
Lori Dean (Norfolk, VA)
It was truly an honor to serve at TQ with you. Whenever I was feeling overwhelmed, I could walk over from TQ Surg to the flightline and hang out with the Foxes. Just hanging out with you and Yak and Voodoo put things in perspective. You were the ones sticking your necks out to get the wounded to us. People thank me for my service, I smile, and remind them that I had only a small part; that I had friends who made the ultimate sacrifice. I'll never forget.
LCDR James Christopher, MC, USN
Formerly Staff Surgeon, TQ Surgical
James Christopher (Pensacola, FL)
Six years ago today was the day that the world changed. The day that has affected my life in more ways than I ever thought possible. Jen, you are an inspiration to me every day through my life's journey. I carry you along the way on my hip, literally, and take you every where I go. I miss you now more than I did seven months ago. Who ever said it gets easier with time is wrong. I just wanted to take the time today to say thank you, for everything you have done. It's tough losing family, the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But I know you are with me every day, right beside me, only I can't see or feel you. And thank you for sharing Linda and Tony with us. They are family to all of us. We all love them so much and hope that they feel the love back!
I love you Jen now and always!
Maria Ventimiglia (Gloucester, MA)
My son was stationed in Ramadi at the time your helicopter went down. He met you on the 7th of February there in Karmah. His unit was despatched to clear a path to your crash site. Jim was on point that day and as the TC, was first to the crash scene. Thankfully, he and the others were successfull in getting you and the others out of there that day. He was to return the next day to assist in the recovery of your ship, again on point. Unfortunately, he never made it. He and 2 others were killed enroute. I find it strange how two people from so different past come to meet. God bless you and your family. Your highly spoken of by others as I read about you. Jim was much the same way. He was my oldest son. KIA Feb 8th.
David Holtom (Rexburg, ID)
This has nothing to do with any of "US" and everything to do with the tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who suffer the loss or injury of those they work, sweat and bleed with every day on our behalf. Compound that with all the other lives every serious injury or death effects. I just picked one to give a real face to a Marine aviator who flew in harms way on our behalf and payed the price.
So yes these comments offend me deeply, and if you want to disagree why don't you consider how you'd defend this type of "harmless" action to any of those who's comments are listed above.
