Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the friends and family of GySgt Boatman. It has been almost 10 years to the day since the gunny was killed in Iraq and I thought I needed to finally get off my butt and put something here for you all to read. I first met this Marine way back in the '90's when he was yet a very young Marine. Imagine my surprise in 2005 when he walked into my office in the 1st of the 110th's TOC late one night. I looked at him and said: "I'll be damned, I know you" and the conversations and friendship picked up where it left off. The gunny and I had many memorable late nights in that office, discussing my missions of the day as well as his. I will cherish those memories forever. As some have posted before, GySgt Boatman and his team saved many lives in sector more times than we care to remember. In order to never forget, I wear a black bracelet every day with his info on it to remind me of his sacrifice, as well as the sacrifices of others like him, each and every day. To Darrell, from one old war horse to another, Semper Fi Brother and God Speed."
"Gunner" T. A. Bahr (a.k.a., "BlueFalcon6") of Crandon, Wisconsin

"Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I recently been notified of Boatman's death from some of the Devil Dogs that served with him. I knew Darrell since he was a Lance Corporal until he made SGT while serving in Alpha Company 1st Bn 2nd Marines DIV 1st Platoon. I was his Platoon leader as a SGT and he was the Plt SGT as a Corporal for almost a year before we gotten a Plt Ldr and Plt SGT. We both ran the platoon and showed great leadership. Darrell was a good MARINE, One who love the Corps and lookout for the welfare of his Marines. If I had to serve again I would definitely would got to war with this Marine on my team. Darrell, I say good by now but we shall meet again and when you get to heaven ST. Peter you will tell, another Marine reporting Sir, I Served my time in Hell. To the Boatman Family, I have a photo of the platoon with with Darrell as as SGT when we served during Desert Storm that was taken in Saudi Arabia in 1990. You can contact me at 843-229-6049"
Marion Smalls of 660 Sulgrave Road, Bennettsville, SC 29512

"Michelle, "wifely" I was thinking about you so much. I just got a phone that allows me access to the internet. I really miss you and can't believe I'm just hearing about this. You guys were so great to me... and the new baby in 2001. I went back to Lejeune in 2010 and asked for you at the shop, but never caught up with you. Thanks for all your love and support as a friend. I hope know how much you both meant to me.."
Christina Kittinger of Longmont, Colorado USA

"It was a priveledge to have met him and an honor to have fought beside him. I watched him dance a jig after he disarmed the largest IED I've ever seen ... while under enemy fire. And I will never forget 04 OCT 2005. Thank you Gunny for being you. - Gypsy"
Packer of Pennsylvania

"I miss you Darrell! I had the wonderful privilege of playing golf with you on many occasions because you old fogies needed a ringer. I loved and cherished every minute of it. The things you taught me and the things you opened my eyes to were some of the greatest lessons I have ever learned in my life. I love and thank you for everything you did for our country and your fellow Marines. HOORAH!"
Ryan D. Hendershot of Grand Junction, CO

"I just found out about Gy Boatman while talking to another Marine about old times. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Gy Boatman and I served together on the 24th MEU(SOC) from 2001 - 2003. He was one heck of a great Marine and an overall great guy and pleasure to serve with. An awesome professional and always had a smile. I can't imagine how much he's been missed by his family and closest friends. For some this is an old scar and they've recovered but for me it's a fresh wound. Gy, you'll always be remembered as one tough Marine and one great guy."
Ian Jardine, Capt USMCR (ret) of Ashburn, VA

"The the entire Boatman family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I was honored to have sport jumped with Roy 1972-1974 with the old XVIII Airborne Corps Sport Parachute Club. I have so many fond memories and stories that I have told over the years. A message for Darrell: The last time we met, you were about six years old. I am so proud to have known you and the man you became. RIP, Heroes."
Dave Ling (LTC, USA-Ret) of Calhan, CO

"Lauren and Renee, I am truly sorry for your loss. I knew Darrell, from the stumps and working out in Las Vegas (Nellis), he was a GREAT guy and is truly missed! I was really saddened when I heard the news."
Rob Holland of Costa Mesa, Ca

"Darrell,
I only knew you for a short time but it seemed like we were friends for a long time. You were the 1st to greet me when I moved into the neighborhood. We talked about kicking the two neighborhood "officers" butts (Laurence and Sheldon) in a friendly game of golf.
You and Jake helped me install the shelves above my garage door. It must have been 100 degrees in there. When it was done, you did a few pull-ups and said if it can hold my fat butt, it can hold anything!
You were letting Jake drive the truck (battle wagon) back and forth from your house to mine even though he didnt have a license and was still learning...I remember you throwing the softball with Lauren getting her arm into shape. Man! thats what dads do!
I offered you a cigar and you said "no man, I start thinking they are cigarettes and cant stop smoking them".
You let me borrow your Navy Unit Commendation Medal (NUC) for a Court Martial I was sitting on (jury member) only to return it to you for a uniform inspection you had prior to deployment.
We went golfing and I harassed the crap out of you all day long and you took it like a champ and poked back at me making the day so enjoyable.
I use to hear you go to work and come home everyday on that Road King!! You always had the stereo on but you were ever so kind to not rumble the mufflers until after the stop sign....Ha Ha what a thoughtful fella you were but we heard that damn bike for a mile after you screamed past the stop sign.
I used to see you wood working in your garage on weekend nights and the next day you told me you stopped early because Doug and Ima's bedroom window faced your garage and you didnt want to bother them.
I use to watch you and Michelle walk around the neighborhood at night while I was sitting on my front porch. It was evident neither one of you had anything on your minds but each other!
The day you left for Iraq, I was planting a tree in my front yard when I heard a vehicle horn. I looked over towards the sound to see the Black Jeep Liberty sitting at the stop sign with you driving and Michelle sitting in the passenger seat looking as sad as could be. You stopped to say good bye to me and asked me to start your bike every now and then. I gave you a hug, told you to come home safe and we parted ways.
A short time into the deployment I came home from work and found the neighbors gathered together discussing what had happened you. After hearing the initial reports of what had happened, I knew it was bad. I think it was two days later when I turned the corner and saw your yard flag at half mast. I will never ever forget that sight and feeling I had in my heart.
Darrell, I miss ya man! I was really looking forward to you coming home and continuing or new friendship. Dang it DUDE, I need more shelves!
May you and your best friend (your dad) RIP in Arlington National Cemetery.

P.S. I took your bike for a ride one day just to keep it somewhat fresh for ya. I told Michelle I was just going on the 55mph portion of Western Blvd and would be back in a few minutes. Dude, something came over me, I took a left and rode that bike for almost an hour! That was on either the 31st of Oct or the 1st of November."
Scott Brunt of Jacksonville, NC

"Even though I did not know Gunny Boatman, I also served in the 8th Eng Support Battalion from 1986 - 1989, I will pray for his family as I do my fellow Marines each night. Rest in peace Gunny. Semper Fi"
Charles Gale of Seabrook, Texas

"DEAR DARRELL,I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME, AND WHAT A GREAT HUSBAND YOU WERE TO MY SISTER SHELLY. AND THE GREAT SACRFICE YOU MADE FOR OUR COUNTRY. IF THERE WAS EVER A MAN TO CALL A TRUE MARINE IT WOULD BE YOU.THANKS FOR EVERY THING ,YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. LOVE FROM ALL OF US YOUR BROTHER IN LAW FOREVER! MARK. 11-14-08"
MARK S BROWN of SANDUSKY,OHIO

"DEAR DARRELL,I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME, AND WHAT A GREAT HUSBAND YOU WERE TO MY SISTER SHELLY. AND THE GREAT SACRFICE YOU MADE FOR OUR COUNTRY. IF THERE WAS EVER A MAN TO CALL A TRUE MARINE IT WOULD BE YOU.THANKS FOR EVERY THING ,YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. LOVE FROM ALL OF US YOUR BROTHER IN LAW FOREVER! MARK.11-14-08"
MARK S BROWN of SANDUSKY,OHIO

"DEAR DARRELL,I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME, AND WHAT A GREAT HUSBAND YOU WERE TO MY SISTER SHELLY. AND THE GREAT SACRFICE YOU MADE FOR OUR COUNTRY. IF THERE WAS EVER A MAN TO CALL A TRUE MARINE IT WOULD BE YOU.THANKS FOR EVERY THING ,YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. LOVE FROM ALL OF US YOUR BROTHER IN LAW FOREVER! MARK."
MARK S BROWN of SANDUSKY,OHIO

"We never got the chance to meet Darrell but have heard many wonderful things from Laura.
God Bless you Darrell. We will never forget your bravery!!!!"
Waheeda and Jay of Jacksonville, NC

"Thank you for helping my dad when he was training in EOD school and being nice to my family."
Darrian E. Dennis of Jacksonville NC

"I was with the gunny the night before he got hit. We were losing people left and right to IED's and unfortunately our defenses at the time had allowed enemy activity to plant them within a stone throw from our lines. Gunny Boatman came and blew a major IED that was on our route that would have definately killed many of our Marines and native forces. I was floored the next day when I learned of his injury. Thank you Gunny for helping us and saving more patriots lives. I have carried you all these years and forever will. Semper Fi"
A Marine of San Jose, CA

"It's a privilege and an honor to sign this memorial page. Darrell Boatman died as he lived - a fine and decent man, a loving brother, a devoted son and an adored Dad. It seems a natural progression that this fine civilian became a United States Marine and he brought great credit to the Corps.That he saved many lives is attested by all the comments on this and other sites. Lauren, you and your brother need never fear that your
Dad will be forgotten. He will always be remembered, by his friends and comrades, and by ordinary people like us, who were only able to learn about him after his death. Live your lives in such a way as to make him proud, and always remember that this hero was also the father who loved you so much. With love to you, to Renee and in remembrance of your Grandad.
Semper Fi Gunny."
Kim & Jim Straker of Australia/Doha Qatar

"April 23, 2008
To the family of Gunnery Sgt. Darrell W. Boatman:
Darrell gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Yesterday, December 3, 2007, we buried my brother Darrell, and my father Roy Boatman, in Arlington. My trip was interesting, but well worth the effort. As I sat and watched how respectful those Marines were, who folded the flag that was held over my brothers ashes, my heart filled with a sense of pride. That was what they both lived and died for. I can't explaine the feeling that came over me, but everytime I look at another American flag, I will smile with tears in my eyes, as I think about those two men who gave their all for what that flag stands for. Darrell (with help) has done a wonderful job raising his two kids. They will continue to do what he isn't here to do anymore. What an awesome expirence!! I love you both very much."
Renee' Boatman Hunt of Fayetteville, NC

"Today is November 2, 2007. Two year to the day We all lost a great Father, Marine, and Friend. I served along side Gunny in Iraq with the Arch Angel Platoon. I was with him on Nov 2, 2005. Only 30 meters away. I will never forget Gunny. For his leadership, courage, and sacrifice. Today I will pray for his family to help get them through this day, and the rest. God bless Gunny."
Matt Cruise (Arch Angel 2) of Limerick, PA

"Darrell was a very special person to me. We were friends many years ago when we were in highschool. We went to different schools but became friends through our fathers being baseball coaches. There are so many unsaid words and thoughts because Darrell and I didn't get to ever see each other again after he got out of basic. However, I know he is an angel in Heaven today, watching down over us. I know he knows my thoughts and feelings for him and I can see that smile now.
To his children; you couldn't have asked for a better father. Your dad was and always will be a wonderful man. Let him live on through what you do and become. Make him proud. My thoughts and prayers are always with you. To Joyce, you know how I feel about Darrell. I love you and I hope that you can find some kind of comfort thru all the tragedy and sadness you have suffered. You and Roy raised a wonderful son who became a wonderful friend, father, husband, uncle, brother, soldier. He will never be forgotten because he left a part of himself in all of us."
Lori Tatum of Fayetteville, NC/US

"It's been 2 years since your loss, but I've only found out today. I am so saddened at the loss of Darrell. I was very close friends with him in high school...he wrote the sweetest words in the yearbook. It all sounds so silly I guess but he made such an impression on me that I looked him up several times since 1985. I still recognized the smile even at 38. He sounds like he grew into a wonderful man which is no surprise to me because he was an amazing guy even in his younger days. Today Darrell is mourned in Orlando. I'm so grateful to have known him. God bless."
Theresa (Bracewell) Murphy of Orlando, FL

"All I can say Gunny is Thank you, you saved more lives than can be counted. We learned so much from you.
Thank you
A tanker who whos his life to you
Cougar"
Cougar of PA

"Thank you to everyone who has left some sort of condolance for my family and I. My name is Lauren Boatman and my dad will never be forgotten. He was truly a great dad, marine, eod, and son. I'm just so thankful for all of the lives he touched. My dad and I were very close and all of this is a great comfort to me. Everyone saw him as this big tough marine but he used to call me beautiful like it was a name and take me to Food lion at 11:00 at night just to get ice cream. It's been a year and 6 months since I've heard his voice but it seems like an eternity. But dedication pages like this one insure that he isn't just being forgotten. But, once again, thank you. R.I.P Daddy..."
Lauren Boatman of Jacksonville, NC

"darrell boatman was my god father.. i had known him all of my life.. we was a great friend to my mom and dad and we will all miss him soo much"
ashley bailey of decatur alabama

"I witnessed Darrell's courage and sense of humor first hand in Iraq. He was a true hero and a great guy. He was the real thing. He really was."
Jeff Eggers of Washington, DC

"To the family of:Darrell W. Boatman I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"A Hymn of Passing

As I fly on wings of peace
I look below to life so short
Don't cry for me in sorrow
For I'm going to a place of joy

Tears flow down the cheeks of friends
Wives gieve for their husbands
I ask, "Why do you cry for me?"
For I go to a place of peace

I can't help but look back as
Higher I fly from the world below
Our time together was well spent
For I'm going to a place of limitless time

Don't cry for me
For I am with you
I have and never will
Leave you

You can't see me standing by you
But I am there lifting you along
Pushing you back up when you are down
And together we go to a place of rest!"
Eric Mathis of Layton, UT

"I just learned of Darrells passing....

Darrell, and I worked for 2 years in the stumps toghether. What isnt being told, is what a great man, and good friend he was. Always good for a laugh, but one of a handfull I would call a True EOD tech. What a Loss to our small EOD family."
James Jackson of Layton, Utah, USA

"To Darrell's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Darrell, you sir are a true American Hero. Thank you for all you have done in keeping us safe and in Iraq. May God Bless you Darrell and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Gunny,

It was an honor to fight by your side. Keep a few seats open for those of us who will follow you, and I'll bring some cigars.

Your Brother,
Heathcliff"
Joshua B. Hays of Brighton, MI

"In Our Hearts

We thought of you with Love today
But that is nothing new
We thought about you yesterday
And the days before that too.

We think of you in silence
We often speak your name
Now all we have are memories
And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake
With which we’ll never part
God has you in his keeping
We have you in our hearts.

Author Trudy Craft-Austin

Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your loved one with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Proud mom of Lcpl Alex. Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop, CA

"I read of GySgt Darrell Boatman's death in my copy of DAV Magazine and was shocked to see my last name for I am a Boatman as well,living in Michigan and also a Veteran Marine Sgt. I have read the bio's and I don't know if we are related in some way?, but it was sad to read of his death as with all our Military personnel. From one Marine to another, one Boatman to another, Semper Fi Gy, RIP."
Dan Boatman of Newport, Michigan, USA

"To the family and friends of Gunnery Sgt. Darrell W. Boatman,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. If you're not certain that your loved one's next of kin is registered, please use our link and register them for a quilt so we can send our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"I worked with Boaty for two years at Special Operations Training Group. He was always professional in every sense of the word. I used to trip his simulated booby traps just to make him freak out. I don't think he ever caught on that it was't accidental. Brother I'll miss you."
HMC(FMF) Brown (Lurch) of Al Anbar, Iraq

"I saw the beautiful and moving tributes to Darrell on the Legacy.com site and was compelled to write.
We lost our son, LCPL Nicholas C. Kirven on Mother's Day, May 8, 2005. He was killed during a 5 hour fire fight with insurgents in Afghanistan. Nicholas, and the other squad leader, were ambushed and killed. He is buried at Arlington Cemetery and we go each weekend to pay our respects to all of the men and women who have given their lives for our country.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. If you ever want to contact us, our email address is bethbelle@aol.com
God Bless you all."
Beth Belle of Fairfax, VA

"My heartfelt condolences for the Boatman family. I worked with GySgt Boatman during OIF I and I am shocked to hear of his passing. If there was anyone I thought would survive a deployment untouched it was Gunny Boatman. We always felt safer entering a building when he was a part of the entry team. I will remember him, always."
Captain David Zadel of Arlington, VA

"We care and share your sorrow."
7th Grade Louisburg Middle School of Louisburg, KS

"DARRELL THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. TODAY I STOP TEARS FOR MY SON AND START FOR YOU! YOU ARE LIKE LOSTING ANOTHER SON. I FEEL THE PAIN OVER AND OVER. YET, I KNOW GREGORY AND YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WATCHING OVER US ALL. YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN DARRELL! YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO! ONE THAT WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN NOT TODAY, TOMORROW AND OR EVER! I URGE YOUR FAMILY TO REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN HONOUR OF DARRELL. HE HAS SERVED NOT JUST HIS COUNTRY, HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY AND STATE. IT IS THE VERY LEAST HIS COMMUNITY CAN DO TO HONOUR HIM. WE NEED TO ASSURE OUR FALLEN AMERICA WILL NEVER TREATBTHEM LIKE OUR VIETNAM VETERAN'S. YOU ARE IN MY HEART AND PRAYS DARRELL. FATHER OF FALLEN DRAGON SOLDIER SGT GREGORY L. WAHL US ARMY 05-03-04 BALALD, IRAQ KIA!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Darrell will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"Thank you Darrell Boatman, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Gunnery Sgt. Darrell Boatman:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Darrell for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Gunnery Sgt. Darrell Boatman:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Darrell, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia