Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Marine Capt. Benjamin W. Sammis


29, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
Killed in action when his AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed during combat operations near Ali Aziziyal, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) - 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 4, 2003.

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"Mr. and Mrs. Sammis,
Wonderful events, in Ben's memory, over this past Memorial Day weekend. I'm planning on visiting Arlington in a few weeks and I will most certainly pay my respects to your wonderful son. My family and I will never forget your sacrifice, and the name, "Ben Sammis.""
Clark C. of Rehoboth

"My Friend, it's been more than 12 years since you covered my wing. Through TBS, flight school, SERE and our first deployment. You are missed so much, always a good pilot, always a fighter. Thanks for always covering us Assault guys when we had to go in. The zone was never colder than when you were there."
Feeler of Daphne, AL

"Memorial Day, 2013. Can't believe it's been 10 years. It was an honor serving together and knowing you, I'll never forget."
Erik of California

"Captain Sammy you're more than missed! I remember the infectious good attitude and friendly smile you always had. I've worn a memorial bracelet in your honor as I've continued to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan. You might not be in a Cobra anymore, but I know your're still provide close air support from above. Semper Fi!"
Aaron States, USMC

"Semper Fi Sir."
Sgt. C of USA

"Pokey, you are gone but not forgotten. You were the first Cobra pilot that I looked up to and taught me the ropes. Thanks for the call sign!"
Nathan "Chuckles" Hill of Quantico, VA

"Ben,
It's been a long time bud, and I've made a lot of deployments since TBS. 2003 seems like so long ago, but having you * at me for leaving a spit cup on the desk seems like yesterday. You died right after my birthday, so the two events will always be tied together. I hope all is well where you are, and know that some of us are still carrying the water, and still missing you down here. Semper Fi bro,

Jim"
Major Jim Robinson, USMC of Camp Pendleton, California

"Ben,

If I ever amount to even half the man you were, I am going to call that a big win.

I often think about the PFT fun when I thought I did pretty well only to find out that your time was not only the lowest in the squadron, but it was faster than the fastest time the Marine Corps tracks. That sums you up for me. You were the total man who excelled at everything you did because you worked hard and mastered every challenge.

Everyone in the stingers considered you one of the best marines, as well as one of the best pilots, that we had – and you were.

That horrible morning in Iraq still haunts me every day. In 2008, I was telling a young Marine about you and using your calm, confident, dry wit approach to a situation/I wept that night.

You and Travis meant very much to me. Travis was like my fellow grunt pal grinding through all this new stuff. You and the other very senior guys that make everything happen in the squadron were just so, so smart. But, you stood out with me. You used to kind of hang back and listen to me give my silly briefs to my 2 shop. When I was lost, you would come over to me and quietly give me the answer or reason why something was the way it was. I don’t think you ever told anyone you were doing that for me.

One day you came up to me out of the blue and said something to me that has become the cornerstone of my self-image. I don’t know how you knew that at that moment I going through a lot of personal stuff. Your comment was short, exactly on point and I am holding back tears thinking of how much it meant to me.

I am going to cut this short because you never liked the 2 to run on at the mouth, “Intel, Be quick, be gone and give me my weather” is the stinger way. Ooh-Rah!!

Thank you.

Semper FI!

Charles Ward Blount
Former Capt, and S2 (Intel)
HMLA-267 (2002-2003)
Call Signs: "Profit, Kramer, Hard Corps and SPOOL”
Herndon, VA, USA"

"Ben,
I miss you so much. I love you even more than that. I hope my kids continue to use your example as their compass to be exceptional human beings. You are in my prayers. Thanks for the golf ball on the beach a few days ago!"
T of Rehoboth Mass

"Even all these years later, rarely does a day pass when I don't think of you. I miss you so much, especially now. I think you'd be proud of me. I often wish I could just call you up and talk to you, but I know you're always here. I love you Ben."

"Ben,
you will always be missed. Roommate, fellow engineer, best friend, classmate, and United States Marine!!!! Semper Fi Ben. Duty Pride and Honor"
Tiny Eiter of Johns Island, South Carolina, Citadel CLass of 1996

"Memorial Day 2010, lots of wreaths for Ben at Arlington."
Andrew, Ann and Flora Cole of Annapolis, MD

"Even seven years later, a day hardly goes by where we don't think of you. We love you, Ben."

"It'll be 7 years in a couple days and still not a day goes by that I donot remember our "chats""
Jimmy of Montana

"NOVEMBER 3 09
Hi, can anyone tell me, if there is a memorial fund set up for Ben."
Kat of taunton ma

"Captain Sammis, You have made a lasting impression on me and have given the strength to carry on. Serving along side of you was one of was an honor. Anyone that had ever had the pleasure to meet you walked away a better person. I still think of you each and every day. You will not be forgotten!"
Dustin of Fort Collins, CO

"Thanks for your service and bravery. I don't know you but I would be a better man if I did. Thanks again."
Rich of Upton, MA USA

"Sir,
It's memorial day, and again I find myself thinking of you. May the Lord continue to take care of you and your family.

Semper Fidelis
SSgt Kristian W. Morrill
HMLA-267 99-02"
SSgt Kristian W. Morrill of Iwakuni, Japan

"I'm wearing a Bracelet for Ben and Stacey."
Mic Sherwood of Marana,AZ

"October 15, 2008 - Your loving smile and up-lifting spirit continues to surround family and friends. Thanks for protecting our country and providing freedoms for those incarcerated and unloved. Love always,"
Aunt Carolyn of Loudon, TN, USA

"We think about Ben everyday and how we are so lucky to have men like Ben. Almost everyday someone ask me about my fallen heroes bracelet with Ben's name on it. I tell them with pride that Ben was the true American hero. I wish I could be half the man Ben was.I know Ben is in Heaven racing Dr. C."
Jay Handfield of Goodyear, Arizona

"I have never really come to grips with your loss until recently. There are not any words which can express my gratiude to you and your family.
There have been two men who have set a moral/ethical bar by which to live...you and my Grandfather. And you know how much I respect my Grandpa.
As a fellow Christian and Marine, your friendship was true and real. I can only hope to pass-on what you have given me...

See you at "The Gates"


Sky a.k.a. "Waiver""
Sky of Morgantown, WV

"December 30, 2007
To the family of Capt. Benjamin W. Sammis:
Benjamin 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

"Semper Fi Ben, still think of you and when I met Stacey that one time in the mall in Virginia...I was in Iraq when I head you'd hit that tower, that was a crappy day, but I think or your smile those cold nights in TBS and it makes me smile still. Semper Fi"
Major J.M. Robinson, USMC of Washington, DC

"My heart goes out to the family. I think of Bens dad & Mom almost everyday. Having a son that is 25, I can't begin to think what it would be to lose a son. For this reason I am honoring Ben on a project called Faces Of Valor USA I am working on. I want his memory to live on for many years to come. I am honored & proud to konw the Sammis family. I love you guys. Stay well, I miss you"
Ted C. Levitt of Annapolis, MD USA

"Happy brithday (232nd) and Veterans day Sir. It is a pleasure to have served with you. I can rember our first float together (2001) when you would get out of your plane and share Werthers Originals (from your care packages) with the entire SKID DET. I am a better Marine for having known you.
SEMPER FI
HMLA 267 "STINGERS"
Sgt McNeill"
Sgt Michael MCNeill of Currently Deployed ISO OIF (still)

"Capt. Sammis,
Sir, I would like to say thank you to you and your co-pilot for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. After reading the reflections left for you, all I can say is that I wish that I had had the honor of serving with you.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To the family of:Benjamin W. Sammis 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"

"Dear Sammis Family,
I deployed with Capt. Sammis on the Boxer in 2001, and I have to tell you as an extremely junior sailor at the time, it was nice to have such a friendly face around. Capt. Sammis would say hi to everyone, and ask how our day was going even if he didn't know the person he was asking. Just a really nice person, of course you already know that. I just want you all to know that I will never forget Capt. Ben Sammis and the sacrifice he made for all of us. I am on deployment now and just had a random thought about all of the people that have made the ultimate sacrifice and Ben Sammis is the one who stood out in my mind. None of them will ever be forgotten but his smile and his kindness will always be in my heart. God Bless you and take care."
IS1(SW/AW) Kristina Hutchins, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69 of Northern Arabian Sea

"I remember Ben so well as if TBS were yesterday, so full of life. I think of him often... more often than I thought I would. Happy Veteran's Day/ Happy Birthday."
Maj Rick Tremble of Manassas, VA

"Sir, remembering you again on Memorial Day (06). Semper Fi."
Sgt Kristian W. Morrill of Tampa, Florida

"Ben was one of the best Marines I have ever known."
Charlie of Falls Church, VA, US

"I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Ben, but I did go to school with Adam.I just want you to know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Semper Fi Sir"
Stephanie(Lcpl) and William(Ssgt) of Rehoboth, Ma

"Everyday I remember. Keep rubbin and Kissin your hell-fire pods."
Jimmy of Nevada

"Ben and Travis,
thanks"

"MARINE CAPTAIN BENJAMIN W. SAMMIS -
You are an American hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace Marine. you will be remembered for always being faithful to God, country, family and the Corps."
DOROTHY BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

"Ben and I attended The Citadel together. We found ourselves on the same mess. For several months we ate together and shared together. I will never forget his smile. He is, and shall always be, missed.
Semper Fidelis."
Thomas Herskowitz '96 of Fort Worth, TX

"In appreciation for Travis' ultimate sacrifice, there is an education fund that I started for Ashley Ford, daughter, with UBS. If you want to contribute contact Dick Wilson @ 502-420-7680 for info how to make sure we take care of a fallen hero's daughter."
Mike Mirgeaux of Louisville, KY 40207

"Ben, it's Memorial day 05. I never had the pleasure to meet you. I was a very good friend of Travis Ford. I hope your family has a great day knowing you are in a better place. I look forward to meeting you up there some day, and I'm sure Travis will tell a few tales that will be a little over cooked... It would have been nice to meet you and your family. I'm sure they are great. Travis always kept good company. Until we meet later, watch over your family, and help Travis's Huskers when you can...."
Kent Robb of Phoenix, AZ USA

"To the entire Sammis family, I want to express to you the great honor I feel knowing that I served with Capt Sammis. He was one of the finest men I have ever served with. Capt Sammis carried his smile and sense of humor every where, whether it be at work at the squadron or on the basketball court for a pick-up game. He always conveyed that sense of brotherhood that the Marine Corps is all about. Know that he is loved and missed. Semper Fi
HMLA 267 (2000-2002)"
Sgt Kristian Morrill of Tampa, FL

"I am a ninth grade student assigned an essay to write on a hero in my life. My name is Emily Primiano and I am Marilyn Shaw's daughter, she is your family friend. When I was assigned this essay I immediatley thought of your son. In my eyes he is truely a hero.
I am sorry for your loss."
Emily Primiano of East Providence, Rhode Island

"To Stacey and the Sammis Family,
The world is very small at times. I am in the master's program with Amy, Stacey's sister and remember vividly when I heard of your loss from her. I was so sad for you all. Having a nepwhew just about to leave with the Army National Guard I was scared for him as I heard of Ben's death. Never in my wildest dreams would I think that Chris Duffy would also be lost. Two fine examples of men who stood tall and believed they were making a difference. The prayers of my family are with you all. Remember, life may be short but love lasts forever."
sandy grebel of point pleasant, new jersey

"Ben was a dear, dear friend to me in college. He, Shawn (Tiny) and I would hang out together most weekends. He always had a way of making me laugh. :)

The last time I saw him was when he was stationed in Pensacola and I had recently moved to Tallahassee. He came over for a visit and we met up for drinks.

Every once in a while I think about how I'd like to pick up the phone and call him. I miss him dearly.

Much love to you, Stacey!"
Nancy Cutchin Copa - C of C '96 of Tallahassee, FL

"Steve and Beth,
I met you at Arlington National Cemetery last October (2004) on the weekend of the Marine Corps Marathon. My friend, Fred Pokorney, is next to Ben in the cemetery. Wednesday, March 23rd will be 2 years since we lost Fred. I was looking at some pictures of him this weekend and thought about you and your family. It was great meeting you and I feel like I kind of know Ben as well now. I just wanted to write and say how nice it was to share that time with you and say thanks for the hugs that day, they were needed!!!!
It's great to know Fred has such a good person in Ben to hang out with....
God Bless you and your family and Thank you for Ben!
Nathan Culver Sgt. 3/5"
Nathan Culver of Austin, TX

"Steve and Beth,
I met you at Arlington National Cemetery last October (2004) on the weekend of the Marine Corps Marathon. My friend, Fred Pokorney, is next to Ben in the cemetery. Wednesday, March 23rd will be 2 years since we lost Fred. I was looking at some pictures of him this weekend and thought about you and your family. It was great meeting you and I feel like I kind of know Ben as well now. I just wanted to write and say how nice it was to share that time with you and say thanks for the hugs that day, they were needed!!!!
It's great to know Fred has such a good person in Ben to hang out with....
God Bless you and your family and Thank you for Ben!
Nathan Culver Sgt. 3/5"
Nathan Culver of Austin, TX

"Dear Steve & Beth,

We only just learned today (1/26/05) of Ben's tragic death almost two years ago. I happened to glance at the Today Show this morning as I walked through the living room and caught a glimpse of a headstone with the name Benjamin Sammis and when his picture came on the screen my heart sank as there was no doubt that it was the Ben we remember as a young child running around the beach and dock at BYC. We remember a happy, carefree little boy with the most wonderful smile!!
As we read through the messages from others it's apparent that Ben touched so many lives and his light will continue to shine through them. You both must be so proud of the man he became.
Please accept our deepest sympathies on your terrible loss. We are heartbroken for you."
The Morris Family - Drew, Susan, Dave, Liz, Susie, Nancy & especially AJ of Lighthouse Point, FL

"I recently recieved a HeroBracelet to honor our fallen men and women, and Benjamin's name is on the bracelet I proudly wear.

My 17 year old son has just enlisted in the USMC and leaves for PI in August. I can only hope to someday be as proud of him as you all must be of Benjamin.

Thank you for your sacrifice Benjamin, and God Bless."
Stacey L. Kolopus of Oak Ridge, TN

"Capt. Sammis I will never forget the laughter on the flight line or the times I purposely picked your plane to pre_flight just so we could joke. You made a lasting impression on me and you will never be forgotten."
Sgt. Covino of Forked River, NJ

"you fought bravely, and then gave your life,you will never be forgotten,for your bravery and courage.......and we honer and respect you. You went to war.....knowing that it could happen,your death will never be in vain. R.I.P. Captain Ben W. Sammis.
I am your wife`s best Friend`s student.....and i am very sorry for your wife Stacy and and your family. It must be very hard without a light in your life.That is all I have to say......R.I.P. Capt. Ben W. Sammis.....once again."
franklin lentulo of escondido, ca usa

"Thank you Marine Capt. Benjamin W. Sammis. You will not be forgotten.
The Yuskas"
Randy, Joe, Victor and Michael of Haverhill, Massachusetts

"It was a great pleasure to serve with Capt. Sammis. When I learned of his death I was deeply hurt. Capt. Sammis was a great Human Being and I enjoyed having conversations with him. I will always remember him and this Veterans day I will give a speech in his Honor.

HMLA-267 1997-2002"
David McCracken of Hopatcong, NJ

"To the friends and family of Benjamin W. Sammis:
I am so sincerelly sorry for your loss. It's unfair how many of us have had to go through the pain of grief. My husband died June 4, 2004 in Iraq. These soldiers were strong, brave, and courageous, and stood tall no matter what. There sacrifices will never be forgotten. His memories will bring you joy forever. God bless!"
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"Many thanks to all who have shared a note about Ben, and about your relationship with him.

We have heard so many antidotes of how he had affected others lives. So much so that I have often said "he is our son, but it is clear to us, he belonged to so many others."

Recently I read a tribute that will be used in a Deed of Gift for a regatta trophy given in his memory. Within it, it is said: "Ben had a special way of attracting attention to the positive side of life's lessons," and yes he did. He would instill trust, help others overcome their fears, and help them realise, that dispite their imperfections, they too could develop confidence for success.

Ben is a hero to some. To me he will always be a role model. Tenacious yet with a calm demeanor, he had a commanding presence of Duty, Pride and Honor from a very young age. Within the character of these words, his life lesson - to seek the positive - cannot be underscored. He held two words close to his soul; "Thou Mayest" - and did, for he believed with all his heart that he could.

Yes, I am a proud father of a U. S. Marine, who has, through his sacrafice, become my life coach.

SEMPER FI Ben.

Love ya,
Dad"
Steve Sammis of Rehoboth, MA

"RIP Sir"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"I am a 7th grader from Barker Middle School in Western New York.I am sorry for you loss and I think that Benjamin was a great hero for giving up his life to help others.
- 7th grade student"
7th grade student of Barker Middle School

"Dear sammis family,
I am sorry for your loss and I show my greatest sympathy. I appriciate that Benjamin helped others by giving up his own life and helping them win their freedom.
-7th grade student"
7th grade barker student of Barker Middle School

"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. Your HERO, Benjamin, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"I was an avionicsmen that served with and for Capt Sammis. He was a funny guy and everyone loved to help with any problems he had with his aircraft. He was always in a good mood even when we were in Kuwait. I would just like to say he will never be forgotten in the hearts and minds of those who served with him."
ROBERT RODRIGUEZ III of Banquete, TX

"It was my honor to serve with Capt Sammis. I will never forget his sense of humor no matter how bleak the situation. My heart will always be with the Sammis family. Semper Fi!"
Mark A. Hall (former Stinger-1999-2003) of Salisbury,MD

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN (4/4/04)

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

"semper fidelis"
Cpl Kane, usmc

"Thank you Benjamin Sammis, 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 Benjamin's family I offer my most heartfelt condolences and prayers. He made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and honor. You must be so very proud of him. I know that I am. May our Heavenly father assuage the grief you must be feeling. If I can do anything for you such as someone to pray with or someone to talk to please dont hesitate to contact me at ctpoet1@yahoo.com"
Chris Decker of East Windsor CT USA

"Steve, Beth and Stacey:

As the holidays approach and we are reminded of the true things in life I know that this will be a very different Christmas for you. Each day I think about Ben and cherish the friendship and brotherhood we shared at The Citadel. Please know that I and the rest of his classmates and Citadel brothers are praying for you all and thank God for allowing us to know him and call him our friend."
Nate Lausch '96 of Fishers, IN

"Dear Sammis Family,
It has been a long time since we've made contact, but you have always stayed close to my heart. It is so hard to understand and accept loss when it happens with someone so youthful and passionate about life. Ben influenced my life in many ways and I will never forget the laughter we shared. I remember Ben as the one sailing instructor that took me under his wing, but moreover, he is remebered as a wonderful friend. I have very fond memories sailing and spending time with your family. I hope you are all doing well.
Your family and Ben are in my thoughts and prayers."
Felicia of Phoenix, Arizona

"The words courage, hero, warrior, etc. are so thoughtlessly thrown around when talking about some pro athlete or movie star who isn't worth the time we spend watching them. BENJAMIN SAMMIS = all those words and more......I never met Ben but from the love myself and my family experienced at his funeral at Arlington and the words spoken about him by friends and family I see he was everything that those words described. May God bless Stacey....and Ben and hold him forever close to his side and may God bless the United States of America."
Ray, Lori, Jillian, Casey and Brandon Goscinski of Jackson, NJ< USA

"Dear Stacey,

I deployed with your husband on the USS Boxer, Westpac 2002. He was an awesome Officer and a great man. He always took care of the troops who worked under him. He will be missed. Semper Fi.

chadwickb@mail.com"
Benjamin Chadwick, Cpl of Camp Pendleton, CA

"6-20-03
To the Sammis family-
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your husband and son. When the war began I signed up to pray for a US soldier via the Presidential Prayer Team. I was assigned "BEN, in the MARINES." Since then I have been praying for a man named Ben for sometime. I won't know for sure if this is indeed your Ben, but when I read about Ben W. Sammis's death on the internet I just cried in front of my computer screen. I suppose feel connected to a marine bearing that name. Perhaps it may bring you some comfort to know that I have been on my knees in prayer for "Ben" many times asking God to send His angels. I was scared I would forget to pray for him so I spray-painted "Ben" on my wall in silver so I would be reminded daily. I write my prayers down alot so I still have the ones for "Ben", should you maybe want them. (Specifically for "Ben" on the days of 3/24/03 and 4/4/03.) I will keep your family in my prayers-the silver "Ben" is still on my wall and that will help me remember to do so.
You and I may never all the details, but we must believe the Lord is always at work ...
Love and Prayers,
Jill Hinkel
Jill4jesus@yahoo.com
1 Corinthians 13:7"
Jill Hinkel

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrafice will never be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"Thank you for all of your kind words and support during this most difficult time. Our family is very grateful..."
Stacey Sammis

"To the family and friends of Capt. Benjamin Sammis:
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 Benjamin 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 Capt. Benjamin Sammis:
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 Benjamin, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.HE WAS A HERO AND WILL FOREVER LIVE ON."
KIMBERLYHENLEY(ARMY WIFE) of GLOUCESTER,VIRGINIA

"God bless you for your courage, heroism, and dedication to the USA. You will be missed!"
DR Class of 92 of Rehoboth, MA

"Ben was an awesome guy. He made an impact on anyone who came across his path. Mike and I will miss you greatly. We cherish our memories forever more. Stacey...we are here for you always.

-Anne & Mike Swingler (HMLA-267 family, neighbors and more importantly, friends)"
Anne Swingler of Vista, CA

"I was extremely saddened to hear of Ben's passing. I knew Ben. He and I were in OCS and TBS together and had numerous mutal friends. I knew him as a devoted Marine and as a Friend. He will be missed and never forgotten. Semper Fidelis."
Captain Tommy Wright of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Stevie and Beth,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you strength and courage in the days ahead."
Cousin Barbara of Conway, SC

"My son is a Marine in Iraq also, I can only imagine the pain and hurt that you are feeling. My families thoughts and prayers are with you always. We thank your son for his courage and everything he did for his country. Be proud of him as we are."
Jennifer Crawford of Denver CO USA

"Thank you Devil Dog. We will never forget you."
J and T Taylor of North Carolina

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on