LongIslandGirl’s Blog

Remembering the Operation RedWing Families on the 4th Anniversary

2009-06-28T19:16:20Z

http://www.mullady.com/ See for more info about the youtube video-

This song is for ALL the military members that are or have served honorably in every branch. GOD Bless the Marine Corps, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the Reserves, the Navy, the Army and the Allied Forces. This music was inspired by the Fallen Warriors of Operation RedWing, their families, the "LONE SURVIVOR" and every person that has ever served this country with honor! We Will Always Remember the 11 Navy SEALs and 8 Army Nightstalkers (160th SOAR) that we lost on June 28th 2005 during OP RedWing!

Memorial at NavySEALs.com OR Wikipedia Operation RedWing

This tune was Co-Written by Grammy Nominated songwriter Steven Dale Jones. This emotional heartfelt tune is performed by up and coming artist Leland Grant (see more below the tribute video). The director of the video is Retired Navy SEAL Brett Lynch. We offer a special thanks to Former Navy SEAL Sniper Richard Dudley for his help with this project and many other things. In addition CDR Gregory P. Geisen for putting together the tribute at PETCO park for the families. Plus Marcus and Patrick Robinson for the book of course Peter Berg for making THE "LONE SURVIVOR" movie.

The Executive Producer of "No One Gets Left Behind" created this video so that people would have a clear picture of the selfless actions our military members take on a regular basis. It is hard to explain the depth of their commitment. This tribute was created so that kids and parents together could understand the intensity of the American and Allied Military Mind Set. Plus to express to our service members that we are truly grateful for them, that their actions are noticed and that they are loved.

As a honorably discharged veteran MuLLady (after the video read below for a word from MuLLady) jumped at the opportunity to be the Executive Producer on this project. Each day he directs his thoughts of honor to the brave souls that have created the world that allows him the freedom he experiences. GOD Bless America and A World United!!

We celebrate the diversity of the military and acknowledge individuals from all races and all backgrounds that make up the American and Allied military today and throughout history.

Be sure to remember in the deepest part of your soul the ones that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Keep these brave warriors in your thoughts daily. Direct the emotion of LOVE to the people that keep us safe. We are able to feed our families, build our businesses, LOVE the people close to us and pursue happiness because of the men and women that make sure "No One Gets Left Behind".

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Never Forget Their Sacrifice~4th Anniversary~The Lost Members of Operation Redwing~JUNE 28, 2005

2009-06-28T03:23:15Z

SDVT-1A Tribute

Please click on the Lt Michael P. Murphy tag for all the tributes posted here-LIG

Lt Michael P. Murphy USN SEAL 5/7/76-6/28/05 Never Forgotten

Redwing

Posted on Memorial Day 2008 By Ryan at http://fitquestblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/memorial-day.html :

On June 28, 2005, Lt Murphy was leading a 4-man SEAL team in Afghanistan hunting a top Taliban leader. The team was comprised of Michael Murphy, Danny Dietz, Matthew Alexson, and Marcus Luttrell. A group of sheepherders saw them and alerted the Taliban to the SEAL presence. Unbeknownst to the four SEALs, about 40 Taliban surrounded the SEAL team isolating them on the face of a mountain. An intense firefight ensued, and the SEALs valiantly fought back. Lt Murphy attempted to radio for reinforcements, but the rugged terrain made radio transmissions impossible. With reckless disregard for his own safety, Lt Murphy exposed himself to enemy fire and moved into the open so that he could radio in for reinforcements. At one point, he was shot in the back and dropped the radio transmitter. Despite being mortally wounded, he picked up the transmitter and finished calling in the attack. He even said "Thank you" at the end of the call and hung up the receiver. He then rejoined his SEAL team behind cover.

A helicopter, equipped with 16 Special Forces personnel responded to the location (8 of which were Navy SEALs), but was shot down by an RPG. There were no survivors on board. For the next two hours, the four SEALs continued to fight over rugged terrain as they attempted to flee to safety. Lt Murphy succumbed to his wounds. Two other SEALs Danny Dietz and Matthew Axelson, were also cut down. SEAL Marcus Luttrell was blown back by an RPG, and knocked unconscious. Despite his severe wounds, Luttrell evaded the Taliban for a day and eventually was rescued by locals. He was rescued on July 2, 2005 by US Special Forces. You can read his story in his book, Lone Survivor.

The SEALs didn't go quiet into that dark night. Rear Admiral Joseph Maguire, Commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, told Murphy’s father, “Don’t think these men went down easily…Taliban bodies were strewn all over, 30-40 were killed, with a total of 80 casualties from the four- man team."

Lt Murphy was buried on July 13, 2005 in Long Island. He received the Medal of Honor on October 22, 2007. You can read more about him, his life, and his death at his official (Navy-made/mantained) Medal of Honor site and this special report.

I mention him today, not just because we are going to do the famous "Murph" workout. Rather, I mention him because today as I read the headlines on CNN, I noticed that a journalist had (rather appropriately) written an article on Michael Murphy and his family this Memorial Day. The article discusses today's war heroes. It observes that we as a nation simply don't treat our war heroes as we should. It used to be that sort of courage would be immortalized in people's minds, and recreated on the silver screen (i.e. Sgt York), but now, perhaps of the politics of this war, we seem to gloss over many of these war heroes. This is a tragedy, because these men are the real heroes. The Bible says that there is no greater love then someone who lays down his life for his friends. Men like Lt Murphy die for their country - yes, but many died for their friends. Lt Murphy died to save his SEAL team. Luttrell lived because of Lt Murphy's actions. In a country where heroes do shockingly little good and possesses little more than dashing good looks, lots of money, and a lot of movie/endorsement deals - it would do us good to pay attention and hold in highest honor men like Lt Murphy.

I don't want to neglect to mention the other SEALs with Lt Murphy that day.

Danny Dietz was one of the spotters on the original SEAL team. He died at the age of 25. According to accounts of the story, he refused to back down and continued fighting despite being dragged away by one of the other team members. Dietz suffered 16 gunshot wounds and eventually died from him injuries.

Danny left behind his wife (Maria), whom he had been married to for about 2 years. Today, a memorial stands in his hometown of Littleton, CO. He received the Navy Cross, the second highest award in the military. His father says he couldn't be prouder.

Matt Axelson was one of the snipers on that SEAL team. He died at the age of 29 from numerous gunshot wounds to the body and head.

Matt left behind his wife (Cindy) of nearly two years. He also received the Navy Cross. His family has put together an extremely moving website dedicated to his life and heroism.

Marcus Luttrell was the miraculous lone survivor of the group. Today he is retired from the Navy, and has written book about his experience called Lone Survivor. This article documents his story - check out the video below as well... this is a true warrior.

Take today to remember Lt Murphy, the SEALs with him, and many like them. Over the past several hundred years, thousands and thousands of men and women have given up their lives for this country. Many don't have the medal and ribbon of Lt Murphy, but all are nevertheless heroic. Tonight, maybe instead of reading your kids a feel-good bedtime story, tell them a story of a true hero - a true hero like Lt Michael Murphy, Danny Dietz, Matt Axelson, Marcus Luttrell, and the heroes on that helicopter.

The heroes in the rescue helicopter:

Nightstalkers:

Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio
Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minnesota.
Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Florida
Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Indiana
Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tennessee
Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Connecticut.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Virginia
Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida

SEALs:

Chief Petty Officer Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, Louisiana
Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. Healy, 36, of Exeter, New Hampshire
Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen, 33, of San Diego, California
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, of Corbett, Oregon
Lt. Michael M. McGreevy, Jr., 30, of Portville, New York
Petty Officer 2nd Class James E. Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, Florida
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway, West Virginia
Petty Officer Second Class Eric Shane Patton, 22, of Boulder City, Nevada

Remembering Special Heroes on Anniversary of Rescue~read news article here

by Daniel Bell | St. Louis ~Former Special Operations Medic, 160th S.O.A.R. (A)

Three years ago, I woke up to a phone call that would change my perspective on life, forming my understanding of the true meaning of sacrifice for one's nation. The day was June 28, 2005, and I was living on the flight line of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. SEAL Team 10 had just put a team of four into the mountains of the Kunar province the day before, uncertain of exact enemy strength. They had come in contact with enemy fire and needed quick extraction.

My senior medic, SFC Marcus Muralles, arrived to the flight line shortly after the phone call to prepare for the rescue mission, from which he would never return. As we loaded the vehicle with the life-saving equipment, we discussed preparing for our return back to the United States after he went to pick the boys up. Neither of us suspected that a simple rescue mission would end in tragedy.

Crossing the access road to the aircraft, Turbine 33, we passed the air mission commander, who inquired as to the location of the pilots and crews. They had not yet arrived, leaving Sgt. Muralles and me to open up the MH-47 Chinook in preparation for another combat mission.

As we loaded our equipment on the plane, the air crew began to arrive, setting up in preparation for unknown mission requirements. I finished loading Sgt. Muralles and the equipment, gave him some cold water and assured him that things would be ready to out-process Afghanistan upon his return. Stepping off the aircraft, I waved what would be a final farewell to the 16 men of our task force and SEAL Team 10.

Within an hour, we were in a rescue mission for not only the four SEALs on the ground, but also Turbine 33. Ultimately, we lost 19 Special Operations service men that day, leaving a lone survivor, Marcus Luttrell, who would endure a survival scenario that has captured America's attention.

Operation Red Wing will be remembered for the tragedy that became the initial and rescue missions; however, I will remember the warriors for who they were and the mission they believed in. As the last line of the Night Stalker creed states, "I serve with the memory and pride of those who have gone before me, for they loved to fight, fought to win, and would rather die than quit."

Let us remember the service men's sacrifice and belief in the mission on the third anniversary of Operation Red Wing.

Daniel Bell | St. Louis

Former Special Operations Medic, 160th S.O.A.R. (A)

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Long Beach, NY to host wounded veterans~8/30-9/2/09

2009-06-26T19:56:42Z

The city of boardwalk festivals and polar bear dips is hosting a beachside vacation for wounded military veterans who crave a little lounging along with their athletic pursuits.

To salute service members who have traumatic injuries, Long Beach has teamed up with the Wounded Warrior Project to invite 18 to 20 soldiers and their families from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

Calling the program Long Beach Waterfront Warriors, volunteers, with help from the city, are planning a welcome parade, boat rides, biking on the boardwalk, and for those who want it, some down time on the shore.

The idea is to "spend a weekend on the beach, where there is no pressure to perform," said city Councilman John McLaughlin, who is spearheading the event.

I'm not going to make you get on a Jet Ski," said Wounded Warrior Project volunteer ambassador Paul Hastings, adding that this visit may be the first trip to the ocean for some of the veterans. "It's the first such program in Nassau, where wounded troops have been invited to people's homes for rest and relaxation."

More than 50 people attended a meeting at city hall last week to coordinate the visit. Organizers said they had a list of at least 125 volunteers who have offered to raise funds, prepare food, or house guests. A retired firefighter even stopped McLaughlin on the street and tried to fork over $100 in cash for the cause. (The councilman asked him to come to a meeting instead.)

"You come to a nice beach town at the height of summer and you see this tide of people saying, 'What can I do?' " McLaughlin said. "It's a nice way to pay back the soldiers."

The city is lending support with logistics, including transportation and lifeguard assistance, he said.

McLaughlin, also a retired firefighter, got the idea from the Graybeards, a Rockaway Beach nonprofit that has hosted an annual water sports festival for wounded warriors since 2004.

Over the past few months, volunteers have recruited local merchants to donate meals and provide hotel rooms accessible to those with disabilities.

Alan Adams, 46, one of several residents who have opened their homes to lodge wounded warriors, said he's hoping to host a family with children close to his son's ages - 13 and 17.

Adams, who owns Sugo Cafe on West Park Avenue, is putting his restaurateur skills to work planning a bayside luau.

"With the people of Long Beach, how friendly and how tight-knit the community is, I thought it was a natural fit," he said.

At the meeting, Sarah Nichols, who heads a local Girl Scout troop, said its five members donated $100 raised from selling cookies, and they're ready to pitch in when the weekend arrives.

"I think it's an important experience for them," Nichols said. "So that they can look outside of themselves and know there's a lot going on."

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Transitioning Veteran~Helping Military Members through the benefits maze

2009-06-21T20:20:26Z

http://transitioningveteran.com and on facebook

Transitioning Veteran is dedicated to helping veterans who have or are in the process of separating from the

mlitary and who are looking for information on veteran benefits. Transitioning Veteran is a website that

helps guide veterans directly to what I feel are very useful links, when searching for information on

education, work and medical benefits. My hope with Transitioning Veteran is to make it easier for a veteran

of the Armed Forces to find important information pertaining to veteran benefits. I have spent numerous

amounts of time searching the internet for information that would help me to transition back into the civilian

world once I had separated from the Air Force. Since being out of the Air Force, I have used this

information that I found on the internet, to help me use my GI Bill, find a job and help me when applying for

my VA medical benefits.-Steve

Visit the blog too @ http://transitioningveteran.com/wordpress

Most recent blog post:

A Call to All

I was recently given a website to checkout called Not Alone, which was created to help military personnel who battle the after math of being in a war zone a chance to share their experiences with one another. We are all affected in different ways when we experience a tragic event in our lives, war can contribute many of these events that can manipulate a persons mind that could change them forever.

As I searched through the pages of the website, I stumbled upon an article speaking about Fort Campbell Suicides (by BULLDOG), a subject we are hearing all to often inside and outside the military community. Comments by others had been posted in response of the article and when I came upon a comment by Yvonne and took the time to read it, I realized I was reading a comment left by a soon to be married woman who was excited about marrying her military man, but never saw that day.

Yvonne lost her husband while he was deployed, and yet in the end Yvonne spoke about her fiance’s best friend who after returning home from the war, struggled to fit into civilian life once again do to the lack of support and proper treatment he needed. Yvonne ends her comment calling out to all civilians to be more supportive and understanding of what these brave heroes go through.

Yvonne is 100% correct, our military men and women need more support and war can change a person too a point where they cannot reconnect to civilian life. Many soldiers are affected differently with the trauma they experience while serving in a combat zone and where the Government lacks, organizations such as this one are making a difference.

Communication and support is key to helping these guys who serve our country. The Soldiers Project is another great organization with medical personnel taking a little of their time to help OIF/OEF veterans battling with symptoms of PTSD, though it is slowly expanding throughout the U.S. and needs more volunteers. The same goes for so many other Non-profit organizations, who are looking to do everything they can to help the men and women of the military.

Though we are making a difference in helping veterans when they return from the war zone compared to other past wars, support is still needed in anyway so these great organizations can fully reach out to these soldiers. Just as the many organizations are here to help these returning veterans, so should their families and American citizens. Family needs to support and understand what their soldier may be going through when they return and family too should take time to educate themselves to prepare for the return of their soldier. Instead of thinking their military family member is just having a bad day which then drags on throughout time, take the time to talk and try to connect with them.

Like I said before, talking to a person shows you care, and communication is the main focal point to understanding what a person may be going through. When you show someone your supportive, that’s when you may find the person opening up, revealing to you what troubles them. Though I’m not a professional or a licensed medical personnel, this is something I have experienced with someone and it’s also what I have learned while attending college.

So to all organizations, families and American citizens looking to make a difference in the lives of returning veterans, support and work with one another and maybe we can help even more men and women of the military and the number of suicides from rising.

To Yvonne,

Whoever you are, My sympathy goes out to you and I will make sure your call to all is heard.

-STEVE

TRANSITIONING VETERAN WIKI – PTSD LINKS

http://www.notalone.com/

The Soldiers Project – a non-profit organization in the Mental health sector looking to make a difference in the lives of OIF/OEF Veterans

SHORT FILMS

WALKING WOUNDED – produced by Darin Farr (Veteran and Film producer for Veterans Affairs)

NOW, AFTER – produced by Kyle Hausmann-stokes (Veteran of OIF and Film producer)

Tags: Darin Farr, Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, NOT ALONE, PTSD, The Soldiers Project

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The Soldiers Project~free counseling for OEF/OIF Military~Long Island & NYC

2009-06-15T20:07:08Z

The Soldiers Project is a private, non-profit, independent group of volunteer licensed mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. We provide free counseling and support to military service members who have served or who expect to serve in the Iraq and/or Afghanistan conflicts and to veterans of those conflicts. We see active duty as well as members of activated Reserve or Guard units. In addition, our services are available to the families and other loved ones of service members. We provide help to service members and families struggling with issues related to the overwhelming trauma of war including the cycle from pre-deployment to deployment to homecoming and re-entry to civilian life. Our services are entirely free of charge. We do not report to any government agency.

Who is eligible?

Active duty uniformed service members who have served in OIF/OEF
Members of activated Reserve/Guard military units with service in OIF/OEF
Veterans of OEF/OIF
Family members of the above including spouses, parents, grandparents, children, siblings, etc
Other loved ones

Locations/Contact Us

The Soldiers Project
info@thesoldiersproject.org
818-761-7438
Toll free: 877-576-5343

The Soldiers Project Chicago
kschecht@uchicago.edu

The Soldiers Project Long Island
SRC1031@aol.com
516-284-7531

The Soldiers Project New York City
212-787-8676

The Soldiers Project Northwest
soldiersprojectnw@yahoo.com
206-290-1035

The Soldiers Project Sacramento
Nancy White
nancela@sbcglobal.net
916-971-3440

Jodie George
jodie55@aol.com
916-838-8191

The Soldiers Project
Southern California
818-761-7438

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USMC Lance Cpl Jared Kremm~Foundation's 1st Annual Fundraiser, June 13th, Smithtown 6-9pm

2009-06-09T16:52:04Z

The Jared Kremm Foundation was created in memory of a USMC Lance Cpl from Long Island who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. Help honor this local hero at the first fundraiser on June 13, 2009 from 6-9pm at Napper Tandy's in Smithtown. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $40. For more information, call (631) 360-0606.

Lance Cpl Jared J. Kremm (8/8/1980-10/27/2005) died from an indirect fire explosion in Saqlawiyah, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

JaredKremm

From Newsday-"Jared was a hero; you've heard that again and again," Wackenhuth told the mourners. "He's your hero."

Kremm, who was raised in Bay Shore but attended high school and later lived in Hauppauge, was killed Oct. 27 in an explosion in Saqlawiyah while his unit searched for mines and hidden weapons, the U.S. Defense Department has said. A lance corporal with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary, Kremm was serving his second tour in Iraq.

He was the 13th soldier from Long Island to die in the Iraq war and at least the third with ties to Bay Shore killed.

"There's still a great feeling of disbelief," said Kremm's uncle, Donald Young, 40. "It just doesn't seem real or possible."

Yesterday's goodbye began with a small service at the Chapey Funeral Home in East Islip. After a processional of cars made its way to nearby Trinity, six Marines carried Kremm's coffin out of a hearse and into the church. Several soldiers and police officers who lined a walkway saluted, right hands in white gloves, as the coffin passed.

Kremm's mother, Nancy Young Kremm, was directly behind them, leaning on family members for support.

The service, a unique blend of military solidarity and a heartfelt farewell from a Long Island community to one of its own, celebrated Kremm's life as a soldier, relative and friend. But his work in Iraq, his legacy, was the theme of the funeral.

"Every generation has produced Jared Kremms ... heroes so that we can be safer," said Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington), who compared Kremm to revolutionaries who fought for American independence, the end of slavery and in World War II. "That is why Jared fought, and that's why he fell."

Cpl. Jose Soto, 27, who served with Kremm in Iraq, said his comrade had been a sparkplug, energizing the troops whenever there was a lull.

"If a job needed to be done," Soto said, "he would motivate the whole platoon to get it done."

Kremm was buried at Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton.

Read more about this Long Island hero here.

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D-Day Tribute at the American Airpower Museum~June 5th

2009-06-01T14:35:53Z

American Airpower Museum Flyer

Where will you be observing the 65^th anniversary of D-Day?

Many will come to the American Airpower Museum to participate in this award winning C-47/ D-Day Flight experience program with flights scheduled in June to mark the historic invasion of France as the Allies kicked down the front door of the Third Reich.

Many families offer flight experience membership now an early anniversary, birthday or holiday gift to their very own history buff. Provided with photos, literature and flight orders, this $300 museum membership level puts you in period uniform with Airborne living historians to find out what it must have been like to fly over Normandy on D-Day.

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Remember the Fallen: A Long Islander You Should Know~HM2 Jeffrey L. Wiener

2009-05-27T16:37:54Z

This is a follow-up to my Memorial Day post. Jeffrey L. Weiner is the Navy Corpsman buried next to Lt Murphy at Calverton -LIG

HM2(FMF) JEFFREY L. WIENER May 26, 1973-May 7, 2005

KIA 07 MAY 2005 IRAQ

3RD BATTALION 25TH MARINES

Jeffrey L. Wiener, at the age of 31, Hospital Corpsman Second Class USNR was killed in the line of duty serving our country, defending freedom, and securing the future of his little girls on May 7, 2005 in Al-Anbar Province, Iraq. Formerly of Lynbrook, NY. Jeffrey was a graduate of Lynbrook Senior High School. Beloved husband and best friend of Mariateresa. Devoted and loving father of Mikayla Lynn and Theadora Rose.

Index_1

Jeffrey devoted his life to helping others, volunteering in numerous community related organizations and departments. He was a former EMT for the County of Nassau, NY, earning the Red Cross Life Saving Award, the Jefferson County, KY EMS Squad, and the Patchogue, NY EMS Squad. Jeffrey was an ex-Captain of Tally-Ho Engine Company #3, Lynbrook Fire Department and an AMT-CC for the Lynbrook Medical Company #1. He was a certified CPR instructor working with several volunteer organizations including the Jefferson County Kentucky Explorers Program instructing teens in the field of EMS. Jeffrey served his country proudly earning the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Iraqi Campaign with FMF Combat Operations Insignia, the National Defense Medal, the Armed Forces Medal with M (For Mobilization), the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Fleet Marine Force Warfare Designation.

Sign the Legacy Book

May 19, 2005 News Article-

Beloved husband. Devoted father. Dedicated firefighter. Faithful friend. All these words - and more - have been used to describe Jeffrey L. Wiener, who on May 7 gave his life serving the in U.S. Navy in Iraq.

Jeffrey Wiener, a former resident of both Lynbrook and Valley Stream, and an 11-year veteran and ex-captain of Lynbrook's Tally-Ho Engine Company No. 3, was killed in what Pentagon officials described as a "combat-related incident." Subsequent reports indicate that Wiener was killed during a four-hour firefight that erupted after insurgents used a suicide bomb to level a civilian hospital.
      Wiener was buried in Calverton National Cemetery on Monday after a heartfelt wake and ceremony at O.B. Davis Funeral Home in Miller Place. Ten ladder trucks dotted the entrance to the cemetery, with American flags hanging between two extended ladders forming a fitting archway for a fallen hero. Local firefighters and EMS personnel, as well as representatives from Wiener's Louisville, Ky., neighborhood attended the funeral to pay their respects.
      Wiener leaves behind his wife and high-school sweetheart, Maria, as well as their two daughters, Mikayla Lynn, 5, and Theodora Rose, 2.
      On May 15, the Tally-Ho Company and the Lynbrook Fire Department held a memorial service in Wiener's honor. Josh Felix, captain of Tally-Ho, offered a glimpse into the man who meant so much to so many.
      Wiener was born on May 26, 1973, and grew up in Hutcheson Place in Lynbrook. He displayed a passion for volunteer work at age 14, when he joined the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department. In 1991, shortly after turning 18 and graduating from Lynbrook High School, Wiener joined Tally-Ho.
      His dedication took him up through the ranks quickly, and he was elected second lieutenant of Tally-Ho in April of 1997 and captain in 2000.
      Felix said that Wiener was so affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, that he joined the Navy and became a corpsman. In the Navy, Wiener showed the same dedication he displayed as a firefighter. "Jeff and his family always knew there was a possible chance of injury or death in joining the military, and a chance he would be sent to war," Felix said. "But Jeff was never one to shy away from his duties or his dreams.
      "Whether it was with Tally-Ho, leading the members in fighting a fire, or directing the extrication of an injured person from a car wreck - or later saving lives in war - Jeff was dedicated to every job or assignment that he took on."

The following eulogy was read by HM2 George T.Cleveland for HM2(FMF) Jeffrey L. Wiener:

I have neither the words, nor the ability to tell you about my best friend, HM2 Jeff Wiener. Even though it took years to know him like I did, anyone who met him for just a few minutes was immediately struck by his strength of character. Jeff was just physically imposing enough to make you fear mispronouncing his name. And invariably when people did, usually pronouncing it WINER, he would announce, in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, and in an unmistakable Long Island accent, "It's WEENER, like the balls!"

You see, Jeff was proud of who he was, of every aspect of his life from his family, to his name, to his heritage. But what he was most fiercely proud of was his service with the United States Marine Corps. When we met initially at Camp Geiger, there was one thing that drew us together like brothers. We both thought the Navy was gay, and we wanted to serve with the Marines. Not just the Marines, but with a line company. Jeff was from a Marine Corps Family, his brother who is a Sergeant with 1/7 served the last year in Al-Qaim. It had been over a year since Jeff had seen him. As fate would have it, Jeff was able to see his brother for the first and last time in Al-Asad, as he was leaving the country and Jeff was arriving.

Jeff's other brother is in Paris Island right now, and Jeff had planned on visiting him at SOI when we arrived at Camp Lejeune.
Jeff was more of a Marine than most Marines I know. That is the highest compliment any Marine can ever give to his doc, and one that is handed out only sparingly. Jeff earned that status among his Marines, and only a handful of Corpsman in this battalion can say the same.

I have met many corpsman in my career, and Jeff is easily in the top five best I have ever met. Just a quick note about his ability. We had attended a Special Operations Medic class in Camp Lejeune prior to being deployed. The class was taught by a private company who hired ex recon and SEAL corpsman for missions with the FBI. The instructor of the class was so impressed with Jeff during several evolutions, that he offered him a job on the spot. Jeff was truly the best of the best.

He was a warrior. His only drive, every day, was to go to war with his Marines. Jeff was always looking for a hot mission, telling me that he couldn't live with himself if he just laid back in the rear for the whole war. Jeff never laid back, he never took a play off, he never gave up. Before being deployed, Jeff tore his ACL, and suffered what his doctor described as a "phenomenal hernia". Any one of these injuries would have caused him not to be deployed, but he never spoke up, not even when he was taking Motrin by the hand full just to go on a patrol. He died a warriors death, he is a true American hero.

If there is a person who valued service to his country more highly than Jeff did, I have yet to meet him. A paramedic in New York City prior to joining the military, Jeff lost several friends in the attack on the World Trade Center. Many times when I would find myself questioning why I am here, I could just look to Jeff and I would know. Jeff had an unwavering sense of purpose. He knew why he was here. He was here to make the world just a little safer for his daughters to grow up in. He was here because his country called him. He was here because some of his friends no longer were. Of all the things that Jeff gave me in his life, that sense of purpose is the most valuable. I no longer question why I am here, I know why. I am here to make the world a little safer for my kids, I am here because my country called me. I am here because my best friend no longer is. God Bless you Jeff. Semper Fi.

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A Memorial Day I Will Never Forget

2009-05-26T15:53:30Z

Monday morning I took a drive out to Calverton National Cemetery to visit Lt Michael Murphy's grave. This was the first time I had my son, Ray join me. Ray is nine going on 30. He watches the Military Channel religiously, writes his school book reports on General Patton and the Vietnam War and makes assorted weapons from paper and tape. Over the weekend, I had a table at the Jones Beach Air Show, promoting the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride. The family helped out and watched the Air Show. Ray, of course, kept going back to the Army recruitment area to climb up on the humvee and pretend to shoot the 50-cal. He had quite the discussion with the soldiers about ammo and sight specifications. I decided I really wanted him to see Calverton on Memorial Day, to remember the military is not all guts and glory, but also sacrifice and selfless dedication.

The cemetery is only a 15 minute ride from our house and we drove out early. We arrived at Calverton to find it quiet and peaceful, before the Memorial Day ceremonies. Ray wanted to know if all the people in the cemetery died in action, and I explained that anyone who served in the military and received an honorable discharge can be buried there. He was impressed by the size of the cemetery, since it took quite a few twists and turns in the road to get to the section where Lt Murphy is buried. No one was in sight when we parked the car. Lt Murphy's headstone is easy to spot, since it is usually the most adorned with flowers and flags. We walked over and I showed him the front and back of the headstone. We talked a little about the Medal of Honor, placed our flowers and then Ray walked off to read the other markers. I talked to Murph for a few minutes, then joined Ray. As we walked some of the rows, we talked about the writings on the headstones. At the marker closest to Lt Murphy's, Ray stopped and read it. The grave is of a local Navy Corpsman KIA (Jeffrey L. Wiener) May 7, 2005 in Iraq. It had almost as many flowers as Lt Murphy's. After awhile, a car pulled up, and it appeared that the occupants were waiting for us to leave. We walked over to say good-bye to Murph, said a prayer and then got back in the car. The couple got out of their car and started walking over to Lt Murphy's headstone. The man stopped and saluted, and then proceeded to the fallen Marine's grave. He waved his wife over and they stood before the grave and placed flowers. Then they knelt down, and I could tell they were crying. I pulled away to give them privacy.

After a few minutes, Ray asked me if that was the fallen Marine's parents, and I replied I thought they were. He didn't say anything else for a few minutes. Then he said, "Mom, that Marine must have been very young, because his parents were really young. They must miss him very much." I just shook my head in agreement, and I finally cried.

EVERY DAY is Memorial Day for the ones left behind. HONOR their sacrifice.

-LongIslandgirl

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In Memoriam-Remembering Operation Redwing this Memorial Day

2009-05-25T05:17:30Z

I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did. ~Benjamin Harrison

Calverton

Redwing

Turbine33Memorial

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