A friend taken to soon

[Discus-n00b]

I debated posting this or not, but I figured since my section can serve as a blog for anything as well as discus, then it could go there. I guess I just needed to get it off my chest more then anything. Its something thats really been eating at me all day and i'm sure will for days to come. I think its the shock from hearing it.

Today I found out that a good friend of mine, and a fellow Marine, took his own life sometime this morning or late last night. I don't know details, not sure I want to, its just rough when something like this happens. Its hard to handle because you don't see it coming. He was 26 years old and was having a good life. He was one of my influences to join the Marines. Like many of us have done, he joined the Marine Corps post 9/11 during wartime fully aware of the sacrifices he might have to make. He had done 2 successful tours in Iraq, actual combat tours and returned safely from both. He was also a regular at church on Sundays. However, like most of these cases (suicides in the military) his past came back to haunt him.

Like I said, I don't know all the details, but I really believe one of those tours in Iraq really gave him a hard time afterwords. He worked one of the HARDEST jobs in the military during that tour, Mortuary Affairs. He did the dirty work for MA. He was the one collecting those KIA from the battlefield and field/base hospitals, processing them, and then sending them home so they may get the proper treatment for burial in the states. It really tore him up inside afterwords and he struggled with it for a while. I guess it finally was to much to bear. I've seen my fair share of "Angel Flights". Flights that carry the caskets of the men back to the states, and working one is never fun. I can't even imagine what he went through. I wish he would of let some of us help carry his weight and help him out. That is why its so hard to understand and accept, we would of helped him through it.


Pray for his family please. RIP my friend, I look forward to to day where we will serve together again. He was a good friend, a good Marine.

If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

Corporal Josh Blakenship is at his post, and on duty.
December 25, 1984 - July 13, 2010

[jball1125]

RIP Josh Blakenship. An American hero who will forever be remembered.

You and his family will be in my prayers.

A big THANK YOU to all who serve our country!

God Bless

[Eddie]

Wow, I am very sorry to hear the news Matt. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

Take care,

Eddie

[babakaty]

You have my deepest sympathy, Matt. Your friend performed an incredibly valuable service for the families of those who were lost. He is no less a casualty of war than any other serviceman killed in action. My prayers are with you and all who knew him, and all who protect us from harm.

[Elite Aquaria]

Matt,

I am so sorry to hear the news of your loss. I will have Josh's family in my prayers tonight.

[David Rose]

Matt,

Very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and all his loved ones.

Peace,
David

[wadewc]

Matt,

Very sorry! We will have Josh Blakenship in our prayers.

If I may say THANK YOU to all the brave men and women that serve our country! May God Bless each and everyone of you!

Wade

[LizStreithorst]

I'm so sorry about the tragic loss of your friend. War is a terrible thing.

[yim11]

Matt, my deepest condolences my friend.

We will keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care,
-jim

[korbi_doc]

Matt, these tragedies are so hard to bear for those left behind...I am so sorry for your terrible loss & pray for you as well as his family for the cross you have to bear in this life.....

condolences to all, Dottie

[Harriett]

Matt, my sincerest condolences to Josh's family and to you and all who loved him and suffer in this loss. This is just terrible. It has been a bone of contention for some time that returning soldiers require more post-war psych care which is a unique type of medicine. Too many come home wounded psychologically and are pretty much on their own to figure it out. This is just tragic. I am so very sorry.
Best regards
Harriett

[Jennie]

many prayers to you and the family he left behind.

[vera]

Man, thats so sad ....so young ..had all his life ahead
God bless his soul .......

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks all, means a lot. He'll be missed by all.

[Scribbles]

I am so sorry for your loss Matt. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Chris