2/24 Fox Co Families
Semper Fidelis
Never Forgotten
With the deepest sadness and the heaviest heart, I report to you the loss of two of our Fox Co Marines that were killed in action 4-14-08. LCpl David Doyle, was seriously injured in the same incident, and is expected to recover. Their families have been notified.
As long as I breathe, these men will always be true HEROES in my heart.
~Sharon
CPL RICHARD NELSON, HQS platoon
Loving husband to Kristen Nelson - married Apr 21, 2007
Loving son of Leonard & Susan Nelson
Loving brother to 5 brothers/1 sister
LCPL DEAN OPICKA, HQS platoon
Loving son of David & Donna Opicka
Loving brother to 3 brothers
Loving fiancee to Katy Bonkoski
The quote below is from Colonel Smith when Daniel Wyatt was Killed in Action. His words are as profound & meaningful now as they were then.
October 2004
"...believe what you want. That is your right as Americans. But I am
telling you, there are no heroes on any football fields, basketball courts
or halls of government. There are honorable and decent people all over
America. However, the heroes are on the battlefields of Iraq. Suffering,
killing and DYING that others might live, and live in FREEDOM. Americans
free from terror, Iraqis free from oppression and tyranny.
I will not profess glory of battle or any other such hype. I will profess
duty and sacrifice. [Our Fallen] show us all true duty and ultimate sacrifice.
I have no doubt that the instant they die, they are whisked to heaven on the
wings of Angels and placed before the unapproachable light of Jesus, who
himself said: "greater love hath no man, than a man lay down his life for
his friends." John 15:13
October 2004
"...believe what you want. That is your right as Americans. But I am
telling you, there are no heroes on any football fields, basketball courts
or halls of government. There are honorable and decent people all over
America. However, the heroes are on the battlefields of Iraq. Suffering,
killing and DYING that others might live, and live in FREEDOM. Americans
free from terror, Iraqis free from oppression and tyranny.
I will not profess glory of battle or any other such hype. I will profess
duty and sacrifice. [Our Fallen] show us all true duty and ultimate sacrifice.
I have no doubt that the instant they die, they are whisked to heaven on the
wings of Angels and placed before the unapproachable light of Jesus, who
himself said: "greater love hath no man, than a man lay down his life for
his friends." John 15:13
======================
From 2/24 Battalion Commander 15 April 2008
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Families and Friends of TF Mayhem,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this message to you. Yesterday, we had 2 Marines from Fox Company Killed as the result of enemy action. The vehicle they were operating struck an IED resulting in the deaths of Corporal Richard J. Nelson and Lance Corporal Dean D. Opicka. Lance Corporal David Doyle was injured in the attack and is recovering at a local Coalition Forces Hospital . Their families have been officially notified. I am not at liberty to discuss the details of this incident at this moment or in this forum.
My thoughts and prayers are with Corporal Nelson’s wife Kristen, and his parents Leonard and Susan. My thoughts and prayers are also with Lance Corporal Opicka’s parents David and Donna. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. The loss of these fine, fine Marines will certainly be felt by all. The Marines will continue to do the great work that they have been doing for the past several months and I ask as we work through these difficult days to keep supporting the Marines as you have been doing all along. A memorial service for Corporal Nelson and Lance Corporal Opicka has been scheduled.
The Marines will continue their mission. We will pay our respects to our fallen brothers and like Marines have done in the past, we will complete our mission. We would dishonor the memory of these two warriors if we did not.
The Sergeant Major and I, visited the Marines from Fox Company last night, they are doing as well as can be expected. Additionally, we visited with Lance Corporal Doyle this morning and he is doing well, his injuries will take some time to heal but, we expect him to return to full duty soon.
God Bless and Semper Fidelis
Lt. Col. F.W. Charlonis
Commanding Officer, TF 2/24
Habbaniyah, Iraq
========================
Dear Fox Families and Friends,
Yesterday, Fox Company lost two fine young men, Corporal Richard Nelson
and Lance Corporal Dean Opicka. Both were killed in action by a
roadside improvised explosive device. A third Marine, Lance Corporal David
Doyle was wounded, currently hospitalized and in good condition. I saw
him today. He is in good spirits and expected to make a full
recovery.
and Lance Corporal Dean Opicka. Both were killed in action by a
roadside improvised explosive device. A third Marine, Lance Corporal David
Doyle was wounded, currently hospitalized and in good condition. I saw
him today. He is in good spirits and expected to make a full
recovery.
Understandably, I write this email with sadness and looking for the
"right" words to say. This feeling permeates through the entire company,
and I'm sure, through the entire Fox Family.
"right" words to say. This feeling permeates through the entire company,
and I'm sure, through the entire Fox Family.
I can say that Rick and Dean were extraordinarily well liked by all.
They were hardworking and loyal to their brother Marines. They have
traits and qualities that other Marines aspire to have, and through daily
contact with them, often did.
They were hardworking and loyal to their brother Marines. They have
traits and qualities that other Marines aspire to have, and through daily
contact with them, often did.
Rick always had a quick smile and a sincere concern for the welfare of
the Marines in his platoon. As a vehicle commander, he always ensured
that his vehicle and crew were ready for any and all contingencies that
may arise. He ensured that his crew were ever watchful, ever vigilant
of the dangers that lurk ahead.
the Marines in his platoon. As a vehicle commander, he always ensured
that his vehicle and crew were ready for any and all contingencies that
may arise. He ensured that his crew were ever watchful, ever vigilant
of the dangers that lurk ahead.
Dean was a quiet Marine, notorious for his extremely hard working
ethic. He never complained, never failed. His tireless energy was an
inspiration to all. He was dependable, intelligent and caring. He also
looked out for his vehicle crew and did so until the very end.
ethic. He never complained, never failed. His tireless energy was an
inspiration to all. He was dependable, intelligent and caring. He also
looked out for his vehicle crew and did so until the very end.
Throughout the recovery period, their brother Marines stood a constant
vigil. They guarded them through the night and into the morning. They
would allow no other harm, ill thought or errant word, to befall their
brothers. Their minds and hearts were consoled by the fact that their
brothers passed without suffering.
vigil. They guarded them through the night and into the morning. They
would allow no other harm, ill thought or errant word, to befall their
brothers. Their minds and hearts were consoled by the fact that their
brothers passed without suffering.
Altough this is a difficult time for the Marines in the company, we
fully understand what we must do. We will continue our mission. We will
continue the day to day cycle of life of an infantry unit in Iraq. And
when the time comes, the Marines will grieve, as Marines do, in the
presence of each other. We will embrace and celebrate the lives of Rick
and Dean. We will tell stories of their antics and we will laugh. We
will reminisce about the times they did this, or they did that, and
smile. And when the grieving is done, we will place them safely in our
hearts and protect them. They will come home with us, in spirit. Until
that time, I firmly believe that they will guide us from above. They
will be part of our lives forever.
fully understand what we must do. We will continue our mission. We will
continue the day to day cycle of life of an infantry unit in Iraq. And
when the time comes, the Marines will grieve, as Marines do, in the
presence of each other. We will embrace and celebrate the lives of Rick
and Dean. We will tell stories of their antics and we will laugh. We
will reminisce about the times they did this, or they did that, and
smile. And when the grieving is done, we will place them safely in our
hearts and protect them. They will come home with us, in spirit. Until
that time, I firmly believe that they will guide us from above. They
will be part of our lives forever.
My heart, prayers and thoughts are with the wife, parents and family of
Corporal Richard Nelson and the fiancé, parents and family of Lance
Corporal Dean Opicka.
Corporal Richard Nelson and the fiancé, parents and family of Lance
Corporal Dean Opicka.
May God bless them, the Fox Family and Fox Company
Guillermo
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
===========================================
Amazing Grace
During the funeral service, Ricky Nelson's brother shared with us a story from LCpl Doyle (the Marine who was injured when Rick and Dean were killed.)
He said the three of them were all singing (loudly) the song Amazing Grace when the bomb exploded. Rick's brother said he is fairly certain that Rick & Dean finished that song in Heaven above.
Both of these young men were well-loved and their lives impacted so many people. The funerals were heartbreaking, but at the same time - touching and comforting and celebrated how incredible they each were.
They will be deeply missed. As the days turn into months and years, make sure you remember to reach out to their families as often as you can.
Never forget.
PFC Jason Toeller July 25, 2007
In loving memory of a young Marine who tragically died too young in a car accident. He loved watching sports, having fun, fixing cars, building furniture and going to church on Sundays.
May you rest with the Angels PFC Jason Toeller
Words from Pastor Mike Knetsch:
May you rest with the Angels PFC Jason Toeller
Words from Pastor Mike Knetsch:
I
know it is very difficult to deal with this kind of loss especially
when he is close to all the Marine's and Fox families. We can be
comforted knowing that he is now home and safe and we'll all get the
chance to see him again one day. Life is very delicate and we need to
enjoy each other to the fullest everyday because we do not know when
our time has come. May the good LORD comfort Joshua's family at this
time as well as all the Marine's and Fox families. GOD speed.
In CHRIST,
Pastor Mike
LCpl Joshua Maginn July 22, 2007
A tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of this amazing Marine on Sunday, July 22, 2007.
You will never be forgotten Joshua Maginn.
Semper Fi
You will never be forgotten Joshua Maginn.
Semper Fi
- Do not stand at my grave and weep,
- I am not there, I do not sleep.
- I am in a thousand winds that blow,
- I am the softly falling snow.
- I am the gentle showers of rain,
- I am the fields of ripening grain.
- I am in the morning hush,
- I am in the graceful rush
- Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
- I am the starshine of the night.
- I am in the flowers that bloom,
- I am in a quiet room.
- I am in the birds that sing,
- I am in each lovely thing.
- Do not stand at my grave and cry,
- I am not there. I do not die.
LCpl. Robert Lagasse May 17, 2007
In memory of
"ROBMAN"
Rob died unexpectedly May 17, 2007
He was a Fox Co Marine in 2nd Platoon.
He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
"ROBMAN"
Rob died unexpectedly May 17, 2007
He was a Fox Co Marine in 2nd Platoon.
He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Honoring our Fallen Heroes
The Marines of 2/24 who gave the ultimate sacrifice
Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2005
Matthew Adams, Weapons Co. ~ July 25, 2004
Daniel Wyatt, Fox Co. ~ October 12, 2004
Nathan Hammond, Golf Co. ~ November 8, 2004
Shane O'Donnell, Golf Co. ~ November 8, 2004
Branden Ramey, Golf Co. ~ November 8, 2004
Robert Warns, Golf Co. ~ November 8, 2004
Peter Giannaopoulos, Weapons Co. ~ November 11, 2004
Brian Prening, Fox Co. ~ November 12, 2004
Ryan Cantafio, Golf Co. ~ November 25, 2004
Brent Vroman, Fox Co. ~ December 13, 2004
Richard Warner, Fox Co. ~ December 13, 2004
Travis Wichlacz, Fox Co. ~ February 5, 2005
Andrew Nowacki, H&S Co. ~ February 26, 2005
Chad Simon, Golf Co. ~ wounded November 8, 2004.
Died August 4, 2005
Goodnight Sweet Warriors
You'll never be forgotten
Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2005
Matthew Adams, Weapons Co. ~ July 25, 2004
Daniel Wyatt, Fox Co. ~ October 12, 2004
Nathan Hammond, Golf Co. ~ November 8, 2004
Shane O'Donnell, Golf Co. ~ November 8, 2004
Branden Ramey, Golf Co. ~ November 8, 2004
Robert Warns, Golf Co. ~ November 8, 2004
Peter Giannaopoulos, Weapons Co. ~ November 11, 2004
Brian Prening, Fox Co. ~ November 12, 2004
Ryan Cantafio, Golf Co. ~ November 25, 2004
Brent Vroman, Fox Co. ~ December 13, 2004
Richard Warner, Fox Co. ~ December 13, 2004
Travis Wichlacz, Fox Co. ~ February 5, 2005
Andrew Nowacki, H&S Co. ~ February 26, 2005
Chad Simon, Golf Co. ~ wounded November 8, 2004.
Died August 4, 2005
Goodnight Sweet Warriors
You'll never be forgotten
Click here for "Farewell Marine" Tribute
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I'm Already Home...
Beautiful song tribute to our Fallen Heroes.
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If you’re reading this
My momma is sitting there
Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here
I sure wish I could give you one more kiss
War was just a game we played when we were kids
Well I’m laying down my gun
I’m hanging up my boots
I’m up here with God
And we’re both watching over you
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed where it would go.
If you’re reading this I’m already home.
If you’re reading this
Half way around the world
I won’t be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stand up for the innocent and the weak
I’m laying down my gun
Hanging up my boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that id follow in his shoes
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my momma always prayed where it would go
If you’re reading this, I’m already home
If you’re reading this, there is going to come a day
You move on and find someone else and that’s okay
Just remember this
I’m in a better place
Soldiers live in peace and angels sing amazing grace
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my momma prayed where that it would go
If you’re reading this
If you’re reading this
I’m already home
My momma is sitting there
Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here
I sure wish I could give you one more kiss
War was just a game we played when we were kids
Well I’m laying down my gun
I’m hanging up my boots
I’m up here with God
And we’re both watching over you
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed where it would go.
If you’re reading this I’m already home.
If you’re reading this
Half way around the world
I won’t be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stand up for the innocent and the weak
I’m laying down my gun
Hanging up my boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that id follow in his shoes
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my momma always prayed where it would go
If you’re reading this, I’m already home
If you’re reading this, there is going to come a day
You move on and find someone else and that’s okay
Just remember this
I’m in a better place
Soldiers live in peace and angels sing amazing grace
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my momma prayed where that it would go
If you’re reading this
If you’re reading this
I’m already home