California man killed in Iraq after losing 150 pounds to enlist

San Diego Union-Tribune ^ | 7/10/04 | Ben Fox/AP

[wagglebee]

When I read about men like these I realize that Edwards is wrong when he talks about two Americas. There is only one America, the problem is that its full of rabid, leftist America-haters.

[Paul Atreides]

Poor kid. His bravery and service will not be forgotten, to those who care about him, and his brothers-in-arms, in the first place.

[kstewskis]

as my Mom would say..

"He'll get an extra diamond in his crown when he gets to heaven."

God bless him.

[FlashBack]

God Bless Justin and his family...we will never be able to thank them enough for their sacrifice.

God Bless our Service members everywhere for what they do for our country.

God Bless President Bush and the USA!!!

[SandRat]

Posted at http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1169264/posts 10:42 MDT this morning. Lots of good replys there.

[AmericanMade1776]

God Bless You Justin Hunt, and your family.

[EverOnward]

Our county's finest men and women are now serving in the military. May God bless them throughout the eternities for their sacrifice in our behalf.

[don-o]

Posted here, with a plan to honor this Marine

[Hildy]

I posted this on the other thread, but the more who see it, the better:

I want to do something to recognize this young man. I've been doing some research, and he lives just 75 miles east of L.A. Apparently he was a football star in high school and I was thinking we could have some kind of memorial put in there in his honor...a plaque, something. I don't know. I will do the work and do the contacting. Of course I would get his parent's permission, I thought it would be nice to have it given by our group, FreeRepublic. This story has touched me in a way that I didn't expect. How hard this man worked to defend his country...and then he dies. I'm doing to do alot of praying today, because it's days like this that make me question a whole lot more than I usually do. Let me know if there's interest in this. I'm going to do it with or without Free Republic.

[wagglebee]

Sorry, I ran a search on the title and missed it.

[don-o]

Look like a couple linked the thread, Hildy. Carry on and ping me when you get some details and where I can send my $$

[wagglebee]

I think this is a wonderful idea. Keep me posted on any progress you make.

[don-o]

No problem.

Papers put different headlines on the same story.

I love Hildy's idea to do a Freeper memorial at this Marine's stadium.

[wagglebee]

I love Hildy's idea to do a Freeper memorial at this Marine's stadium.

Me too!

[bray]

God Bless this Hero and his Mother! This kid is what America is all about. Rest in Peace Hero. It only underlines what scum Yaaaaawn and his protesters are.

Pray for W and Our Amazing Troops

[patriciaruth]

If you'll depoliticize your memorial effort, and just say something like what they say when they hand over the flag "from a grateful nation", then I'll recommend this project.

I don't think this is something that should have FreeRepublic on it. That's too "commercial" for such a holy relic.

[Hildy]

I just meant it should come from a group, instead of an individual. But just anonymous is fine with me. In fact, I like that better.

[patriciaruth]

I think it would be best if people who see the memorial feel good and spend their time thinking about the young man who gave his life for our country.

Putting FreeRepublic on it makes it look self serving to some, whether that was intended or not.

And we are part of the GratefulNation. Personally don't think a lot of libs are.

[merry10]

Me three.

I live in California, so let me know if I can help. Okay? I will drive there if necessary

[oncebitten]

He went out as a MAN and a patriot for his country. He had reformed himself in body and spirit. I only hope I could have the same accolades when my time comes. This has been posted many times, but never lacks for merit:

WESTMORELAND. O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!

KING. What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

This is the great battle of our age - civilization versus despotism and fanaticism. Those who have the opportunity to serve deserve all the praise and honor, we others can only look on with admiration and give our support.