and I miss you. Almost 5 years...
I think if you were here we would have a lot of fun :)
A Marine"s Story
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
today I thought about you a lot
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Old Guestbook
When I revised this page, I had to remove the guestbook from the original site, which I'm reposting here. Unfortunately, the old guestbook has a maximum message length, so many of the messages are cut short.
Name : Jason Biddle
Email : jbiddle@zoominternet.net
Comment : I did not know Dale but I am can relate to your loss...
I served in the Air Force and lost friends and family who were also proud to be Americans defending the freedoms we so often taken for granted! I thank you for your support in standing to remember thos
Name : Captain Vincent Wozniak
Email : vincent.wozniak@barksdale.af.mil
Comment : As a former Marine and an AF Officer I was greatly touched by the life of Dale Jr. that you shared with us. He is a True Hero and so are you and the rest of his family. God Bless
Name : Donna Dodson
Email : labelladonna652@aol.com
Comment : There will never be enough words to express my feelings for all that has and will continue to be done for the freedom and protection of every human being in this world. Our soldiers give unconditionally for us and they are not shown how much we appreciat
Name : CPL. ANDREW S. DOUGLAS
Email : DOUGLASAS01@YAHOO.COM
Comment : I WAS DALES ROOMMATE FOR 2 YEARS AND MAN WAS HE A RIOT. I MISS OLD CHEESEBURGER. WE HAD ALOT OF GOOD TIMES. I GOT WOUNDED THE DAY DALE CAME BACK TO THE PLATOON AFTER HE CAUGHT SOME SHRAPNEL. I HEARD WHAT HAPPENED IN THE HOSPITAL. HE WAS A TEAM LEADER/ SQU
Name : Jeremy Parker
Email : jparker@manpowermi.com
Comment : I served as Dales squad leader during his first two deployments. I have gone all through your site and you have done an awesome job. I speak will Bill Pratt on a regular basis and we talk about Mike and Dale from time to time. I cant really say how much I
Name : Kathleen Miller
Email : krm83@comcast.net
Comment : Jen, I went to BAHS with Dale. I just came across this page which I think you have done a great job with. Dale was a great guy, the last time I saw him was in 11th grade English I believe. I am so sorry for your loss, your family will be in my prayers alw
Name : Russ Lee
Email : russell.k.lee@irs.gov
Comment : Jen - First of all - Congrats on your marriage. While looking to find out where Dale Sr. and Jr. were buried at Arlington so I can pay my respects to them, I came across your wonderful website. I am your moms cousin by marriage. My sister (Roz) and I(w/ p
Name : hannah
Email : usmcchik1@netscape.net
Comment : He was a brother, and a friend. Im sure you still miss him as I still miss Nick. God bless you for being so strong.
Name : C. Williams (Weiss)
Email : christina@scanmail-software.com
Comment : Dale had taken my younger sister, Jen, to prom shortly after bootcamp. I will never forget the stars in her eyes when he walked in the front door wearing his blues. Both my sister and I being Marines ourselves, hearing the news hit that much harder. Whene
Name : Robert Yeager
Email : sales@cooqy.com
Comment : Sorry to read about your loss. Your website is a very fine memorial to someone who looks to have been very special.
Name : Capt B
Email : http://shepherdaway.blogspot.com/
Comment : Life is precious and will always end. What we do between the time we are born and the time we are called away is what is important. Its about decisions and what other benefited from that you had a part in. Sometimes the biggest contributors go unnoticed w
Name : John Doyle
Email : mouse@bluemoon.net
Comment : Jennifer, thank you for sharing Dale with us. He and your father are home now and God will bless them and you for what you and they have done.
Name : Father Ron Camarda
Email : ronmoses7@yahoo.com
Comment : One year ago, I witnessed your brothers death to life. I felt like he called me onto Active Duty in Iraq to anoint his and share the story. Awesome! Loving! Faithful! Peace, Joy, Love.
Name : Deb Ruth
Email : ruthmomma@hotmail.com
Comment : Jen-We could think of no better way to celebrate Veterans Day but to visit Dale at Arlington. God Bless you all. Deb (Jared Ruths Mom)
Name : Patty
Email : enzo4rari@aol.com
Comment : My son David and Dale were close growing up. They played baseball together when they were little. Jennifer, youve done a wonderful job with this website. Thank you!
Name : Deb Ruth
Email : ruthmomma@hotmail.com
Comment : Our family wanted to let you know that we keep Dale in our thoughts and prayers. When he was home for his Dads funeral he stopped over to pick up our son Jared. He spent time with us in the kitchen telling us about the children that he met in Iraq. He tal
Name : Serna
Email :
Comment : I just got done looking through your pictures. It really tickled me to see the birthday cake from Iraq. I made it from all MRE ingredients (gross I know)A Spiced pound cake, and Strawberry milkshake mix, mixed with a lot of coffee creamer to make it thick
Name : Lcpl Serna
Email : Dakotabusmc@yahoo.com
Comment : I served in your brothers fire team. I will remember him as an older brother to me, and one of the greatest people I ever knew. He will never be forgotten. I will miss him truely. This is a great site to honor his sacrifice
Name : Brett Allred
Email : brett.allred@perbio.com
Comment : Jennifer, I am Mike Allreds Dad. We met at Dales funeral. This is a really good website. There needs to be one for every fallen hero. Hope you are enjoying things down under. It is really beautiful in NZ. Our family still talk about Mike and Dale a lot. T
Name : M.M.Serna
Email : Miami370@sbcglobal.net
Comment : My son served with your brother in Iraq, fought with him in Fallujah, and had to say goodbye too soon. I have no words for losses we can not measure, but if our spirits rise to heaven , one star belongs to him.
Name : Sgt. Joseph W. Gary 3/1 Kilo co. 2nd Plt.
Email : Garyjw0311@yahoo.com
Comment : Dale,You are a true hero.Just know, as you guard the gates up in heaven, the Marines of 3rd Battalion 1st Marines will NEVER and I mean NEVER forget the sacrifice you made. SEMPER FIDELIS MARINE, and GOD BLESS your soul!
Name : ken christian
Email : attickusscout2k2@msn.com
Comment : Thank you Dale...I have more than I could ever account for because of men like you. You, and others like you will always be an example for me and my sons in the years to come....Once again thank you.
Name : Kathy Karle
Email : kwkarle@tc3net.com
Comment : Jen; So sorry about your loss. I am so honored to read your beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing your brothers life with us. (my son was his friend, also.) Kathy
Name : John
Email : john.sanchez@us.army.mil
Comment : Semper Fidelis. My sympathies, my condolences, my understanding. He lived for a higher purpose, and he gave his life to see that purpose fulfilled. Tojour Prets (Always Ready!) John
Name : Jen
Email :
Comment : Thanks for all your messages. Just a reminder if they are too long the whole message wont show up.
Name : Bill
Email : billdmullis@comcast.net
Comment : Jen, What wonderful tribute!! Im Brendas Husband. I pray for peace as often as I can! Its good that you and your brother were so close. So many families lack that these days. Your Mom certainly did a great job raising all of you. Im a former Marine too
Name : Tori
Email : yanksdownunder@yahoo.com
Comment : Im so sorry for the loss of your brother.
Name : Mom
Email : burger7991@yahoo.com
Comment : Thanks sweetheart for a wonderful tribute to your brother. He would have been so honored. I love you!!!
Name : Trish Weston
Email :
Comment : Sounds like a wonderful young man, Im so sorry I wont actually get to meet him. Youve done a wonderful job Jen, lots of love, Trish.
Name : Kathy
Email : kcb1974@hotmail.com
Comment : Hi Jen, I found myself getting choked up as I read each page. Taken way too early, but it sounds like he was living his lifes dream. It cant have been easy for you to put this together. A very moving tribute to Dales life. Youve done him proud! Kath XX
Name : Sarah Richards
Email : sarah_richards@hotmail.com
Comment : I just wanted to let you know that Im very sorry about losing Dale. I interviewed your mother for National Public Radio; she is an incredible person. I wish you peace and healing. Your family is in my thoughts- Sincerely, Sarah Richards
Name : cheryle
Email : cherylesainsbury@yahoo.com.au
Comment : Hi Jen nice tribute to your brother take care of YOU
Name : Tim Bergin
Email : timbergin0164@hotmail.com
Comment : Dale ill do my best. Im just sorry i never got to meet you. you were know by few but a HERO to many. love your brother inlaw Tim
Name : Taleese
Email : taleese@charter.net
Comment : Jen, I am a student at UoP too and got your link from there. What a wonderful tribute you have created. My brother in law and very best friend are both in Iraq. My thoughts are with them and all te soldiers there. I am so sorry for you & your families li
Name : Reba Sullivan
Email : rsullivan1254@charter.net
Comment : Im really sorry for your loss, though it was a while ago. But I could tell his childhood memories are still with you after all this time. I have a Son-In-Law who just went to Iraq in September. He and my youngest daughter have 3 small children, ages 4,
Name : Prue & Burger
Email : pruehancox@hotmail.com
Comment : So sorry to hear about your brother. Our thoughts are with you & your family. Take care. Love Prue & Burger
Name : Emma Cother
Email : emcother@hotmail.com
Comment : A beautiful tribute Jen. What an amazingly poised and courageous man your brother was.
Name : Haleema
Email : r_haleema@hotmail.com
Comment : Jen, This is such a wonderful site you have created. Dale seemed like such a giving and caring person. This is a great way to keep his light shinning.
Name : Lynn Frost
Email : Fishnsrf@msn.com
Comment : Our Dad doing all the wonderful things he has always wanted to do. GOD BLESS THEM BOTH AND TO ALL THE TRROPS STILL FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM EVERYWHERE
Name : Lynn Frost
Email : Fishnsrf@msn.com
Comment : That is a beautiful web page Jen. I can only wish that I got to know him even more than I did and that it will teach us to all stay in touch because we are family. I am very sorry about Dales death and and know that he is having the time of his life with
Name : Elena
Email : etffoley@yahoo.com
Comment : I am so sorry for your loss.Accidentaly i saw your post in OLS-Student-Lounge.New-Students (my husband is student at Uop).Your brother was so young and had so much to offer and take from life.Is first time when i see what a soldier really feel (from his e
Name : Kristina
Email : kzahorian@hotmail.com
Comment : Jen, A beautiful memorial for your brother! He would be very proud to know that you have put such time and dedication into keeping his memory alive. Anything you need, I am only a phone call away....xx kristina
Name : Nathan Stretch Wert
Email : nathanw@centurytel.net
Comment : Im sorry for your familys loss. I thank you for his service to his country and to those of us at home. God Bless..... ---- UoP Student
Name : Jen
Email : squash6462@yahoo.com
Comment : Dale, I miss you so much. I can hear your voice so clearly that I cant believe your not real. I love you.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Monday, November 12, 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
Pundit Review Podcast
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Someone You Should Know: Marine Cpl. Dale A. Burger Jr.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Mike Allred - Memorial Video
Video memorial for Dale's best friend, Mike. They zoom in one Dale at 2:50 on the video.
Eulogy - written by Dale's Uncle, Joseph Lee
This eulogy was written and delivered by my uncle, Joseph Lee.
Eulogy given
Nov 27, 2004
at Memorial Service for
Corporal Dale Burger, Jr.
Oak Grove Baptist Church
"My nephew was like any other little boy. Dale Allen Burger, Jr. was born at Franklin Square Hospital July 9, 1983, and was raised in and around the Bel Air area. He went to local schools. Played Little League and Ice Hockey.
He had a small group of close friends, and went to their birthday and swimming parties. Even went with them on vacations, and vice-versa. At 16 he heard a calling - the same calling that made his dad volunteer for service in Vietnam - the same calling that led to his grandpa's landing in Normandy on D-Day. He dropped out of school to complete his GED and with his mom's signature, signed up to join the Marines at the earliest legal age of 17-1/2. And all before 9/11 happened.
Deep down inside we had our reservations, because at that time Dale Jr. was maybe all of 120 pounds "soaking-wet", a lanky almost scrawny kid inspite of working out with a set of weights given him a few years earlier. He grew up in streets no meaner than the suburbs of Bel Air. He always had a quiet, almost shy, but kind, temperament about him, so we weren't sure if he could put up with the intense physical, mental and emotional rigors of Boot Camp. But he went in with the steely determination of someone with a destiny. And he knew we loved him and supported him in what he was doing.
He completed Basic Training, and we rejoiced with him in his accomplishment. But the road ahead could only go uphill. We reminded him he was loved no matter how he fared. That he was already a Hero to us for just taking the initiative to sign up and try out for the Marines. We knew there was plenty of danger ahead.
In the next two years, the Marines would turn him from a wayward child into a confident and able young man. Beside all the physical challenges, they taught him discipline, honor, duty, courage, commitment - all the good virtues that are hard to teach anyone. They bulked up his small frame to be able to carry a 80 pound pack for many miles through rough terrain. They taught him how to operates several weapons proficiently, how to rappel out of helicopters and make beach assaults from the sea. He was taught how to be a "lean, mean killing machine".
He earned a Rifleman's Badge for Marksmanship as well as an award for Leadership. And once was honored for saving the lives of two of his fellow Marines while training in the high mountains of Sierra Nevada. He was able to function on barely 3 hours of sleep a day - this from a child whom I've always known to needed 8 or 9.
His first deployment took him to the far Pacific - Singapore, Okinawa, and the small island country of East Timor. There as part of a UN peacekeeping mission, he befriended small children from the neighboring village. Dale Jr would have preferred to pass out candy to children, rebuild a bridge, or dig a well for water, in doing his duty, rather than operate an M-16 automatic rifle. But he was trained to use the latter. This sea-based deployment was cut short to return for more desert training. We could see the writing on the wall.
A few weeks later his unit would be in Kuwait and he met the enemy for the first time. While training in the deserts of Kuwait, another unit in the same Battalian came under fire from two Kuwaitis who had earlier befriended the unit. And this while none of the Marines had live ammo. Word got out and Dale Jr's unit armed themselves and captured these two Islamists.
Due to operational secrecy, we didn't know Dale Jr was fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom, although we had suspected it, until about three weeks into the war, back in 2003. His first taste of actual combat was a doozy. An advance unit of Marines had encountered a fake surrender of the enemy at An Nasariah. The unit was ambushed and over 20 Marines were killed. The ensuing firefight lasted for over eleven hours. Dale Jr later told me it was like a video game... except it was for real... and although he hated to admit it, he was good at it. The whole time, he was thinking about the Marines that were killed in action.
His unit went north toward Baghdad along the Tigris River. Many times going into strange towns and villages, he "walked point" which meant he was the lead guy. This was probably because he had keen vision and was taller than most of the others and being skinny he also offered a smaller silhouette. It was also probably because he didn't have a fiancee, wife or children back home. Later he would tell me "Don't worry Uncle Joe, they don't shoot the first guy. Plus my buddies would cover me anyway." His unit moved so quickly they came close to running out of food and ammo several times. They also endured wearing thick heavy chemical warfare suits, the freezing cold nites, the blinding sandstorms, and no showers or mail for months.
When he came home the first time, we gave him a hero's welcome among our family and a few close friends. His grandma's family, who all live and work in New York City, were especially grateful. They came down in four carloads. They understood the connection that what Dale Jr was doing in Iraq directly helped to protect them from terrorists.
His second tour in Iraq wasn't a secret. Before he could begin that, he had to bury his dad. Dale Jr was strong throughout the whole ordeal and was a comfort to the rest of the family. He felt that Marine legacy no stronger than at Arlington Cemetary when an honor guard commended his father's place in history with a ceremony befitting a hero. His father lived a lifetime of hardship from his combat injuries and our wish was that Dale Jr not repeat it. We denied to ourselves anything worse could happen to him, because we remembered his unit made it back the first time without a single casualty.
A couple days before he was KIA, Dale sustained a shrapnel wound in the forearm. He called his mom to let her know he was okay. She reminded him his unit was scheduled to come home in a couple weeks and he would be done his enlistment in less than a couple months. In essense, this was his "ticket home". It was his call to make. When medically cleared to go, he decided to return to the line. He felt, even with limited use of his arm, he could still be an asset to his unit - could still fire a rifle, still be another set of eyes and ears. He also called his sister and told her that he couldn't live with himself if another member of his unit dies and he could have helped out in any way. In the end, Dale Jr was faithful to the Corp - Semper Fidelis. He went back, and was fatally shot.
It is, of course, selfish to say that we wished he was a little less brave, a little less honorable, a little less committed - then he would be with us here today. As consolation, we know he gave his life doing something he was immensely proud of doing, something he believed in and something he knew was making a difference for the better in this world. And so we carry on, knowing his sacrifice was the price he had to pay to protect us all. We take solace in knowing that Dale Jr doesn't just belong to us, but now to the greater community, to this great country and to the cause of freedom which he represented.
---Thank you all for coming and helping tooo honor the life of Dale Burger Jr."
Several Months After His Death
Originally written in January 2005
It has taken me a while to get around to working on this website. The first few pages I wrote immediately after Dale died and they were very emotional. I stayed home alone and just thought about Dale.
Since then, I, along with the rest of my family, have been trying to “get over it” (for lack of better words) the best we can. My husband came back from Australia, and we are planning our new life in the Southern Hemisphere. Rachel, my younger sister, has school and her baby. My mom is moving as well and is trying to keep busy.
I think because Dale was away so often that it is easy to forget that he’s not on deployment. My grandmother (she’s Chinese and doesn’t speak perfect English) says, “Baby Dale still in Iraq”. And I guess that’s how I probably feel whether it’s a conscious thought or not.
Most of the time I’m okay; it’s only when I’m alone that I really think about things. For some reasons driving really seems to upset me and I almost always cry a bit when I am driving alone. I think it’s because I use driving time as my thinking time. Part of me feels guilty that I don’t think enough about Dale, but my rational side tells me that I should focus on other things.
However, it is important to me to finish this memorial to him. We have received so many letters and cards, and there is no way that we will ever thank everyone. We have also received letters from Dale’s commanding officers, explaining what Dale was like as a Marine. It is a whole different side of Dale that we never really knew.
Dale's Birthdays
Originally written in November 2004
My brother and grandfather, Pop, share the same birthday. Every year Dale was home we would celebrate their birthdays at my grandparent's restaurant, Young China.
Dale celebrated his last birthday in Iraq. For his 21st birthday his friends made him a small cake with Kool Aid frosting and matches as candles.
Teenage Dale
Originally written in November 2004
Regrettably, Dale and I didn’t see each other too much before he went into the Marines. I guess it’s a normal teenage thing. I moved out of home when Dale was sixteen.
At this point Dale’s life already revolved around becoming a Marine. (Actually, I think it always did). When I moved out Dale took over my room and decorated it like a Marine barrack. Or at least that’s what I think it was suppose to look like. He painted the room gray and even painted numbers over his door. He slept on a cot in a sleeping bag instead of a bed. A marine flag worked as curtains and his furniture was black.
Dale also loved to “play” Marines. Most of this I learned from my sister because, being younger, Rachel was often forced to participate. We had a pool in our backyard where Dale and Rachel would complete “missions”. This would involve a raft, camouflage and assorted military gear. I don’t know the details, but I do know that Dale and his friends would complete other “missions” that involved sneaking around town and repelling off buildings. (Not sure, or don’t want to say, which ones).
Other than these strange tendencies, Dale was pretty normal. As a young child Dale loved baseball, but as he got older he like ice hockey and skiing. He liked electronic stuff, like computers and downloading music. Once old enough to drive his passion was his truck, first a Ford F150. Later, after joining the Marines, he bought a Ford F350, a monster of a truck. He loved the truck and would often go off-roading/mudding in it. (I recently learned he once did this in my car, a tiny VW Golf!!)
Dale also had a lot of responsibilities, because of my dad. My dad was disabled and required a lot of care. Being the only son, Dale often spent a lot of time with dad, physically caring for him or just spending time with him.
Born to be a Marine
Originally written in November 2004
Dale, dressed as a little Marine, and my little sister at Halloween.
As far back as I can remember Dale wanted to be a Marine.Dale Jr., age 14 (?), with his dad, Dale Sr. at Parris Island.
When we were teenagers our family would go to Hilton Head, SC for vacation. Hilton Head is only a short drive from Parris Island. One year Dale and I drove down in a separate car from the rest of the family. This year Dale and I were about the same size and everyone would ask us if we were twins. Since I could drive Dale begged me to take him to Parris Island. Dale had cassettes of marching songs and we would listen to them as we drove around Parris Island. I remember saying “I’m not sure we should be in these parts”, and Dale would say “Just drive Jen!” as he would snap photos.
Dale left for bootcamp January 21, 2001 around 3am. Doesn’t he look happy to be going?
We went down to Parris Island for Dale’s graduation. Dale told me his friends said, “Your sister looks just like you with hair!” After graduation a bunch of Dale’s friends and families went to Cracker Barrel Restaurant to celebrate. Dale rode in the car with me. It was a beautiful spring day, and U2’s “It’s a Beautiful Day” was playing on the radio. Dale later told me that whenever he heard that song he though of that day and me. (edited September 2007 - and when I hear that song, I think of him.)
Dales graduation photo and his letter to me.
Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Originally written in November 2004
However, after his first time Iraq he did seem different. Mom asked him if he had to kill people, and he said yes but didn’t want to talk about it. It wasn’t like his first deployment, when he came home full of stories. I think he started to take his training more seriously. On May 21, 2004, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for saving two lives during winter survival training. He never even mentioned this to us, and it wasn’t until after he was killed we found the award.
“Corporal Burger,
Congratulations on your well-deserved award for leadership and decisive action that undoubtedly saved lives. I am very proud to serve with you in the “Thundering Third.”
Semper Fidelis,
LTCOL Buhl”
“FOR PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN THE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES WHILE SERVING AS FIRST SQUAD LEADER, 2ND PLATOOON, COMPANY 1, 3D BATTALION, 1ST MARINES, MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, BRIDGEPORT, CALIFORNIA ON 10 DECEMBER 2003. CORPORAL BURGER DISPLAYED EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP AND LIFESAVING SKILLS DURING A 13-MILE HIKE IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES. AFTER WITNESSING TWO MARINES BECOME COLD WEATHER CASULATIES, CORPORAL BURGER QUICKLY TOOK INITATIVE BY ENSURING THAT THEIR WET CLOTHES WERE TAKEN OFF AND THAT THEY WERE PLACED IN SLEEPING BAGS. CORPORAL BURGER’S EXPERT KNOWLEDGE OF WINTER SURVIVAL ENABLED HIM TO BUILD A SNOW SHELTER AND PROLONG THE SUVIVABILITY OF THE TWO CASUALTIES UNTIL A MEDICAL EVACUATION COULD BE CONDUCTED. FUTHERMORE, UPON COMPLETION OF THE HIKE, CORPORAL BURGER CONTINUED TO ENSURE THE WELFARE OF HIS MARINES BEFORE HE HIMSELF SUCCUMBED TO EXHAUSTION. CORPORAL BURGER’S EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONALISM, INITATIVE, AND DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECT GREAT CTEDIT UPON HIMSELF AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.”
The last time I saw him I asked him how he felt going back to Iraq and from his response I know he knew it would be worse. We later found out he had left behind the names of the friends he wanted to be his pallbearers.
Dale's First Deployment
Originally written in November 2004
This is Dale in East Timor, part of his first deployment. Here he is part of a UN peacekeeping mission. Those are his glasses and hat on the little boy.
Dale really changed a lot while he was in the Marines, especially after his first time in Iraq. At first I know he thought it was fun most of the time. In his first deployment he went to the Middle East and all over the South Pacific. I think this was his favorite deployment. He told me lots of stories of things he did with his friends and brought back lots of presents. I think he went to every Hard Rock Café in the South Pacific and I have the T-Shirts to prove it. I think he really enjoyed it. Back home we would get pictures and boxes of presents he would buy us.
I know he was home for Christmas that year… 2002 I think. That was the last Christmas we spent together because I was in London in 2003. One thing about Dale is that he was really good at giving presents. In previous years he gave me things such as perfume and Clinique stuff. I was always impressed that he, being a boy, would think to give such great gifts. (Maybe it has something to do with all the sisters..?) However, the last Christmas I saw him he gave me a necklace (which I wore to my wedding), two inlaid jewelry boxes, and a carved wooden warrior statue for protection. I feel like these gifts were more thoughtful and meaningful and are now some of my most important possessions.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
My Last Emails From Dale
Originally written in November 2004
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 13:12:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: "dale burger" Add to Address Book
Subject: hey jen
To: xxx@yahoo.com
hi jen. cant write much cause im getting ready to go back out in the morning, but i just wanted to say hi and see how you were doing. so hows it feel to be an aunt now. i can't believe rachel is a mom. and moms a grandma. go figure. well if you get a chance write me back. i should be back on a computer in a week or two. take care jen.
your brother,dale
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 13:33:08 -0700 (PDT)
From: "dale burger" Add to Address Book
Subject: Re: hey jen
To: "Jennifer Burger"
hey jen. well i wasnt one of the seven killed today. but my best
friend mike allred, the guy in almost every picture i have from over here, was one of
them. i found out a couple hours afterwards. i just got done writing a letter to his parents. it was one of the hardest things i've ever had to do. he was the closest thing to a brother i ever had.
I am doing ok though. i just got back from a pretty nasty place. we came out fine,
but there was quite a bit of fighting going on. things are really starting to get
worse around here.
its good to hear that your coming home. i should be home by december or january
if i'm lucky. i really dont want to miss christmas but its looking like im going to.
well jen, i gotta get going. i havent slept in a couple days so i'm about to fall asleep.
talk to you soon, be safe.
your brother,
dale
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 11:50:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: "dale burger" Add to Address Book
Subject: Re: hey jen
To: "Jennifer Burger"
well things are really starting to pick up lately. not in a good way either.
its good to hear that your home. hows mom doing? keep reassuring her that i'll be ok.
and do me a favor. this isn't something i can tell mom.
if i don't make it, make sure [to take care of our sisters] especially rachel. and make sure mom takes care of herself.
i seriously think she'd lose it if i was killed. everytime i talk to her on the phone
she cries. just make shes taken care of, you know. ok jen, i gotta get going.
i still got work to do. love you and miss you.
your brother,
dale
What He's Missing
Originally written in November 2004
Dale and his sisters at Dad's funeral.
I did get to speak to Dale once after the funeral. He called looking for Mom, but got me instead. Ironically, this was days after Tim and I decided to get married. I will always be grateful that I answered that call because, even though he never met Tim, at least I got tell him myself that I was getting married. We got married in the courthouse, but I remember telling Dale that we would have a ceremony next year and he could give me away.
One of the hardest parts of him being gone knowing how many important people he never got to meet. My sister, Rachel, had a baby in August and he never got to meet her. He also never met his other two nieces and his nephew.
I know it won't change things, but I can’t stop thinking of all the things I wish we had done together. After seeing Dale at the Dad's funeral, I really started thinking about him more. Especially while I was in Ireland and traveling alone. I wrote him this post card, and sadly never sent it.
“Hi Dale!! Right now I’m in Killarney Nat’l Park in SW Ireland. Today I hiked the Gap of Dunloe. Wish u were here, there are some really cool hikes here, up mountains & stuff but I’m scared to do them alone. Yesterday I did climb a mountain, but it was small. Maybe when you get home we can do some hiking together. (You can carry all the heavy stuff). I want us to hike the Inca trail in Peru. Everything is going good except I’m kinda poor; I’m eating lots of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches everyday! I’ll try and send you some pictures. Miss you a lot."
Love Jen [the scanner cut this part off]
Here’s an email he sent me. The postcard he talks about was a different one. I never sent the one shown above.
Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 18:45:31 -0700 (PDT)
From: "dale burger" daburger9@yahoo.com Add to Address Book
Subject: hey jen
To: xxx@yahoo.com
Hi jen, its your brother. how are you? I just remembered your email address and figured i'd write you and see how you are doing. i got the postcard you sent me. thanks. i would have wrote back but i guess you don't have an address for me to write to. ive been talking to mom every now and then and she says shes gonna keep the house in port deposit. if youre gonna live there too thatd be cool. we can split the rent. ive been thinking a lot about what im going to do when i get back. i really just want to take a year off and enjoy my freedom for a while, just live my life the way i want to. i really want to spend more time with you and rachel. we've all drifted so far away from each other. i'd relly us all to be close again, like when we were younger. i feel bad not talking to you two hardly ever. i feel like ive let you down. but anyway, we'll hang out more when i get back. you'll be home by then, right? i hope so. you know i had a really fun time hanging out with you when you were home. well hows ireland, or spain, or england, or budapest, or wherever the hell you are now. i bet its really cool. we had a layover outside of london on the wayover here. but we werent allowed off the plane. it was dark and rainy and cold, but it still looked cool. you definately have to take me over there with you sometime and show me around. well i've gotta get going, i've got a patrol to go on soon, so i gotta get ready. write back if you can. and mail me some pictures too.
ok jen, hope to talk to you soon.
your brother, Dale
Last Time I Saw Dale
Originally written in November 2004
Dale taking me to the airport, the last time I saw him before he died.It’s hard to know where to start faced with the challenge of explaining Dale’s part in my life. I’ll start with the last time I saw him.
I was living in London when I found out Dad died. In retrospect it was a miracle, because if it wasn’t for Dad’s funeral, I wouldn’t of had that last chance to see Dale. I can’t remember the last time I saw him before the funeral. I almost didn’t come home for the funeral.
I don’t really remember much, but at the funeral, Dale’s memory sticks out the most. Dale wore his dress blues (the formal Marine uniform). It was an emotional funeral. Some of Dad’s daughters hadn’t seen him in years. My oldest sister read a piece about Dad’s suffering after Vietnam and everyone was crying hard. But not Dale… he sat right next to me and never cried at all. He was so brave, like he knew a Marine should be. At the end of the service a Marine presented Mom with an American flag. Then Dale walked to Dad’s casket, saluted him, and walked out.
Two important things happened because of Dad’s funeral: I got to see Dale for the last time, and all Dad’s children got to meet each other for the first time (my father was married three times and had eight children - all girls except Dale). It was very important to Dale to meet all his sisters and I’m so glad he got the opportunity. When he was little, he would always ask mom, “Am I ever going to meet all my sisters?”
The next day was really great between Dale and I. You know how when you’re a teenager its hard to be friends with your siblings? We’ll that was how it was between Dale and I when I left home for the first time. I was eighteen and Dale was sixteen. Then Dale joined the Marines and I didn’t see him much. When we did see each other, we just didn’t have much to say. I don’t know if it was because of the funeral, or Dale going to Iraq, or me going to London, or all three (or maybe we’re getting old). But for some reason, I felt like things were changing. We had a wonderful day together. We went out to breakfast, we visited my grandparents and we (ok, I) went shopping. Dale and I had so much to say to each other and he was so patient. Shopping with me is not an easy task (right Tim???). We talked about what he wanted to do when he got back… travel, buy a house in the country, and become a state trooper. I felt like I was really getting to know him again. The next morning he took me to the airport, and a few weeks later, the day after my Dad was buried in Arlington, Dale headed back to Iraq.
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