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.
A Marine"s Story
Jen
(Written in November 2004, immediately after Dale's death)
Dale is my baby brother and he died on Sunday. I’m not a very good writer but I want everyone to remember him. It’s hard because in my head he is still a baby I can’t really believe that this has happened. I want everyone to know who he was.
If any of you know my family you know that we are a Marine family. My father, Dale Sr., was a Marine and a Vietnam veteran. Dale always wanted to be a Marine too.Dad suffered from various health problems for most of my life, in part because he was wounded in Vietnam. His health worsened when I was eleven years old (Dale was nine). He lapsed into a coma and when he awoke two or so weeks later he had brain damage and was never the same.
This made life in our family really difficult. Mom had to take care of the three of us kids (I have a younger sister too) plus dad. Dad’s brain damage made him really difficult to deal with and be around. Dale struggled but was able to stay focused because of his dream of being a Marine.
When Dale was sixteen he left school and got his GED so he could join the Marines at age seventeen. I remember when graduated from boot camp he told me it was the happiest day of his life.
Dale was deployed three times, twice to Iraq. Until the last day he always loved being a Marine.
Reporters have told Dale’s story, similar to the one above, but that’s not really important and that’s not really how I want him remembered. Because that’s not a person’s life, that a soldier’s life, and Dale was more than a soldier. So here’s how I remember Dale.
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