Sad News

[Infinite Chaos]

-- Apparently, that accident caused a cerebral (berry) aneurysm which, from what cherokee told me, was mostly inoperable...or if it was, there was a near 100% of death during the operation. cherokee opted to not take the risk and to live his remaining days to their fullest...ballooning, fishing, and travelling. --

Damn.. just damn.

I admired him before I knew this and I admire him even more now. That's the way I want to meet my end - straight up and enjoying life to the full.

All my best wishes to Cherokee's family.

 

[Vader]

Exactly. He followed his brothers home.

If DP had a flag, I would be lowering to half mast.

*salutes*

 

[DeeJayH]

:hm

If DP had a flag, I would be lowering to half mast.

*salutes*

somebody posted it previously

 

[Vader]

:hm

somebody posted it previously

Awesome.

:memorial_

 

[quatrotritikali]

I am truly saddened by the report of cherokee's passing. Although I did not know him, and we rarely crossed paths here at DP, his death has touched me nonetheless. I wish strength for his family to help get them through this sad time.

All I can do is to leave a poem for him. RIP cherokee... :hm

I'm Not Here

Don't stand by my grave and weep
For I'm not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamonds glint on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in the circle flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand by my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.

 

[SgtRock]

Cherokee lives forever! :rock

 

[cherokee]

Thank all of you for the kind words, Justin would be honored, even embarrassed in his words "you've made such a fuss over him."

I never really understood why he spent so much time on this site but now I do.
In the outside world he didn't have many friends, mainly just people he worked with.
So it meant something for Justin to call you a friend, he never took the word lightly. To him it was an extension of his family worthy of fiercely protecting.
A few of you made a deeper, lasting impact, changing the way he viewed his world.

GySgt and Cripler,
I can not begin to tell you how proud he was of you two.
With a hint of jealousy he often said Marines today are so much smarter.

Jailman,
Did you know you single handedly took away ever misconception Justin had about gays to the point he was comfortable being in the same room and even talking with my gay coworkers?

Female IDF member,
I'm sorry I don't know your name.
You apologized for the way he was sometimes treated serving in Beirut
No words can tell you what it meant, bringing him a small measure of peace.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Laila,
You proved to him not all Muslims are terrorists.

Vader,
So you are the one he loved raising hell with.

These are not the only people that touched my husband, only the ones I know about. If you know of something please post it.

Again thank you.

 

[DeeJayH]

female IDF member would be Tashah former Admin, current Mod

Do not mourn him, Celebrate him everyday for all he shared with you, and what you did together

 

[Tashah]

These are not the only people that touched my husband, only the ones I know about. If you know of something please post it.

One morning some years ago cherokee contacted me. He told me that during the night he had experienced his most vivid and best dream ever. He explained that in this dream he was involved in a fierce military gunfight somewhere against overwhelming odds. Three fought alongside him. GySgt, WI Crippler, and Tashah. He recounted how our inner perimiter was finally breached and we were firing backs-to-backs at point-blank range when he suddenly awoke.

I was stunned. By God, no soldier could possibly recieve a higher compliment than this from Justin.

Again thank you.

It was my privilege and pleasure to share this with you Koi.

All my love always

 

[WI Crippler]

Thank all of you for the kind words, Justin would be honored, even embarrassed in his words "you've made such a fuss over him."

I never really understood why he spent so much time on this site but now I do.
In the outside world he didn't have many friends, mainly just people he worked with.
So it meant something for Justin to call you a friend, he never took the word lightly. To him it was an extension of his family worthy of fiercely protecting.
A few of you made a deeper, lasting impact, changing the way he viewed his world.

GySgt and Cripler,
I can not begin to tell you how proud he was of you two.
With a hint of jealousy he often said Marines today are so much smarter.

Jailman,
Did you know you single handedly took away ever misconception Justin had about gays to the point he was comfortable being in the same room and even talking with my gay coworkers?

Female IDF member,
I'm sorry I don't know your name.
You apologized for the way he was sometimes treated serving in Beirut
No words can tell you what it meant, bringing him a small measure of peace.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Laila,
You proved to him not all Muslims are terrorists.

Vader,
So you are the one he loved raising hell with.

These are not the only people that touched my husband, only the ones I know about. If you know of something please post it.

Again thank you.

I remember my last conversation with Justin. I had expressed to him the honor it was, of mine, to uphold the traditions, memories, and reputation of the Marines like him, that came before me. He did state that he thought that the Marine of today was doing more than just upholding the honor of the past, but building upon it and making an even better Marine Corps. He stated that he wished he could have served along the likes of myself or GySgt, which for me is a huge compliment considering what he went through.

He embodied the spirit of "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" and I am proud to have been able to be a part of the unique brotherhood that is the Marine Corps along with him.

 

[thrashers]

I feel the need to tread lightly here, for clearly this thread is sacred ground.

But I also feel the need to acknowledge what has happened, what is happening here.

Over 'yonder' where I spend quite a bit of my time, I started a thread a few months back concerning a surgery I was to have.
It evolved into a catchall thread about my overall health.
My "real life" friends including the PT folks kept being astonished that "folks you've never met?" cared enough to know what was happening in my life.

Too often one of the things that happens at sites like these is that we forget there are people on the other side of these keyboards.
Real, living-breathing people and for some of us, there will never be a single damn thing we agree on politically or spiritually or a single damn thing we have in common as far as culturally---but we find common ground anyway.

I've read through this Memorial thread for the Marine named Cherokee and am saddened I didn't get a chance to know him.
I am grateful that our country had the chance to have him protect us by the likes of someone as loyal and fierce as someone of his character and strength---and I am glad for those of you to whom he obviously meant a great deal.

Yeah, people I've never met in "real life" cared about what happened to my health; because this right here? This is real life too.
Yep, these are just "words on a screen", but the words matter.

They convey who we are and for some people--people like Inferno and I dare say, Cherokee---will be remembered by those of us who take their words and carry them forward.

I am impressed and moved by the level of love y'all surely felt for this great and wonderful Warrior.

God bless this fine Marine.

:hm

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

PM from Koi, cherokee's wife:

Dear Captain Courtesy,
Forgive me for not contacting you sooner.

It's been very difficult time carrying out his last wishes to be buried at sea by the Navy.
Hundreds of phone calls and several trips to Jacksonville, FL.
I will let you know when the Navy informs me on when and where the services are preformed.

I want thank you for everything you've done for Justin. He spoke of you often and truly valued the friendship you shared.


PS.
Can you tell me how to reach the tribute pages?

I PMed her the links to this page and to his visitor's page. Keep the comments coming, folks. Memories, thoughts, anything.

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

One of my favorite memories of cherokee was something that happened right after I became a mod. I was looking through posts that had been reported during the day, and cherokee had reported one. When I checked it, he had reported his own post, and said something like, "yeah, infract me. I deserve it." The first poster ever to do this and one of the few who ever did.

He was one of a kind.

And yes, I did infract him, and he proceded to thank me. :mrgreen:

 

[Stace]

One of my favorite memories of cherokee was something that happened right after I became a mod. I was looking through posts that had been reported during the day, and cherokee had reported one. When I checked it, he had reported his own post, and said something like, "yeah, infract me. I deserve it." The first poster ever to do this and one of the few who ever did.

He was one of a kind.

And yes, I did infract him, and he proceded to thank me. :mrgreen:

He'd often PM me and ask me to check posts he'd just made that were probably out of line. He was pretty passionate in his posting, and was willing to take his licks in exchange for letting his true thoughts be known.

 

[DeeJayH]

I feel the need to tread lightly here, for clearly this thread is sacred ground.

But I also feel the need to acknowledge what has happened, what is happening here.

Over 'yonder' where I spend quite a bit of my time, I started a thread a few months back concerning a surgery I was to have.
It evolved into a catchall thread about my overall health.
My "real life" friends including the PT folks kept being astonished that "folks you've never met?" cared enough to know what was happening in my life.

Too often one of the things that happens at sites like these is that we forget there are people on the other side of these keyboards.
Real, living-breathing people and for some of us, there will never be a single damn thing we agree on politically or spiritually or a single damn thing we have in common as far as culturally---but we find common ground anyway.

I've read through this Memorial thread for the Marine named Cherokee and am saddened I didn't get a chance to know him.
I am grateful that our country had the chance to have him protect us by the likes of someone as loyal and fierce as someone of his character and strength---and I am glad for those of you to whom he obviously meant a great deal.

Yeah, people I've never met in "real life" cared about what happened to my health; because this right here? This is real life too.
Yep, these are just "words on a screen", but the words matter.

They convey who we are and for some people--people like Inferno and I dare say, Cherokee---will be remembered by those of us who take their words and carry them forward.

I am impressed and moved by the level of love y'all surely felt for this great and wonderful Warrior.

God bless this fine Marine.

:hm

and I believe that can also be said of virtually every person to have ever served in the militray

 

[Tucker Case]

One of my favorite memories of cherokee was something that happened right after I became a mod. I was looking through posts that had been reported during the day, and cherokee had reported one. When I checked it, he had reported his own post, and said something like, "yeah, infract me. I deserve it." The first poster ever to do this and one of the few who ever did.

He was one of a kind.

And yes, I did infract him, and he proceded to thank me. :mrgreen:

When you first told me about this, I developed a strong personal connection to cherokee, and I don't even know if he was aware of it.

After told us about his situation in the Tavern, when he asked us not to pray for him, but instead for the troops safe return home, I was deeply moved, and developed a lump in my throat having read it.

These are the qualities cherokee had that made me think of him as someone to emulate. He was, and always will be, someone who I met on the internet who has had a profound impact on me personally. I didn't know him as long as most people on the forum have, but in the short time I did know him, he became a bit of a role model for me.

I hope when I eventually face my mortality I can do it with even a quarter the strength that cherokee did.

If I can do that, I'll be doing good.

Cherokee, just so you know, I'm still praying for all of the troops, past and present. You will be missed but never forgotten.

 

[jallman]

Jailman,
Did you know you single handedly took away ever misconception Justin had about gays to the point he was comfortable being in the same room and even talking with my gay coworkers?

Justin struck me as someone who was constantly growing and expanding his horizons. I am very proud to have had such an impact on him and proud of him that he could change his mindset at his age.

I hope you know he is sorely missed and this forum has been changed because of his presence. Justin was a good man and I am better off for having known him even from such a distance.

 

[SgtRock]

The soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.



"Step forward now, you soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?"



The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.



I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.



But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.



And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.



I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.



If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.



There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.



"Step forward now, you soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell."

 

[ReverendHellh0und]

Semper Fi, brother.

Today I am retiring his colors from my avatar, and I bid him godspeed on his next journey...


He will be missed.

 

[Hatuey]

Cherokee and I had a rocky relationship on this forum. I spoke to him many times in private about my father and some of the men in my family who'd served. I also sought his advice on a military matter when a friend of mine died. I respected him in the same manner I respect GySgt. Basically I'd shut up when he spoke about the military because I knew I'd always learn something and the chances of him being wrong on the matter were close to zero. I knew his accident had had some effects on him but I seriously did not see this coming.

In public though it was a different story. We didn't mind throwing punches at each other. Mostly because I knew he could take them and he knew the same of me. I can't believe he's gone.

Rest in peace.

 

[cherokee]

I'm sorry about not getting back here sooner but things have been somewhat hectic.
I wanted to let you know Justin was buried at sea Wednesday August 12 at 0830.
The chaplain told me that when Marines on-board found out he was a Beirut survivor several volunteered to stand guard around the clock until the ceremonial was preformed.

I want to thank each and every one of you for sharing your stories with me.
when I have more time (after Austin starts school) I'll share a different side of Justin only a few saw.

Thank you again

Sincerely,
Koi

 

[bub]

We've had quite a lot of disagreements (that's an euphemism), especially at the beginning, but as time went on he became one of my favourite member on DP. I once nearly left DP (I was disappointed because no one would change its mind) and he basically told me to man the **** up!

Last year there was an exposition at a museum over here, with a huge collection of fossils and dinosaurs. I knew he liked that, so I took one hour taking pics of each of every single one, so that I could show them to him!

My thoughts are with you, Koi

 

[koi]

I miss you Justin.

 

[koi]

We've had quite a lot of disagreements (that's an euphemism), especially at the beginning, but as time went on he became one of my favourite member on DP. I once nearly left DP (I was disappointed because no one would change its mind) and he basically told me to man the **** up!

Last year there was an exposition at a museum over here, with a huge collection of fossils and dinosaurs. I knew he liked that, so I took one hour taking pics of each of every single one, so that I could show them to him!

My thoughts are with you, Koi

Thank you bub. I remember him talking about you and the pictures you sent him.
It surprised him that you took the time to do that.
He use to get so mad talking with you but at the end he'd say
"But he's alright". That was his way of saying he liked you.

Sometimes its not easy to brush off a persons politics and see the person as they truly are.

He saw the real person inside of you.

 

[DeeJayH]

Thank you bub. I remember him talking about you and the pictures you sent him.
It surprised him that you took the time to do that.
He use to get so mad talking with you but at the end he'd say
"But he's alright". That was his way of saying he liked you.

Sometimes its not easy to brush off a persons politics and see the person as they truly are.

He saw the real person inside of you.

sadly I am still working on that personally
I hope you are rejoicing in the life you shared and not the loss you have suffered.
On a day like today, I can only imagine how hard it has been.

All the best from Cherokee's Virtual Friends