18, of Columbus, Ohio; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, Columbus, Ohio; attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward); killed May 11 when his amphibious assault vehicle struck an explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Karabilah, Iraq. Also killed were: Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas B. Erdy; Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan W. Grant, and Marine Lance Cpl. Jourdan L. Grez.
I will always remember you as the happy go-lucky kid across the street. I enjoyed the time we spent together, as did my father. Know, that while I too was in Iraq on that dreadful day, I wept for you when I recieved word. I was saddened and angry. I was saddened because a great person was taken far too early, and angered because I was not there to help. I saw your mother right after I got back, and we shared a tear for you brother. I will always remember you. Blue skies my brother, and may you keep the pearl gates secure until I can meet up with you again.”
James Collins of Afghanistan
“I dont even know where to begin. Today i woke up and you were the first thing on my mind. Its days like these that make me sad but at the same time i remember your courage and bravery and thats what keeps me going. I havent been to your resting place in a while now it hurts too bad to go but i promise i will visit soon. There are days when i think of you and those days make me want to re join the marines and do everything thing i can to display the respect for what what you did for us. I know i will see you again one day and that day will be glorious. Until then, Semper Fi.
My heart and prayers go out to the Dixon family. God is with you.”
Eric Paul of Groverport, Ohio
“Even though we went to school together I never got the pleasure to get to know you then. However in the past 2 years I have gotten to know what kind of person you was thru the wonderful stories and memories shared by Benton. He introduced me to you family and your mommy gave us pictures of you that we proudly display in our home. Not a day goes by that Benton doesn’t speak of you and all the fun that him and Nick shared with you. You are brought up in every conversation we have. He knows you are watching over him. Its has been 5 years since you have been gone but you are never forgotten.”
Tiffany Dean of Hot Springs, Virginia
“Chris
My friend is in the marines and might be shipped over seas. Everytime i see the marine corp logo or even go near obetz anymore you cross my mind.Ill never foret being a little kid and getting you to ride wheelies on your bike that you could ride all the way around obetz. Ill never forget the time you took me and kristen to the movies that time the power was out and we saw meet the fockers. little things like that make me miss you even more man. Thanks for everything you did for not just me but this whole country. Your always gonna be remembered in my heart man.”
David Fields of Lancaster,Ohio