JP Blecksmith Leadership Foundation Guestbook
Bobby Jester said:
Blecksmith Family - my brother-in-law sent me an article about Capt Chontosh (3/5 Wpns Co.) receiving the Navy Cross for his actions in Mar 2003. I immediately thought of your son. I had seen the Fox special "Battle for Fallujah" and remembered the story of JP. It's amazing the similarities are of these two young leaders of Marines. My first action was to look his story up to send him the link. I had never been to your website, and I was so moved and thankful for your efforts. He's a Navy vet and we enjoy sharing stories of our exemplary servicemen. I want to thank you for raising such an incredible leader and selfless young man. I had the privilege of serving with 3/5 in the early & mid 90's. We had outstanding Plt & CO. commanders, and even had a Bn. Cmdr. that was an enlisted infantryman in Vietmam (LtCol Donohue). My family and I ask the Lord for continued protection for our Marines and soldiers everyday. We will add your family to a short "by name" list we have, and pray for your challenges and blessings. I am ordering a memorial tee shirt and will wear it w/the utmost pride and honor. It will mean a great deal and I will share your son's sense of patriotic duty and selflessness for years and years. For about 10yrs now, the Marine Corps birthday has meant more than my own (I'm 42, got out at 27), maybe that's odd, I don't know. Well now, those 2 days, Nov 10 & 11, mean more to me because of JP and his sacrifice. Thank you for all you have given to this nation, my 10 an 8 year olds know very well why they are free. They have grown up praying for and being thankful for families like yours, since they were 2 & 3. God Bless you all.
Semper Fi,
Bobby Jester
Sgt./ USMC
3/5 India/H&S/Wpns Company (May 93-Mar 96)
Gregory Gabriel said:
Altadena Sheriff's Station supports you, your family, and all who have served our beloved country. You are always in our prayers. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Carol Snyder said:
Holding you all in our thoughts and prayers especially today. Love and Blessings, Lee, Carol, Martha and Aunt Gayle
Marion Collingwood said: [ See Comment Stimulus ]
Another year and I will again wear the tee shirt at my works Remembrance Service today in the UK. As others have mentioned if Mark had not worn the shirt all those years ago on NCIS, living in the UK I would not have known the significance of the Gold Star. He has already worn it again this season and with their viewing figures even more people will be aware of your loss and how proud you are of him and the legacy he leaves.
Steve Burt said:
Ed, Pam, Alex, Christina and Emily:
I was most proud watching Navy beat Notre Dame which numbed somewhat the pain inflicted by the Trojans’ loss to Oregon State. I couldn’t help but thinking of the Blecksmith family and wondering how your lives were moving forward.
Some memories never fade. The brief moments we shared in memoriam of JP are some I’ve held closest these past five-years. As a Marine father, brother and friend I celebrate today with thoughts of JP. He left more gifts behind than he took.
May God continue to bless your family
Steve Burt
Tucson, AZ
Marc Giorgi said:
Blecksmith Family,
It's hard to believe it's been 5 years since JP gave this great nation all he had. He touched so many of our lives and his spirit continues on. You all are always in my family's thoughts and prayers, especially on Veteran's Day.
Semper Fi,
Captain Marc Giorgi
USNA '03
Navy Football Brotherhood
Carl Kozlosky, Seattl said:
Happy Birthday Marine. You are always in our thoughts and prayers, especially tomorrow. Thanks JP.
"Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem." - R. Reagan
Jase Wisdom said:
Jaeps,
Happy birthday Marine. Happy Veteran's Day buddy. We're thinking about you.
Jase
Steven Adair said:
J.P.
From one Marine to another Happy Birthday. Every year I celebrate the birthday of our Corps, I take time to remember those who have fallen. It just seems like yesterday we were practicing on the same field. For the family, you are a source of strength for all of us who knew you son. Thank you for keeping J.P.'s legacy alive.
CAPT Steven Adair USMC #94
USNA '04
CJTF-Horn of Africa
J.C. Mathwig said:
I, too, was brought her via NCIS.
Knowing Mark Harmon's shirts are not from wardrobe, but from the many sent to him by fans and friends, my heart clenched when I saw the gold star. Thank you for your son's service, and your family's sacrifice. As proud as you must be of him, I am sure he is just as proud of you for establishing this foundation. I wish I had the resources to donate to your cause. All I can give is my heartfelt condolences and prayers for you and for all of the families of the fallen.
JCM
Marsha Mills said: [ See Comment Stimulus ]
I, too, learned about Lieutenant Blecksmith from NCIS last Tuesday night, and have gone on to purchase a tee shirt in support. I have a friend in Baghdad now and my thoughts and prayers are with each of our men and women overseas.
[ See Responses ]
Timothy Scherer said:
We were able to read the name of your fallen warrior on the tshirt worn by Gibbs on NCIS. We are hopeful that it may help people understand the meaning of a Gold Star Family. We thank your son and your entire family for his sacrifice. May God Bless him and all of our Marines.
Semper Fi
Proud Marine and Gold Star Parents of Cpl Christopher G. Scherer, USMC
1st CEB, 1st Marines, l Expeditionary Force
KIA 21 July 2007, Al Anbar Province, Iraq
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Michael McShea said:
Thank you for this foundation and providing a way for us to express our continuing support for our fine American military personnel.
USA 1965-67
USAF 1970-97
Jeff Courtet said:
U.S. Marine 1989-1995. SEMPER FI!
Charles Farmer said: [ See Comment Stimulus ]
Yes I also noticed the Gold Star T-Shirt and prepared an email to send to the foundation. My son was also in Fallujah on Nov 11, 2004 3/1 Kilo Co. Semper Fi from Seattle WA.
[ See Responses ]
Rick Darnall said:
We were watching NCIS this evening and Gibb was wearing the Blecksmith shirt. What a contribution to the cause. Semper Fi!
[ See Responses ]
Ricky Zepeda said: [ See Comment Stimulus ]
Thank you for your service to our great country god bless you
Steve Mercer said:
Just wanted to stop by and say "you are not forgotten", miss you man! It was fun running scout team with you, while you were throwing 90 yard missiles and whipping the #1 defense. God Bless, Blecksmith family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. If you ever need anything from the Houston area, please email me.
Class of 2003
Steve Mercer #87
Adrian Kill said:
Never a day goes by that I do not think back to the day that I meet JP's Family in California. I was the News Cameraman from CNN's LA Bureau. Your Sons Sacrifice for this Country stands tall side by side with all the other brave young men and women who have given their lives in defense of the values of freedom. And to all of those that are filling their places you leave behind Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you.
Valerie McAndrews said:
We have 1 nephew in his 2nd year at the Naval Academy, and 1 who just recently graduated from the Naval Academy. After going back to Annapolis last month for the graduation ceremony, and meeting so many young, intelligent, courageous & brave gentleman, I couldn't help but be reminded of JP Blecksmith. He was everything that his parents, the Naval Academy, and the world could want in a man. He will always be remembered.