JP Blecksmith Leadership Foundation Guestbook
Stephanie Stone said:
I loved participating in this run. There was a small but surprisingly fast group of runners, and though I've never been a fan of hills (well at least not the up side of them), I really enjoyed the down sides. In short, its a fun run for a great cause.
Hope to return for the 7th Annual -
S. A. Stone, USN Ret.
Chair
Los Angeles County Veterans Advisory Commission
John Barger said:
Fourth of July, 2010. Heading down to run (actually walk: leg a bit gimpy with ligament problem) in the annual 5K. Walking may be better, giving me more time to reflect on the reason for this run--to honor JP Blecksmith and his family. And to honor so many other soldiers who have fallen in service to this nation, who have sacrificed in the noble cause of freedom and protection of people who are free or yearn to be so.
As I walk, thinking and praying over JP, I will also endeavor to reflect on the families of the fallen and the living sacrifice they endure day by day. The loss of a loved one is heartbreaking. I will lift the families up in prayer, asking God to hear my prayers for them, asking Him to succor them, to fill a void that only God can possibly complete.
I will pray and reflect on the American experience, the American family, "American Exceptionalism". It is said that "American is an Idea." I will consider what it is that are so great and exceptional about America. What is the "American Dream" that calls each of us to lay it all down when called, just as JP Blecksmith and his family have done? just as other noble people have done since this nation's inception 234 year ago?
I will pray for the future of this great nation, for its people, for the heart and mind of this nation as we continue to be the Idea the captures the imagination of the world.
May God continue to guide and bless the United States of America. May God bless the families of the fallen and the American family that also grieves with them--also celebrating the nobility of their sacrifice.
Larry Kopp said:
These past almost 6 years seem both an eternity and yet at the same time only an instant, this paradox underscoring the infinite permanence of our debt to you, on this Memorial Day and every other day, JP.
"To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace".
George Washington
Scott Scheferman said:
Will be praying this weekend, in gratitude for JP's sacrifice and leadership on the battlefield. So very thankful for this freedom, this safety, these rights, and this country. No greater love than the kind that JP offered the world, to lay down his life for his brothers. May God bless and restore Americans to a place of humility, gratitude and strength in conviction.
JP continues to live on, and will do so indefinitely.
Maggie McDowell said:
May 23. 2010 This is the beginning of Commissioning Week here in Annapolis Maryland. Grateful graduates are greeting their proud families as everyone arrives for a full week of festivities. Ring Dance is going on as I type and those 2nd class mids are ready to become 1st class. The house behind my son Brandon's is rented to a family from Colorado whose son has chosen and received his assignment of Marine Ground just as Jaeps did 7 years ago. I congratulated them most sincerely and told them I had a friend I was so proud of that had received Marine ground several years ago and I gave them my spiel of "To err is human, to forgive is divine, neither of which is Marine Corp Policy". We all laughed and went back to our own backyards. I had an overwhelming sense that I knew the Corp would take care of them as they have the Blecksmiths. And a feeling of admiration for that young man's commitment and bravery. He knows there are many tests and trials ahead. However, my heart still breaks with the memory of Jaeps & his Emily and all of their family and friends and other graduates as we gathered at our house for that graduation party in May of 2003. There has never been another to equal JP in any way, on any page or in my heart. I know he will look out for these new officers. He is a marine.
Love always Maggie McDowell
Amye Mangen said:
I had the honor of speaking to Mr. Ed Blecksmith this afternoon, and I must admit my tears are still raw. I recently sent a letter to Mr. Ed Blecksmith stating that I purchased a bracelet with JP Blecksmith's name engraved on it and am honoring his life and service. While I didn't have the pleasure of knowing JP, I am truly touched by his story of dedication and leadership. I wear this bracelet each day to remind me that my freedom isn't free. I extend my gratitude to his surviving family and am humbled that I can honor such a man. As a wife of a US Marine, I understand the bond that Marines share. This foundation is a incredible legacy. Again, I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to speak to JP's father, and will never forget those who have given so much to our great nation. My gratitude is unending.
Amye Mangen
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!