(Bumping to the top in honor of Iraq Liberation Day, which is today - originally posted 4/6/06 9:59 pm ET - see also Michelle Malkin’s post on Iraq Liberation Day for more links to messages from military families of Iraq war veterans, and in some cases Iraq war veterans themselves)
In an effort to honor our fallen heroes, as well as celebrate Iraqi Liberation Day (which is April 9th), I am posting a guest post from the father of soldier who gave his life fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Some other bloggers are posting guest posts as well - those who are participating will be noted at the end of this post so please check out the messages posted at those sites from other family members of fallen heroes as well. I’m honored to post to you a message from Gold Star father Robert Derga from Uniontown, Ohio:
I’m writing to tell you about my son Dustin Derga. Dustin was known as a prankster and the “nicest guy around”. But more than that he was a Marine who believed it was his duty to go to Iraq, defend America and help establish freedom for the Iraqi citizens. Read more about Dustin’s story here.
He always had a great smile on his face. All the guys in Dustin’s unit said he was always making them laugh. He wasn’t the most ‘squared away’ Marine, but he had a passion for the Corps and was proud to be a Marine.
Sadly, our son, Cpl Dustin Derga died May 8th 2005. Since his death, I feel it has been my duty to honor Dustin by sharing with others his story and his positive outlook about what was happening in Iraq. I am teaming with Families United to reach those media outlets that have yet to focus on anything but the bombings and deaths in Iraq. Read about Families United here.
I need your help to get the out the good word.
Please go to this website, sign the letter, and forward it to your friends.
I hope you will join me in encouraging the national media to recognize that Iraqi Liberation Day is on April 9th. Don’t Ignore this Milestone!
Sincerely,
Robert Derga
Gold Star Father
Uniontown, Ohio
God bless you and your son, Mr. Derga, and the rest of your family as well. As I have written here in the past, it’s our men and women in uniform and their families here who sacrifice the most for this great nation, so that we can enjoy the freedoms that so many take for granted. Thank you for letting me post this and once again, God bless.
Other blogs participating:
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Outstanding post S.T.!!!!!!!!
Godspeed Cpl Derga and thank you from a grateful American.
Comment by NC Cop @ 4/6/2006 - 10:34 pm
Thank *you* for your service as well, NC Cop
How have you been doing?
Comment by Sister Toldjah @ 4/6/2006 - 10:39 pm
God Bless you and your family Mr. Derga. Please know that you are in our in hearts for you and your sons great sacrifice. A free Iraq will be a testiment to all of us to be proud of, thanks to people like your son. God Bless you again. - Lorica
Comment by Lorica @ 4/7/2006 - 10:15 am
Thank you, SJ, for being part of this effort to remember Iraqi Liberation Day, April 9, and to remind the MSM that there is good work being done in the name of Democracy. To all my conservative brethren and sisters: Non illigitamus carborundum.
Comment by Lonely in NorCal @ 4/7/2006 - 12:52 pm
DUH — ST, not SJ
Comment by Lonely in NorCal @ 4/7/2006 - 12:54 pm
This story reminds us all to be thankful for the things we take for granted - our freedom and liberty. So many soldiers have given the ultimate sacrifice ensuring liberty endures and we must not forget those brave men and women. God bless the Derga family and all others who have lost family!
Comment by Luv2Box @ 4/7/2006 - 3:37 pm
I’m doing well S.T., thank you for asking. Last Wed. I actually stood up for the first time and walked on my new prosthtetics!!!!
I’m really excited about going back to rehab, I can’t wait to be walking around again!!!
I’ve got some pics, do you want me to send you a couple??
Comment by NC Cop @ 4/7/2006 - 9:21 pm
Yes - please do send them, NC Cop! Glad to read you are doing well!
Comment by Sister Toldjah @ 4/7/2006 - 9:33 pm
OMG, NC Cop was wounded! When did this happen?
Boy, did I get out of the loop!
NC Cop, how does a civilian thank a soldier for such a sacrifice? We owe you big time.
Comment by PCD @ 4/9/2006 - 11:42 am
Read about it here, PCD.
Comment by Sister Toldjah @ 4/9/2006 - 11:58 am
NC Cop, just wanted to thank you again for your service, you’re a real hero and a great American, and I mean that sincerely. I’m so glad to hear that you are making progress, we’d love some pics. You’re our resident hero, just as steve is our resident village idiot.
One of you is worth all the moonbats in the world, your presence here honors us.
Comment by Severian @ 4/9/2006 - 12:30 pm
Thank you all so much for the kind words, I really appreciate them! Just so everyone knows, I am not a soldier. I was a police officer who took a job in Iraq training Iraqi police officers. It was the greatest experience of my life! I was working side by side with my real life heroes, the solidiers, marines, airmen, and sailors of the United States military, and it was such an honor. I made alot of good friends there, both Iraqi and American. There are so many good people in Iraq, I pray for that country and it’s people everyday.
As far as thanking me, PCD, your kind words are more than enough, thank you. The response I have gotten from my police department and my community has been overwhelming.
My progress so far has been very good and I hope it continues. My goal is to return to my police duties someday, so keep your fingers crossed!!
Comment by NC Cop @ 4/9/2006 - 11:35 pm