You read about it and you see it on the evening news. Another young man or woman killed in some godforsaken place. You shake your head in disbelief and sometimes shed a tear. After all, can't we all imagine the horror of losing a beloved child to war?


Except this week it was different for our family. We returned home on Friday afternoon to a phone message asking my husband to call his brother, who lives in Maryland.  I could hear the words, “Oh no, oh no,” through my office door.

The marines had just left their sister’s home. A single mother - she got the visit no parent should ever have to endure. Her 21 year old, full-of-life son had been shot on a battle field in Afghanistan.  The medics couldn’t save him.


Needless to say, sorrow is in the air at our house this weekend. It’s hard to grasp the finality of such an event - the numb disbelief is still fresh in all of our minds.  This was his second deployment - he was due home in July or August.

Plans were already in the works for his return too. He had urged other young family members to join him at the shore in North Carolina for sun and celebration. Now, there will be a very different kind of rendezvous in his honor.         

 Sadly,  this family knows first hand the horror of losing a child to war.
  
  RIP and Semper Fi to a fine young man and Marine ~ Eugene Mills, you will be forever missed and always loved by your friends and family. 

Semper Fi to a young marine.

Gene is on the left in this photo.

 

 

 I hope you like what you've read. If so, please hit the subscribe button.

Subscribe to Debb

Debb Sells with Soul

Debb Janes EcoBroker&Realtor Green~Sells with Soul

The Carl Group, Serving Clark County, WA
Specializing in Vancouver - Camas - Washougal - Fisher's Landing    

you can always find me at DebbJanes.com

As an EcoBroker, I combine my love of nature, people and the planet with my job as a Realtor®, that way, I can help you live in a more beautiful, comfortable and healthier environment, and save you money. Let me be your guide.

In addition, my passion for the Northwest lifestyle and our area's many neighborhoods ensure you a great selling or buying experience. Debb Sells with Soul

 

 Let's also connect here...
 Debb is Linked InTwitter DebbDebb's YouTube ChannelGoogle MeDebb Janes, Residental Realtor, Clark County Washington                          

 

 
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: A WALK in the LIGHT~
Post is included in group: Almost Anything Goes

22 Comments on Semper Fi to a young marine

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUN
23
617,259 Points 94 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

God Debb..I am so sorry.  This made me cry.  There are few words to comfort, but know that we all care about you.  I will keep your family in my prayers.

God Bless and Rest in Peace to a fine Marine, Eugene Mills.  
5:29pm • #3
953,984 Points 52 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Debb, we do hear about our military men and women that lose their lives and is quite different when we know them personally.   My heart goes out to you and your family in honor of a young who put our Country first.  RIP Eugene Mills!
6:30pm • #4

I am so sorry for your loss.  I cannot imagine....................................Marines are the cream of the crop, thank you for and your family for your support and sacrifice so that we may be comfortable here.  
7:17pm • #5
338,126 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. There is no worse news a parent can hear and just when the young man was finally coming home. I'm at a loss for how to comfort you. Rest in peace, Eugene Mills. You paid a heavy price so far away from home. Your loved ones will remember you forevermore.
8:02pm • #6
498,532 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Oh Debb - this makes my heart ache. Sending love and prayers and hugs to your family.
8:29pm • #7
388,783 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Debb, terribly sad, I'll pray for his family and for those loved him. What a shock for his mom and all who knew him. I hope they can heal knowing of his bravery and the love and dedication he showed for our country. May God Bless Eugene Mills and take him under his wings.
8:33pm • #8
JUN
24
983,064 Points 79 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

So sad.  This type of story breaks my heart Debb.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of Gene's family. The loss of a child has to be more than any parent could and should endure.  Loving memories of Gene will keep him alive in your hearts forever.
2:45am • #9
221,355 Points 5 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

So sorry to hear of your tradgic news Debb. Everytime I hear or read one of these stories it makes me so sad and angry. Best to you and the family.
5:23am • #10
470,381 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sally and David, thanks so much for your kind words and visit. I am sharing these comments with my husband.
6:43am • #11
470,381 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sharon - war is hell. And, the finality of Gene's death is really difficult for his family to accept.

Brenda, I know, it is heartbreaking. We keep having sad moments, tears and disbelief. I think my husband wishes he was closer to the rest of his siblings - this is when it's hard to live on the other side of the country.

6:49am • #12
470,381 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Joan, thanks for your visit and sweet words. It really does hit home ( literally ) when you have a family connection.

Richard, thank you, thank you. I know his mother supported his efforts and the Marines 100%.

Jill, I think of how far away he was too and imagine his final hours. I do know he loved what he was doing.

Nancy - heart ache is an apt  description for it.

6:52am • #13
470,381 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Ellen - I think his mom is still in shock. His body will be flown into Dover tomorrow, I think the real finality will hit her then. Fortunately, she has lots of friends and a strong family support system to see her through this difficult time.

Roger - thank you. It is hard to make peace with something of this nature. But, you are right, he will remain with us in loving memories and respect for his life and service.

Marco, yes, it feels like such a needless waste doesn't it?

 Freedom Remembered

7:04am • #14
388,783 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Debb, just to let you know, my prayers were said for him and his family today. Sorry for the terrible loss.
4:27pm • #15
JUN
25
470,381 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Ellen, thank you. Bernie really appreciated it and wanted me to convey his gratitude.
8:45am • #16
1,927,226 Points 155 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

We will be praying for this family and you brought a tear to my eye when I read this. I think the military is important, but I still don't want to see any one lose a child.
11:25am • #17
470,381 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Todd, you are very sweet. It is still so surreal for the family. I know, in time, they will begin to heal. It just happened on Friday, so shock is still very much a reality.
1:58pm • #18
JUN
26
682,095 Points 83 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

When I read "Semper FI" as I scrolled down your recent posts (I've been away a bit)...I stopped. And I stopped with a heart full of trepidation. Semper Fi...always faithful...and what those two words mean to you and me...and to all of us...to our families with that terrible first-hand understanding...gratitude...tears...and prayers for the future...

Love,

janeAnne
9:17am • #19
470,381 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

janeAnne, my husband's family is hanging together and providing support to the parents and brother of this young marine. It has been a real shock to all of us - and one can't help but wonder "what if?"  With that said, he died doing what he believed in...we remain "always faithful to his memory and his spirit"...that is for certain. Thank you so much for your kind words, and the prayers...
9:25am • #20
JUN
27

This was is very sad, Eugene was a friend of my sons, they went to high school together. AFter he joined the marines I had the pleasure to meet him a couple of times when my son brought him over to help us move so furniture around. Eugene was a handsome, sweet, funny kid and so very full of life. my son Alex is a mess as this hits close to home.. his father was killed in the 91 gulf war. My sincere thoughts and prayers are will the enitre Mills family at this time!

 

Lia Kalka
Lia Kalka
8:06am • #21
470,381 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Lia, thanks for sharing your connection. I honestly didn't have a lot of time to get to know Little Gene, my husband and I married 10 years ago, and since we live on the West Coast, I wasn't able to establish a real relationship. My knowledge of him is mostly through my husband, bonus daughter and my sister-in-law Theresa. However, I do know how much he is loved and will be missed by the entire Stea family.


I send good thoughts to Alex and I am very sorry for your loss too. Take care Lia. D

8:39am • #22

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 
Debb%20for%20awards Ambassador_large

Debb Janes~Realtor® Camas, Washington EcoBroker

Camas, WA

More about me…

The Carl Group, LLC

Address: 3250 SE 164th Street , Suite 211, Vancouver , WA, 98683

Office Phone: (360) 210-5526

Cell Phone: (360) 608-4900

Email Me

"Exploring Clark County" is all about wonderful towns, homes, neighborhoods and lifestyles available in the beautiful Southwest Washington portion of the Pacific Northwest. Plus, you'll find some observations and occasional opinions with a hint of Green.



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find WA real estate agents and Camas real estate on ActiveRain.