UPDATE Thursday July 23
Has it really been a week? It seems like a few minutes ago, I was sitting at my desk in the newsroom working on…who knows what? Prior to 11:00 a.m. on July 16, our city was preoccupied with two drag racing cops, a “deluxe-size” school teacher who warned us to stay out of the ocean, and never-ending debates on Confederate flags and same-sex marriage. One week ago, our beautiful city’s name (inexplicably mispronounced by 90% of national media, including superstar news anchors and cable hosts) became associated with violence, tragedy and terrorism.
I was called into the studio to report on heavy traffic on Amnicola Highway, apparently caused by reports of an “Officer Down.” Those reports proved to be true, but as we soon learned, the whole truth was even worse. The shooter was “neutralized,” as police say, within minutes. But not until he had caused heartbreak for five families.
The response from around the nation has been so touching. Chattanooga’s city limits signs have been non-existent in recent days. Even our spirited competitor in “Best City Ever” from a few weeks ago, Port Angeles, Washington, sent a show of love. An anonymous donor from New York has sent 3,000 roses for the memorial services. People have driven hundreds of miles just to visit the makeshift tributes at the sites of the shootings on Lee Highway and Amnicola Highway.
I’ve seen a couple dozen songs on Facebook, all of them from the heart. Not to mention billboards, bumper stickers, artwork from adults and children, beautiful tributes at restaurants, stores and offices. Blood Assurance has seen a healthy, much-needed increase in donors. The GoFundMe page for wounded Chattanooga Police Officer Dennis Pedigo has raised more than $17,000 in less than 48 hours. The National Compassion Fund is raising money for the immediate and long term needs of the Chattanooga victims. The US-101 NoogaStrong campaign and upcoming Brantley Gilbert concert are sure to help our victims families, and our region’s spirit.
I’ll close this update with a song. My cousin Tony Carroll is a longtime church music director in the Chattanooga area. He, and his family, have made a big impact on thousands of people with their music. All my life, people have asked me, “Are you related to Tony Carroll?” I always reply, “Yes, he’s the Carroll with talent!” He writes, “The recent murders of 5 military personnel in Chattanooga by a terrorist were heartbreaking for our community and nation, and the demonstrations of support for their families in different ways continue. I write songs, and this is my way to “add my voice” in respect and support of those who hurt so much at their, and our, loss.”
Take two minutes from your busy day to listen to Tony Carroll sing, “Fallen, But Not Forgotten.” Tony, thank you for sharing your gift with us.
UPDATE Wednesday July 22
My friend Kelly McCarthy shared these photos from the funeral service of Chattanooga Police Officer Nathan Rogers on May 27 at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga. Nathan was a proud Marine who died at the age of 31 after a long battle with cancer. The photos show a fellow Marine paying tribute to Nathan Rogers and his family. That Marine was Sgt. David Wyatt who was one of the five servicemen who lost their lives during the July 16 Chattanooga shootings. Little did we know that we would be saying goodbye to him just a few weeks later. He was only 35 years old, and services were held in Chattanooga Friday.
US Marine Corps Sgt. David Wyatt with family of Nathan Rogers, May 27, 2015
Courtesy of Tracy Knauss, the Photo Doctor
UPDATE Tuesday July 21
From NBC: “Five days after Chattanooga shootings, President Obama orders flags at half-staff until 7/25 to honor five service members killed.” Forget about city limits signs. Our entire nation is part of #Chattanooga.
UPDATE: Monday July 20
The father of Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, one of the Marines who died in the mass shooting on Thursday, has told CBS News more about the heroic actions that saved lives at the site of the Navy Operations Support Center. According to Allen Wyatt, his son died after helping several others escape. “They were able to get 18 people away, over the fence. They counted, and there were two missing, and my son along with Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan went back to look for the other two, whereupon they ran into the shooter, and were fired upon and killed.”
(From MassLive.com): Known as “Gunny” to his fellow Marines, Sullivan “died a hero yesterday,” Marine Sgt. Amanda Vincent told Sullivan’s family, who gathered to celebrate the life of the 40-year-old, two-time Purple Heart recipient and Iraq veteran.
“The only thing on his mind was if his Marines were OK. He had a chance to jump the fence and run, but instead he ran back to make sure (I) and the others inside and the Marines that were shot were OK,” Vincent said in a message to the Sullivan family.
Sullivan and another Marine were about to enter the Navy Operational Support Center in Chattanooga when they were warned that the gunman was exiting.
“They ran back to the Marines outside and (Sullivan) made sure they all jumped over the fence and got away,” Vincent said.
Sullivan and the other Marine were the last two who needed to jump the fence. The other Marine scaled the fence, but when he looked back, “Gunny was gone,” Vincent said. Sullivan had instead gone to help other wounded Marines before he also sustained fatal injuries.
US Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David Wyatt with his children
Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan
US Navy Petty Officer Second Class Randall Smith, who lived in the Rossville, GA area, also is credited with saving lives that day. He was only 26.
Randall Smith and one of his daughters
Again, I emphasize that the bravery shown by our military and law enforcement officers saved many, many lives that day. We cannot thank them enough.
ORIGINAL STORY: Saturday July 18
I’ve used a lot of words, perhaps too many, in the past few days. I’ve been on live TV, trying to provide information on a mass shooting that has now claimed five lives in Chattanooga. It still doesn’t seem real, does it?
Chattanooga’s the home of the Lookouts, the Choo-Choo, the mountains, the river, the Aquarium, the Mocs, Moon Pie. We’re Gig City, Volkswagen, Amazon, Luther, Coca Cola, TVA and Mr. Belding. We never thought we’d be mentioned on worldwide news outlets this way: “How can we prevent another Chattanooga?”
Do you remember the top local news story the day before all this happened? That’s right. Two city police officers drag racing. And there were those allegedly foul-mouthed Minions toys at McDonalds, too. How trivial it all seems today.
One person, one senseless act, has changed our city. It has sent shock waves worldwide. It was an attack on our (as in American) military institutions. Five men, ranging in age from their 20s to 40s, from all over the nation, all committed to a life of service. They all ended up in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Virginia State Police cars escort 4 funeral home vans on I81 North Friday in Bristol, Virginia under the large cross at Victory Baptist Church. The multicar escort is traveling from Chattanooga through Bristol on the way to Delaware with the bodies of Marines killed in Thursday’s shooting in Chattanooga. Photo Earl Neikirk/Bristol Herald Courier/HeraldCourier.com
Some had been here for a short time, others had long made it their home. They all reported to their workplace Thursday morning, doing routine chores. Just another day, until a deranged young man showed up, on a mission to kill.
We now know his mission was not completed. He had enough artillery and ammunition to last for days. We shudder to think of the additional carnage and heartbreak he would have caused, if not for the bravery of our police officers.
People are reluctant to say much right now, and that’s understandable. The focus is where it should be, on the lives and families of our five fallen servicemen. But I can tell you that some unnamed (for now) heroes saved a lot of lives that day. Those same police officers, so often maligned by a surprisingly large segment of Americans (see Facebook for proof), contained the killing spree to one area. Had the shooter escaped, what was next on his list?
The active investigation, stretching worldwide, aims to determine why a young man who graduated from Red Bank High and UTC, went on a killing spree. The authorities, and citizens want to know if he left any associates behind. They want to know, and will find out, how someone who has raised a red flag or two managed to acquire, accumulate and transport so much firepower. It is reasonable to assume that this would be hard to accomplish without some help.
I am thankful that the others who were wounded Thursday are going to recover. In the meantime, five families are mourning.
Chattanooga postal worker with greetings on package from Chicago Metro Post Office
Like us, they wake up each morning, hoping it was just a bad dream. But their husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers are not coming home. The girlfriend of 21-year-old Skip Wells had just made plans to fly to Chattanooga to visit him. “Can’t wait,” he texted her. “Yes you can honey,” she replied. His next message, which would be his last, was “ACTIVE SHOOTER.” A few hours later, after reports of the violence had spread worldwide, she texted him, “Hon I need you to answer me please.” There would be no reply. Heartbreaking. Now she, and the others who loved these men are making a different set of plans.
Like many of you, I am exhausted. Those of us in the media have worked long hours. Those of you who don’t have been glued to your screens, large or small. My job is to gather and dispense information. In this particular case, I succeeded in some areas, and failed in others. People have kindly thanked me (and my colleagues) for what we did well, and believe me, they’ve been vocal about our mistakes. Eight hours of live television during breaking news requires a lot of unscripted words and statements. Careful as one may be, there are no do-overs. I assure you there was never any attempt to mislead or conceal. I have done the best I could with the information that was available at the time.
The explosion of social media has been a blessing and a curse. In essence, everyone’s a journalist now, and some are more reliable than others. On Thursday, rumors were being spread as fact, and photo-shopped images were all over the place. Now more than ever, you truly cannot believe everything you see. Ask any employee of a reputable news outlet, and they’ll tell you: half the job these days is sorting fact from rumor. On a breaking news day, it’s all-consuming.
But however fatigued I may be, I cannot emphasize enough that I didn’t shield a single person. I did not save a life. I didn’t dodge a single bullet. I didn’t stand out in the heat for hours on end, re-routing traffic, or securing a crime scene. I didn’t transport, or treat any of the victims of this mass attack. I didn’t have to inform anyone that one of their family members had died. I did not have to enter the residence of a person who had just carried out a terrorist attack, not knowing what traps might lie ahead. I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who carried out these duties. You saved our lives that day, just as you do every day. You go places the rest of us won’t go. Quite frankly, places we’re afraid to go.
Let me close with the words of someone younger, and wiser than myself. Chris Carroll is my son, and I’m proud of what he has written here:
“I am an extremely proud 2005 Red Bank High graduate, and I love telling people I am from Chattanooga. The suspect does not represent the school I revere or my beautiful home city. In its best moments, my community is loving and respectful of its neighbors, no matter how they worship or live their lives. Let’s all rise above hatred and keep the focus on the victims and their families. They are our heroes.”
Players and fans at Yankee Stadium in New York pause Friday night to remember our fallen heroes in Chattanooga (from NJ.com)
My friend Richard Cooper says Tom Petty’s 1989 hit “I Won’t Back Down” is appropriate for Chattanooga. I agree. Check out these lyrics:
Well, I won’t back down
No, I won’t back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won’t back down
No, I’ll stand my ground, won’t be turned around
And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won’t back down
God bless you for always keeping us posted and for being such a fine representative of our city.
Beautifully written. Thanks for your words and the words of your son.
Thank you David Carroll for the excellent job of reporting. I am one of the ones that has spent endless hours watching TV in unbelieve of what was going on in our city. Keep up the good work.
Beautiful well written and obviously from your heart.
David, I could not leave the television that day! You and Julie, Jed and Cindy were so calm and you all were keeping us aware of every move that we wanted and needed to know. My heart is so broken and heavy for these families now and I pray for our city as we draw closer( I hope) to each other, despite our differences and stand united. You all did a super job, no complaints here! Thank to all your staff at WRCB.
Great words David
Well said Nephew! Love you buddy.
David, the coverage and the caution that you exhibited throughout the past few days has been nothing less than phenomenal. The entire news team at WRCB-TV3 is my go-to, always, for complete accuracy. Our whole area is in shock over this coward’s heinous acts, and your compassionate news coverage of this past few days’ events has been impeccable. Kudos to you and the news team for keeping it real for your community.
Well said!! You are doing a fantastic job reporting our news!
At work, we listened to the radio and monitored online updates. I choked back tears as I lowered our flag to half mast and held on to that flagpole as I lifted prayers for all involved. On my way home, I called my favorite Marine, my 81 year old daddy who is on vacation with my mom. It was then the tears came. When I got home, I turned on my tv to see David and Cindy. They are my go to…not because of there eloquence or perfect delivery, but because I have watched them love Chattanooga in many ways that have nothing to do with being the evening anchors on WRCBTV3. Their eyes were bleary, red rimmed, and their heart, love, pride, and grief for our beloved Chattanooga spilled into my home. I imagined that through the their day they, and others committed to “doing their job” had to privately shed their own tears then collect themselves again. Thank you for your calling to serve. Thank you for loving this community. We will never be the same.
Angie Clark, thank you so much for your eloquent tribute to our talented and compassionate people who are our reliable news source. It is well deserved.
Ed
I must add that I have also witnessed hundreds of acts of kindness over the last couple days as people have come to donate blood to our centers and mobile drives in record numbers to replenish the blood supply after supplying for the wounded. The community has really come together.
Could not have been said more beautifully. I’m a North Carolina native, and we feel the hurt your area must be feeling even today. Life is so fragile, and we never know when it could and will strike our area. God help people to realize the hurt they are causing and bring it to an end!
David, I have followed you from your KZ 106 days and you have always had the reputation of an honest (and a little crazy) journalist. I respect you more every time I read a post of yours. This article is well worth sharing, as I plan to do. Thank you for your words which reflect my emotions. God bless you.
Thank you David for being the comsumate professional during this traveisty. Your reporting, as well as that of your colleagues at WRCB was superb. Yes, live coverage is hard work anytime, but, under the circumstances on Thursday you and the WRCB crew did a remakable job. I too spent many hours watching your coverage. Kudos to all of you.
Thank you David for being the comsumate professional during this traveisty. Your reporting, as well as that of your colleagues at WRCB was superb. Yes, live coverage is hard work anytime, but, under the circumstances on Thursday you and the WRCB crew did a remakable job. I too spent many hours watching your coverage. Kudos to all of you.
PS: It appears that your son is following in your footsteps with his eloquent summation.
David Carroll is Chattanooga! Another heartfelt, well written article by someone that loves and cares about our community. Keep up the good work. Our family will always appreciate your kind words when lost our precious Jeff Estes. Luther would be proud!
David, Thank you for your tireless work during this tragic event. You are a comforting commentator, and an excellent person to have behind the microphone. Your self control, as well as your ability to convey comfort to listeners has been a soothing influence. Thank you and may God bless you as you continue to serve our communiity.
Thank you David for always using your words to tell the story in a clear concise and reliable way. You have reported the facts, as you know them, and you are fair an unbiased. Our city has been rocked and we will continue to feel the after effects for a long time. While you may not have been in the “line of fire” you have made sure than many stayed out of harms way. Thank you – for your sacrificial dedication to your job,
Well, I was crying over all this before I read this and now I’m really crying. Beautifully written is right. Amazingly written, in fact. I’m so proud of our CPD and HCSD that I could burst. On the other hand, my heart is just broken for what has happened. And strange as it may seem, my tears are for those same CPD and HCSD officers that I am so proud of because, heroes that they may be, they have to relive that awful day over and over in their nightmares. They won’t talk about it, probably not even with each other, but it won’t just go away. God Bless our Men in Blue who EVERY DAY PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE FOR OUR SAFETY.
Really crazy time here in Chattanooga! I could tell yesterday the stress you and Cindy we’re going through! You guys were trying to get the news out best you could and CNN was way ahead because of the inside information they had! Has to be very stressful and I could see it on both of your faces! Just amazing as you stated about CPD was in the news for a bad way the day before and now they are heroes and by all rights should be! Just amazing though that for the last 2 years our citizens have been beating the same people up! They have not been able to do anything right and all of the sudden they are the best thing since slice bread! Pretty sad!! I hope moving forward that we as citizens understand what these guys go through on a daily basis and we think really hard before we start throwing daggers! Congrats to you David and the CPD for doing what you do best and that is providing news and protection for our great city!!!
Thank you David for your work…. As one that was in a lock down while all this was taking place, I have a lot on my mind. My family, the one’s that lost loved ones…. I just pray we as local folks will pray for leaders that will put a stop to these sort of things. The police that put their self on the line to protect us has all my respect for what they did…Some of the people that were put in warms way were left defenseless due to laws made by folks that lack leadership…. We need Leaders. Thanks once again to ALL that put their lives on the line for us daily…. A Selvidge.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for sharing the insightful words of your son. None of us know what a day will bring. Frankly, I am still processing all the tragic events of this past week. As a born and bred Chattanoogan, I know our city’s history along with knowing the core of the citizenry who have lived here and contributed their time, talents, faith and finances to making Chattanooga a wonderful place to call home. I am reminded, though, that Chattanooga is no stranger to bloodshed and heartache. Sadly, there was a very bloody battle fought here about 150 years ago. Years before that, original Chattanoogans were asked to leave by the government, no less, to relocate out west. That move was so sad it is known as “The Trail of Tears”. Chattanooga has sent many sons and daughters off to many wars, some to return victoriously and others to return to their final resting place. Chattanooga has seen floods, ice storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters. Throughout all the history of any tragedy or turmoil to befall Chattanooga, the people have always rallied to support our city and each other, making Chattanooga the strong, wonderful town that it is. That same tenacious human spirit that saw our city through tragic times before, is alive and well today, and perhaps even stronger for what the past has taught us. While many of us are still in shock, or like me, still processing what has transpired in our town, I hope that we will remember those Chattanoogans who blazed the path before us. How we respond to this terrible incident will reflect to future generations of Chattanoogans their own legacy of strength and healing for whatever trials they may face as a city. I think we definitely experience hope and encouragement from all the superior actions shown by our own police, medical support, emergency personnel and news media during what has become a national tragedy. I personally appreciate them all for their professionalism and grace under pressure. But that’s Chattanooga for you, now isn’t! Thank you, again, for your heartfelt words and for allowing me to share my “2 cents”.
Thank you, David. . It is still like a very bad dream. I grew up half a mile from the first shooting site. This has all been too much to take in. I’m thankful beyond what words can convey to our heroes Thursday. I’d like to tell you I appreciate your calm demeanor at a time of extreme duress. Our prayers continue for the families of the victims. Thank you for all you do for us. It’s obvious where your heart is.
Thanks David …for your service and your heart ❤️
David, very inspiring. I read it this morning before going to church. You have said so much, so much truth. I love Chattanooga, I love my friends and neighbors,but better still, I love all of God’s children around the world, I also love those of a different faith than mine, I know I serve the REAL TRUE LIVE God, but I also know God is the judge, not me, God tells me to love and pray, and that is what I do. Bless you and thank you and thank all at Channel 3 for me. You guys are the best.
Thank you, David, and thank you to others in the media who have put so much effort into keeping us accurately informed. It’s a hard job and its professionals end up being skewered often. And your son’s words, “In its best moments, my community is loving and respectful of its neighbors, no matter how they worship or live their lives.” — That is the Chattanooga I love, the one I want to nourish and encourage, and it is what I want this city remembered for…that we choose – always – to let love win.
Great work, David. As I wrote you earlier, I appreciate the daunting task you and your colleagues faced while delivering this tragic breaking news. This is probably your best blog. It was heartfelt but not maudlin. You are a real pro, my friend.
I have a lot of friends in Chattanooga, and they are all good people, much like most of the people in Chattanooga I have met. This was a great story, well done.
A job well done David, one works with what one has….that said, I watched what all 3 stations take on this unpleasant day in our lives here in the Chattanooga area, yours was one of the better ones, even tho with all this technology around one still has to be sure of the facts before putting it out for the public. Case in point, shooter believed that he was helping his cause because he had been misinformed. Thanks for all you do for the Chattanooga area in your reporting. Peace be with you!
I posted on FB Thursday how proud I was of the job Channel 3 and you did reporting the tragic events. I also shared how proud I was that you were neither afraid nor hesitant to ask the viewers to pray. I respect your professionalism, honesty, and fairness in reporting the news. I thank you, as well as Chattanooga does, for the excellent job you did Thursday and every day for your viewers.
Thank you David and your son. To me you have a pure heart.Your words truly touch me.I no having to do your job that darkest day it was hard for you. You done a great job!
David, your calm, thoughtful presentation of the events as information became available during and following the recent tragic shooting of military personnel was just what this city needed! You kept reminding the public, yourself, and your fellow broadcasters that it was critical to only relay facts and not speculate or make assumptions. Too often in serious situations such as this the need to talk about what is occurring does become speculation which leads to misinformation, and increases fear. As the child of a broadcaster, I know the pressure that the media feels to get information to the public first while also making sure the information is accurate. You and the 3 team did just that! Thank you!
While I no longer live in Chattanooga, my family and I lived there for twenty-plus years. All four daughters went to school in the Harrison area. Watching national news of places you went by daily, places you worked near and seeing them now a ‘killing field’ does something to your own personal reality. I always turned to WRCB for news and weather every morning, getting ready for a work & school day. Even sat up and watched the blizzard of ’93 from my window & from your channel. Thank you for your coverage of not only with the facts, not only with the verbiage but with compassion, respect to those involved and with community concern!!
This was such a well written article. We do not live in Chattanooga but our daughter, son-in-law and grandson do. As we heard the news from our daughter who was working at one of the hospitals on Thursday our heart was broken that such a horrible thing had taken place in such a beautiful city. We spend many hours in Chattanooga with our family and we have always found it to be most welcoming. Our prayers go out to everyone in Chattanooga and we will continue to lift you up as you continue to show your strength, love and devotion to your city in the coming days. You are Chattanooga Strong!
Prayers from Lawrenceburg, TN
Great article and I especially appreciated the comments shared by Chris.
Thank you for your sincere love for the City of Chattanooga and the people who live in this area. The honesty and integrity of your reporting is much appreciated by myself and many others.
Great words of wisdom, David. You have faithfully reported the news in a very responsible manner for years…I am a witness to that opinionated fact. I was one of those glued to your broadcast on 7/16 and once again you proved to be a very humble, concerned and diligent reporter, but more importantly you aided our community through the sharing of your own heart-felt concern as we pealed back the layers of this tragedy together. I, like your son, am a proud graduate of Red Bank High School (’76) and totally agree that it is tough to hear your home school and city associated with such insanity as was inflicted on our local military and law enforcement. My love and prayers will continue for the families of these dear victims and my thanks to you for just being who you are. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your kind words and all the hard work that you all did. Your compassion speaks for our entire city! That is “Chattanooga”
David, I am proud to know you and to have known you these many years. You are a kind, loving person and a great reporter. You represent the citizens of the greater Chattanooga area very well. I know that you and most of the reporters on TV in Chattanooga worked long hard hours to cover this terrible tragedy. It’s a shame to have to cover such a sad story. I am only getting my coverage from outlets and Internet here in FL.Thanks goodness for your blog. God Bless our police departments. JL
Although I live in Dalton and not Chattanooga, this is our sister city and I am in Chattanooga on a regular basis. My heart is breaking for all these brave men and their families. The fact that this happened on our home ground is so devastating. My brother was a Marine in the Vietnam War and he also gave his life saving his platoon. It is the Marine way to go back to help those that need you. All military are special to me but the Marines hold a special place in my heart. My brother died a hero at the age of 21 as these fine men did on this fateful day. My prayers are with all their families, friends and loved ones as they try to process this heinous, unnecessary act. Stay strong Chattanooga, we are all with you.
David,
I always appreciate your perspective and thoughtfulness in good times and bad. Thank you for staying in Chattanooga. I’m sure you could have been snatched away from us. My Momma, Frances King, would have wanted to “hug your neck.”
Love to you all,
Kay
Sir I think you and everyone there have done an amazing job through all of this. I’ve had my problems with the news station in the past and have been very vocal about not liking it but I must give you the credit you all greatly deserve. I can imagine you are exhausted tryin to keep up with all the info coming at you. Thank you for keeping us updated as you found out information and for your professionalism. You’ve really changed how I feel about the station. Very good reporting and thank you for giving CPD the recognition they deserve. I wish this were something that we never had to see or hear about. Thankful for our city and for being #noogastrong. Thank you to not only you but the entire team there
My grandson was at that location just a few months ago. He just got out of basic and is now in Hawaii but it could have just as easily been at that time. Thank you for all the hard work and the seriousness you feel for your job. This was one of the few times I kept up with the news. Thanks for dedication!!!
Mr. Carroll,
I just finished reading your report, “Our city’s darkest day.” The quality of your report, the accuracy and depth of the information you presented, and the compassion you wrote about is exemplary and moves me greatly. Thank you for sharing with us the lives of all those who were killed in your fair city. Thank you for showing what fine human beings these gentlemen were. Thank you for sharing with all of us the bravery these men displayed and the dedication they had to our nation.
Thank you also for telling us about the true nature of Chattanooga. I have been to your city on many occasions – I’ve visited the Choo-Choo – and I have enjoyed many fine meals at various restaurants. The heinous act of a terrorist cannot diminish the fine environment, the wonderful sites, nor the pleasant disposition of your city’s people no more than it can remove from our memories the dedication and honor our Fallen Angels showed in their service to our nation.
You and your city have my best wishes for a happy and prosperous future. The families and friends of our Fallen Angels have my deepest sympathy.
Lance Corporal Wells, Petty Officer Smith, Sergeant Holmquist, Staff Sergeant Wyatt, and Gunny Sullivan, your tours are done you watches are completed. Semper Fidelis and rest in peace. You are relieved; we have the watch.
BoB Garza
1stSgt, USMCR (Ret)