Bald, I can certainly understand how today would be a very tough day indeed.
I too am speechless on the generosity of the forum members who made that urn. Amazing on so many levels. What a gift.

Tombstone inscription approved today for his interment at the Black Hills National (military) Cemetery on 26 August.



NAMCAM = Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal

The inscription reflects his untiring volunteerism in support of all veterans and emergency responders.

Erich was laid to rest Thursday afternoon with full military honors at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Thank you for sharing, Bob.

What a terrible thing you have endured.

Prayers for you and Erich.

quote:

Originally posted by ersatzknarf:
Thank you for sharing, Bob.

What a terrible thing you have endured.

Prayers for you and Erich.

Thanks Frank. His beloved service dog Stark passed on the 21st. At least they are together again.

Sad about Stark, but good that they are now together

God puts them where they need to be.



That's my one wish; to be again with my beloved Yorkies, Lindsay and Cooper.

I've followed this thread at a loss for anything to say that might be a comfort to you and your family. I'm still at a loss, but I'm glad that Erich is finally safely "home." You're both in my thoughts and prayers.

Again thanks to all who both posted in this thread and contacted me directly.

Some final things to share.



Some of Erich's "stuff:"

Mostly military to include his "Hog's tooth" ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hog%27s_tooth ) Scout-Sniper School graduate "award" and his FMF (Fleet Marine Force pin* reflective of Navy personnel also having successfully completed USMC boot camp... yes he went through both Navy and USMC boot camps) but also a couple patches reflecting some of his civilian certifications.

You buy your rating patch as shown (E-4/E-6) and then trim it as necessary for your rank.

*The FMF pin and ribbon are no longer awarded.
The Fleet Marine Force Ribbon (FMF) is an award of the United States Navy that denotes that an eligible Navy service member (either enlisted or officer) has earned the Fleet Marine Force designation. Created in 1984 the ribbon was used to distinguish Navy personnel who were serving with qualified Marine Corps deployable units. It was made obsolete on October 1st, 2006 after the Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist and Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer Insignia were created. However, if the ribbon had previously been earned it is still approved for wear.