Dom and I are finalizing plans to fly out to Chris's memorial.

I can't really afford to go, but he was my friend, I can't afford not to go.

As soon as Dom gets more details, he'll be posting them.

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USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

Sadly I'm on tour in the UK at the moment until the start of February so I won't be able to represent the UKCM.

Obviously I'd like my sympathies and best wishes to be conveyed to Chris's wife and family.

Harry

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http://www.facebook.com/TheHHACA - @TheHHACA

Consider it done Harry.

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USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

Just heard from Dom. Chris's Memorial is tomorrow. Can't make it that fast.

I'll be raising a toast to him at 6 pm West Coast Time. Please do so as well.

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USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

The funeral is tomorrow?
I was planning to attend, but I simply cannot get there that quick

Reading the news since we first heard of his heart attack.....I've not had anything to say that hasn't already been said.
Sat at the keyboard, not knowing what to say or even how to express my feelings about this.

Chris.......FNG.......a marine....a friend.........a saint.

Chris, you will be truly missed.
The corp will not be the same.
Go forward, be at peace and god speed my......no OUR dear friend.

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I set my clock. There isn't a pub open at 2 AM in Ireland, but I'll raise a toast from home anyway. I think I have some Retsina wine somewhere, I hope he'd like the Greek touch.

Oh man. This sucks so bad.

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I can't make tomorrow....

I too will raise a glass.

I know it's early, but if some of you are planing a memorial at DC this year (like I read in the other thread), maybe a collection can be raised to fly his wife to Atlanta to see it?


.... Just a thought maybe, to keep in mind.

She and his brother are coming this year..to bring his armor as a memorial...they also have something else special in mind...

We, on the other hand, are looking at doing something to help raise money for Joy...just keep a sharp eye out for it..you WILL like it.


Derek

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Cpl D. Smith CMD
A04/TQ1.0.62147E1


RIP Pvt. Chris Chulamanis A14/TQ4.0.66993E7 You are missed.

Also, it has been suggested that the board be shut down for 24 hours to honor Chris...Rook is supposed to look into that...lets hope he can do it.


Derek

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Cpl D. Smith CMD
A04/TQ1.0.62147E1


RIP Pvt. Chris Chulamanis A14/TQ4.0.66993E7 You are missed.

Those who know me know I don't drink.

Ever.


But tomorrow night- I will raise a glass in Chris' honour.

Rest well my friend. You've earned it.

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I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

I was surprised the memorial was so quick too. Looks like we'd have all made it next week.

I was thinking if we could write down stories of Chris, it could be printed out on nice paper, font, etc. and sent to Joy. I think she might like that.

I've already had some pictures printed, ready to frame them and send them to her.

Damn, I miss him now, and I will miss him more as time goes on.

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USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

I'd like to get some armbands done for those of us trooping this year. How does that sound?

Dave, Dom and I were talking about a way to always honor Chris as well.

In addition to the black armbands, which is a great idea-

I'd like to take the picture Dom made of Chris carrying the flag, with the Delta behind it. Have a high-res pic made, laminated.

Paint the small armor flap on the left shoulder black. Mount it there w/ his name, service number above it in white.

I remember asking me if he could carry the flag. Said he really wanted to. I told him I could think of no better person to do so.

I wish I had a picture of his face, I'll never forget that warm, ear to ear sincere smile.

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USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

One other thing...his brother made mention about getting in touch with Lance Henriksen..since he and Chris knew one another...can this be arranged?

BTW, Rex, thats a great idea....

What kind of memorial can we put on our own armor for him?? Maybe paint our left arm pieces black...??



Derek

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Cpl D. Smith CMD
A04/TQ1.0.62147E1


RIP Pvt. Chris Chulamanis A14/TQ4.0.66993E7 You are missed.

Why don't we all do the same tribute? Whatever we decide. All for one, all for Chris

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USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

I like it...


Derek

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Cpl D. Smith CMD
A04/TQ1.0.62147E1


RIP Pvt. Chris Chulamanis A14/TQ4.0.66993E7 You are missed.

I was thinking about commissioning Mike Rush to have a memorial pin made- something we could wear on our uniforms?

It could also be worn by those who don't troop.

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I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

Great Idea

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Geordi,
A01/TQ2.0.62155E1
(CO of the Bucketheads)

Marc Freedman

I second the Great Idea, particularly since smartgunners don't HAVE a left shoulder bell, as such

Jesse

OK, now I am sad. Don't shut the forum down. He would not want that.

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No, they are not going to see this coming...

I'm all for the idea of armbands or some other salute. As long as it's something everyone can participate in uniformly regardless of costume (or lack thereof) I think it's an outstanding idea.

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CPL Sean Maio A01/TQ2.0.72156E1
Public Relations Division (Temporary Cross-Assignment)
M-56 Smartgun Operator, A/3Btn, II CMEF, USS Sephora

I love the pin ideas.....maybe some type of pin we can wear with our wings.


Derek

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Cpl D. Smith CMD
A04/TQ1.0.62147E1


RIP Pvt. Chris Chulamanis A14/TQ4.0.66993E7 You are missed.

Although it would have been nice to have had some time to get at least some of us together one last time before they scatter his ashes to the wind -- no sense in dragging things out. This is a difficult enough time for his immediate family.

At 4:00pm CST I will raise a glass as well. I'll be at work, so it'll have to be discrete.


Awesome idea -- I'm going to do the same. I think she would absolutely love that.


Dave -- You read my mind. We've gotta make this happen, and I want to be involved.


Another excellent idea -- it has to be done.

I know Chris would have just rolled his eyes at us for making such a fuss -- he was humble that way. Yet, I know if it was another one of us who had passed, he would love the things we've begun discussing here. This is for us just as much as it is for him, maybe even moreso. It's the least we can do to express our love for the man, and our tragic sense of loss.

He has left a huge whole in our tight-knit family, and it will never completely heal. I am incredibly thankful to have had the chance to know him, and to have some great memories of him -- yet somehow those 3 years just don't seem like enough time to learn about a great man who truly lived a lifetime.

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Rick "Ripstick"
A03/TQ3.0.12142E1

I like the idea of a pin by Mike too.

And all you smartgunners- my bad! I forgot you guys don't have the same armor us riflemen do. You would have to obviously mount the memorial image somewhere else.

I was just thinking of Chris in his armor, how the Marines armor have various names on them ( Louise, Joy, etc.) and I think it would be a positive way to honor Chris in this fashion.

He becomes a permanent part of our armor. I think he'd like it. We've all had chats about decorating our armor, I think he'd consider it an honor.

I'd like to think so.

A pin to put on the uniform is a great idea Kevin, really great.

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USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!