Graduation Day from Parris Island 2006.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
CAMP HABBANIYAH, Iraq -
"Lance Cpl. Loggins."
The shout echoes across the room unanswered.
"Lance Cpl. Adam Loggins."
Again the shouted command rings out, only to be unanswered once more.
"Lance Cpl. Adam Eugene Loggins."
The command is unanswered yet again, though many of the men in the crowd wait for their fallen comrade to return it. As the final echo fades away and a trumpet plays Taps, they slowly walk down the aisle to say their final goodbyes to their friend, brother, and fellow warrior.
Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment packed into the Warrior's Rest Chapel here May 3, to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of one of their fallen brothers.
Lance Cpl. Adam E. Loggins, 27, from Athens, Ala., was killed in action April 26, 2007 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province. He was a member of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. His loss left a hole in the hearts of those who served with him and in the hearts of his family.
"Lance Cpl. Adam Loggins was much more than an outstanding Marine and a crack-shot machine gunner," said Lance Cpl. Victor A. Godoy. "He was a great man, a brother to us all, and a good friend to me."
Loggins joined the Marine Corps in January 2006 at the age of 26. Despite being significantly older than his fellow Marines, he bonded quickly with them. His age and maturity gave him an experienced view on life he shared with his fellow Marines.
"It's funny to think one could be called old at 27, but we had nicknamed him "Old Man" Loggins," said Godoy. "He was like a big brother to us and I will never forget him or the impact he had on my life."
Loggins spent his days in the turret of his Humvee where he provided security for his 'little brothers' on the ground. It was a role he excelled at.
"My eternal memory of Lance Cpl. Loggins is of him in his turret behind his (machine gun) smiling," said Capt Ryan J. Erisman, the commanding officer of L Company. "The combination was both awe-inspiring and deadly. A 240 pound Marine behind a 104 pound gun on top of a 40,000 pound truck. From his truck 15 feet in the air Lance Cpl. Loggins literally had our backs and was watching over our shoulders. Another Marine now rides in that turret; however Adam Loggins' spirit remains. Wherever Lima goes, he'll be watching over our shoulders and smiling."
The events of September 11, 2001 had a strong effect on Loggins. He was an adult on that infamous day and made the choice of one. He chose to be a Marine and serve his country in a time of war.
"The Lynyrd Skynyrd song that played prior to the service tells of how the lyric writer sees things changing around him, but yet feels the only thing he can do is put pen to paper and write about it," said Navy Lt. Michael R. Baker, the battalion's chaplain. "Adam saw the world about him change and he did something greater; he put on a uniform and set out to change the ills of the world."
One simple statement from Loggins' father summed up the pride and agony that his death caused: "That's the price you pay for raising men."
"These were the words that Danny Loggins said to me when I called to offer my condolences to a grieving father," said Lt. Col. James F McGrath, the battalion commanding officer. "The power of such a simple statement has lingered in my thoughts. It simultaneously speaks of incredible sorrow and intense pride."
Article I of the Code of Conduct governing the conduct of American servicemembers states: I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces that guard my country and our way of life. I'm prepared to give my life in their defense.
"There's nothing hollow about these words," added McGrath. "On 26 April, 2007, Lance Cpl. Loggins put action to mere words and demonstrated his honor, his courage, and his commitment with his life. His life and his sacrifice are the embodiment of selfless service and truly mark Adam Loggins as a man. Yes, Mr. Loggins, there is indeed a price for raising men. Semper Fidelis."
"Lance Cpl. Loggins."
The shout echoes across the room unanswered.
"Lance Cpl. Adam Loggins."
Again the shouted command rings out, only to be unanswered once more.
"Lance Cpl. Adam Eugene Loggins."
The command is unanswered yet again, though many of the men in the crowd wait for their fallen comrade to return it. As the final echo fades away and a trumpet plays Taps, they slowly walk down the aisle to say their final goodbyes to their friend, brother, and fellow warrior.
Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment packed into the Warrior's Rest Chapel here May 3, to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of one of their fallen brothers.
Lance Cpl. Adam E. Loggins, 27, from Athens, Ala., was killed in action April 26, 2007 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province. He was a member of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. His loss left a hole in the hearts of those who served with him and in the hearts of his family.
"Lance Cpl. Adam Loggins was much more than an outstanding Marine and a crack-shot machine gunner," said Lance Cpl. Victor A. Godoy. "He was a great man, a brother to us all, and a good friend to me."
Loggins joined the Marine Corps in January 2006 at the age of 26. Despite being significantly older than his fellow Marines, he bonded quickly with them. His age and maturity gave him an experienced view on life he shared with his fellow Marines.
"It's funny to think one could be called old at 27, but we had nicknamed him "Old Man" Loggins," said Godoy. "He was like a big brother to us and I will never forget him or the impact he had on my life."
Loggins spent his days in the turret of his Humvee where he provided security for his 'little brothers' on the ground. It was a role he excelled at.
"My eternal memory of Lance Cpl. Loggins is of him in his turret behind his (machine gun) smiling," said Capt Ryan J. Erisman, the commanding officer of L Company. "The combination was both awe-inspiring and deadly. A 240 pound Marine behind a 104 pound gun on top of a 40,000 pound truck. From his truck 15 feet in the air Lance Cpl. Loggins literally had our backs and was watching over our shoulders. Another Marine now rides in that turret; however Adam Loggins' spirit remains. Wherever Lima goes, he'll be watching over our shoulders and smiling."
The events of September 11, 2001 had a strong effect on Loggins. He was an adult on that infamous day and made the choice of one. He chose to be a Marine and serve his country in a time of war.
"The Lynyrd Skynyrd song that played prior to the service tells of how the lyric writer sees things changing around him, but yet feels the only thing he can do is put pen to paper and write about it," said Navy Lt. Michael R. Baker, the battalion's chaplain. "Adam saw the world about him change and he did something greater; he put on a uniform and set out to change the ills of the world."
One simple statement from Loggins' father summed up the pride and agony that his death caused: "That's the price you pay for raising men."
"These were the words that Danny Loggins said to me when I called to offer my condolences to a grieving father," said Lt. Col. James F McGrath, the battalion commanding officer. "The power of such a simple statement has lingered in my thoughts. It simultaneously speaks of incredible sorrow and intense pride."
Article I of the Code of Conduct governing the conduct of American servicemembers states: I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces that guard my country and our way of life. I'm prepared to give my life in their defense.
"There's nothing hollow about these words," added McGrath. "On 26 April, 2007, Lance Cpl. Loggins put action to mere words and demonstrated his honor, his courage, and his commitment with his life. His life and his sacrifice are the embodiment of selfless service and truly mark Adam Loggins as a man. Yes, Mr. Loggins, there is indeed a price for raising men. Semper Fidelis."
Tears
"There is a sacredness in tears.They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.They are messengers of overwhelming grief,of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love."
-Washington Irving
-Washington Irving
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