This memorial website was created in the Memory of our loved one, Cpl. Rusty Lee Washam, who was born in North Carolina on February 11, 1985 and KIA in Iraq on February 14, 2006 at the age of 21. Rusty is the loving son of Sonny & Beverly Washam and the youngest of six brothers and sisters Michelle, Misty, Donny, Lilly & Dustin. Rusty was also a very proud father of two little boys Ryan & Andrew who will never know how much they were loved by their daddy. Rusty grew up in the military, his father spent 24 years in the Army and both of his brothers are also in the military. Rusty, joined the Marines straight out of Scott High School in Huntsville, Tennessee in 2003. He was a very proud Marine.
Rusty turned 21 February 11, 2006 three days before A suicide car bomber took his life inspite of Rusty wearing his protective gear. Rusty called his mom on his birthday "He said everything was quiet, and he was looking forward to coming home. It was a real clear line that day, most of the time when we talked to him the line was real fuzzy. But that day, his voice was real clear." The last words he spoke before he hung up was, “I love you, mom.”
Sunny days seem to hurt the most Wear the pain like a heavy coat I feel you everywhere I go I see your smile, I see your face I hear you laughing in the rain Still can't believe you're gone
It ain't fair you died too young Like a story that had just begun The death tore the pages all away God knows how I miss you All the pain that I've been through Just knowing no one could take your place Sometimes I wonder who you'd be today
I wear the pain like a heavy coat The only thing that gives me hope Is I know I'll see you again someday!
Rustie Abbigayle Litton was named after her uncle Cpl. Rusty Washam. She was born on June 28, 2006 Four months after Rusty passed away. Abby went to be with Rusty in Heaven on October 12, 2006. She was just alittle over 3 months old. I know Rusty is holding and taking care of Abby until we all meet them in Heaven. Abby also has a memorial site if you would like to see our little angel abby-litton.memory-of.com
Brother As we grew each day We faced what came our way Though at times we disagreed Together we were meant to be
But life is only for a while And in our hearts he left a smile For the bond that we shared Were like none to compare
Memories will carry us through Until we soar above the blue For when to Heaven we ascend We'll see our brothers smile again. We love you Rusty!
Rusty was so proud of his two son's Ryan Lee & Andrew Washam. He talked about taking them fishing when he came back from Iraq. Rusty loved his boys with all his heart. RUSTY WILL ALWAYS BE THEIR DADDY!!!
Rusty & Ryan at Rusty's graduation in 2003
Rusty holding his son Ryan Lee Washam after he was born. He was such a proud daddy! Rusty with the Iraqi kids. As you can see Rusty loved kids and they loved him.
Cpl. Rusty Washam & Lcpl. Matt Barnes killed in Action February 14, 2006.
We Thought Of You Today
We thought of you today, But that is nothing new We thought of you yesterday And will tomorrow, too. We think of you in silence And make no outward show. For what it meant to lose you Only those who love you know. Remembering you is easy, We do it everyday. It's the heartache of losing you That will never go away.
" Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference in the world. Marines don't have that problem." Ronald Reagan
Wish You Were Here There's a hush upon the world... an overpowering silence that cannot be broken. For I will never see your face again or hear your laughter fill the room dancing eyes no more to cast their light upon the darkest day. I wish you were here... how I wish you were here. There's an empty place no one can ever fill. And from the depths of darkest night only your light could ever lead me home again. Only your special grace could fulfill the promise of the day. I wish you were here... how I wish you were here. I turn amid the bustle of the day, expecting to see you there. A fleeting movement, a glimpse of something familiar, and my senses are flooded with you. Shadows flicker in my memory and slowly disappear. I wish you were here... how I wish you were here.
~ Unknown Author ~
The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
I Sure Miss You By Crabb Family
If In God's design and master plan He saw the hurting hearts of man As life could only bring again, the days I took for granted when To hear your voice was just a call away Oh what I'd give for just some time, to say the things that slipped my mind There's so much now I'd really like to say But I can never go back when we did the things we did back then I'll store those precious memories in my mind I'll take what you've instilled in me; I'll try to be all I can be And walk the path that you have left behind
Chorus I sure miss you; life will never be the same with you not here Each passing day has brought much pain But with God's grace my strength remains I sure miss you, but heaven's sweeter with you there
Verse II The little things that seemed so small are now gold in a memory vault I cherish every one I have of you Now I can see and recognize the part you played to shape my life I often see you in the things I do we would say goodbye to those so dear So with our family and friends we'll be together once again We'll view all heaven's splendor hand in hand .
Tennessee Marine Family Gold Star Banquet September 15, 2007
REMEMBER THE LOVE CELEBRATE THE LIFE, SHARE THE JOURNEY
TENNESSEE MARINES KILLED IN ACTION In the Iraq & Afghanistan War
Cpl. Patrick R. Nixon 8/23/03 Capt. Brent L. Morel 4/07/04 LCpl. Jeremiah E. Savage 5/12/04 PFC. Daniel McClenney 6/24/04 LCpl. Timothy R. Creager 7/01/04 Cpl. Brad McCormick 8/19/04 1st Lt. Andrew K. Stern 9/16/04 LCpl. Tyler Cates 9/20/04 SG. Morgan Strader 11/12/04 SGT. Christopher T. Heflin 11/16/04 LCpl. Joshua Dickinson 2/12/04 PFC. Nathan Clemons 6/14/05 Cpl. Rusty L. Washam 2/14/06 Cpl. David A. Bass 4/02/06 LCpl. Adam R. Murray 7/27/06 LCpl. James D. Hirlston 8/23/06 Capt. Robert M. Secher 10/08/06 Ccpl. Tyler Overstreet 10/23/06 LCpl. Richard Buerstetta 10/23/06 LCpl. William C. Koprince, Jr. 12/27/06 LCpl. William D. Spencer 12/28/06 GySgt. Terry J. Elliott 2/01/07 SSgt. Marcus A.Golczynski 3/27/07 Lcpl. Jeffery A. Bishop 4/20/07 Sgt. Erik J. Backus 5/11/07 LCpl. Lance Clark 9/07/07
Bald Eagles Named in Honor of Fallen Military Heroes
As America prepares to remember its military servicemen and women on Veteran's Day, the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) held a special ceremony at its national eagle center to honor eight fallen soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq. In memory of these heroes, each of their families was invited to name a breeding bald eagle cared for by the conservation group.
The bald eagle is the living symbol of the freedoms these brave men gave their lives to protect,' said AEF Founder and President Al Cecere. To honor them and their families is truly a privilege for our staff, especially since our nation will soon observe Veteran's Day.'
During the event on Saturday, the AEF awarded special certificates and medals to each of the participating families. Also, signs bearing the names of the eight soldiers and the eagles named by their families were placed near the entrance of the bird housing/breeding enclosures as a permanent tribute.
The AEF recognized the following East Tennessee soldiers: Army National Guard Sgt. Alfred B. Siler (Duff, TN), Army National Guard Sgt. Joseph D. Hunt (Sweetwater, TN), National Guard Sgt. Paul W. Thomason III (Talbot, TN), Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Morris (Clinton,TN), National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Kennedy (Oak Ridge, TN), Army Sgt. 1st Class James D Connell (Lake City, TN), Marine Lance Cpl. William C. Koprince Jr. (Lenoir City, TN), andMarine Cpl. Rusty L. Washam (Huntsville, TN).
The eagle names selected by the families of the soldiers were: 'Volunteer' (Joseph Hunt), 'Hero' (Stephen Kennedy), 'Honor' (William Koprince Jr.), 'Brave Heart' (James Connell), 'Faithful' (Rusty Washam), 'Peace' (Alfred Siler), 'Faithful Spirit' (Daniel Morris), and 'Freedom' (Paul Thomason).
To all who visit this site, please let us know you stopped by, light a candle and/or share a memory that you have with Rusty or our family. If you have any pictures of Rusty that we don’t have please send them it doesn’t matter what and we will add them.
My Friend / Jordan Orick (One of my Best Friend's )
Rusty you've been gone for a few years and I miss you as much as ever. (prob more). Everytime you would come home from overseas you'd always come to my place almost right away. And you'd always call me from overseas. I sure miss those visits and call...
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In Loving Memory! / Misty Day (Sister)
If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,
if the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, we didn...
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Always on my mind / Jonathan Carter (barracks roomate/friend )
To Rusty and his family,
All of you are always in my prayers and on my mind. Rusty was a great man. He knew how to make you laugh and he had a great attitude about life. I remember once he let us borrow his old red and white truck and w...
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Sorry for your loss / Phillip Hutt (Brother to a fallen Marine )
Misty this is phillip hutt, younger brother to Sgt.Joshua M. Langsdon. I would like to thank you for what you put on Josh's Memorial site, it means a lot to me and our family.
Your brother was a brave man and i know he will never be forgotten. just ...
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Our shared journey / Barbara Bilbrey (mother of Spc. Charles Bilbrey, Jr. )
From this day to the ending of the world
But we in it shall be remember'd
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers
William Shakespeare, Henry V
Our family sends our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your young, handsome and brave son....
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Photos for your site / ANgie Trevizo Mom Of Christopher Trevizo (Angel Friend )Read >>
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIL BROTHER! / MISTY (SISTER)Read >>
This was my poem for Cpl. Rusty Washam of Huntsville, TN from February. I was despondent that I was not able to honor this young man and felt a need to write something in his behalf. It may not be inspiring to some, but anyone of Appalachian origin will relate to it, and Rusty Washam was of Appalachian origin. I was compelled to write this for him.
The Cumberlands are your sentinels, ancient, possessive, patiently they stand, to hold you and embrace you, in your dear Appalachian land. The mist swirls through the hollows, to rise and leave its dew, on everything for miles around, as the mountains cry for you. They've harbored so many like you, warriors who were to be free, if only to live life amongst them, regardless what price that would be. Oh, America, holds you in its heart, and as only America can do, but you're a son of sweet Appalachia, and the Cumberlands claim you, too. Forever you'll be amongst them, this place that you have called home, nestled deep within her hills, where you once were free to roam. Oh, son of Appalachia, my heart, it grieves for you, but you'll always be amongst us, for the mountains will ring true. We will remember and we will cherish, those who were lost and fought, Rusty Washam, lie in peace, for you'll never be forgotten.
Welcome Home a song written by Renee Yaden
I was inspired to write this song after witnessing the unspeakable grief that was shared by a community. It was either the day or the day after bringing Rusty home. That morning on my bus run, as we were headed down the road, it was impossible to go far without seeing the impact that the loss of a young man's life had on his hometown. With all of the signs expressing our loss and grief. I could hear these words over and over. Words that while a family felt a loss exclaimed heavens gain. Welcome Home my good and faithful servant. Welcome Home sweet child of mine. Welcome Home in our Lord's voice so perfect. Welcome Home Rusty, Welcome Home.
WELCOME HOME
Chorus Welcome home my faithful servant Welcome home sweet child of mine Welcome home in a voice so perfect Welcome Home Welcome Home Verse 1 Many miles down here I've traveled Not always for my Lord But since his grace rained down on me I've tried to spread God's word And someday soon I know I'll hear My blessed Lord so clear As He welcome me in his arms I will abide with him right there
Chorus Welcome home my faithful servant Welcome home sweet child of mine Welcome home in a voice so perfect Welcome Home Welcome Home
Verse 2 Many friends and dear loved ones Have gone on before And oh how I miss them My heart aches for them so But most of all my Saviour's face Is the one I long to see As my tears he wipes away I'll say Thanks for all you've done for me
Chorus Welcome home my faithful servant Welcome home sweet child of mine Welcome home in a voice so perfect Welcome Home Welcome Home
To Beverly & Sonny May these words bring you solace and comfort.
With Love, Renee Yaden
Poems written by friends of the family
Rusty was the first from Scott County, Tennessee to be killed in Iraq. This is a poem that was written by one of Rusty's best Friends Wesley Smith
My Best Friend, Rusty Washam
My best friend was Rusty Washam He went to the Marines & It cost him It was Valentine's Day when he died It just hit me & there I cried I received that call late that night I know all day something wasn't right It took eight days to get his body It was hard for everyone deep within To me, it just don't seem real But now My Best Friend is gone And everything seems so very wrong It was so hard all that week Everyone in the County sat & weeped Now I know it wasn't a lie Now to My Best Friend I say goodbye I Love You Bro, I wish it wasn't your last ride I miss you for now, But I'll see you on the other side.
This poem was written by Gabriella Marlow a 5th grader at the time Rusty was killed that went to school at Fairview Elementary School with Rusty's nephew.
To Our War Hero Rusty Washam
Not just another falling soldier passing on, for a loved one such as a daddy, brother, uncle, son, and friend.
A special person loved his job, as he fulfilled his job from God. Loved his family very dear with a heart of kindness, joy, forgiveness, and salvation. He sacrificed his life as he left this earth, for you and me, his life true. I guess you could say anyone would be proud of him today.
As a saint he sits by god as he is crowned with a crown that says "JOB WELL DONE!" For he has done his job here on earth, no more pain to bare or deaths to see, waiting for his Christian family.
Poem My Tribute
This poem was written by Barbara Tyra-Taylor from what she experienced the night of February 20, 2006 Rusty's final ride home.
My Tribute
As night approaches stillness can be heard and felt. A love one comes home.
A mother wanting her child back home Where she can hold him close to her heart Knell beside of his grave and feel his presence
Brothers losing their best friend Sisters losing their hero A father walks slowly behind Heart breaking but proud of The son that once was his
A son that braved so many storms, Faced death many times but yet Held the flag high and its standing And braved its honor
Although defeated at his victory at war The victory had been won for his sweet presence had entered a land of sweet joy and happiness forever more
Although a stranger to me, I felt like I knew him. He stood in battle for freedom that we take so lightly. He loved his country and the flag that waves so high
Weeping can be heard in the stillness of the night When no one was holding back their emotions Candles flicker in the breeze and Flags are proudly displayed A small child breaks into a soft version of Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, was lost but now found
A gentle rain begins to fall Ending the night for many.
Rest in Peace Rusty Washam Safe in the arms of Jesus, Where no hurt & harm Can ever come again
Resolution to name bridge in honor of Rusty & his Uncle Denny! A RESOLUTION to name a bridge on State Route 63 in Scott County in honor of the late Corporal Rusty Lee Washam and the late Private First Class Denny Lee Washam, both of the United States Marine Corps.
WHEREAS, from time to time, the members of this General Assembly have seen fit to name certain highways and bridges to honor the memory of those courageous members of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in the defense of our nation; and
WHEREAS, no person is more deserving of this honor than the late Corporal Rusty Lee Washam, who was killed in action while performing combat operations in Iraq on February 14, 2006, and Private First Class (PFC) Denny Lee Washam, who was killed by enemy fire while engaged in battle with the North Vietnamese on December 8, 1968, at Quang Nam Province, Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Rusty Lee Washam and PFC Denny Lee Washam both followed the patriotic tradition for which Scott County and the Volunteer State are renowned by serving with distinction in the United States Marine Corps (USMC); and
WHEREAS, in addition to being fellow Marines, they were related by blood: Rusty Lee Washam was Denny Lee Washam's nephew; and
WHEREAS, a proud American and a proud United States Marine, Corporal Rusty Lee Washam was engaged in a special security mission in Iraq as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, USMC, at the time of his death; he had previously served with distinction in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Washam received numerous decorations for his courageous service as a Marine, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Service), and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, a 2003 graduate of Scott County High School, Rusty Lee Washam was a loving son, and father; and
WHEREAS, PFC Denny Lee Washam 1st Marine Division, USMC, was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic service in combat on December 8, 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, upon observing two fellow Marines fall wounded in a dangerously exposed area, he crawled to their aid without hesitation while under heavy enemy fire; while assisting the wounded Marines to a position of relative safety, he was mortally wounded by an enemy sniper; and
WHEREAS, PFC Washam also received other decorations for his valiant service as a Marine, including the Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and Vietnamese Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, a native of Scott County, Denny Lee Washam was a 1966 graduate of Norma High School; and
WHEREAS, like thousands of others of this nation's sons and daughters, Corporal Washam and PFC Washam did not shrink from serving in combat, believing in the justice of the cause to protect our national security and liberty and to free an oppressed people; and
WHEREAS, only twenty-one years of age at the time of their respective deaths, Corporal Washam and PFC Washam served with great courage and gallantry, giving their lives or their country and for the causes in which they believed, and for that ultimate sacrifice, these brave soldiers deserve proper recognition; and
WHEREAS, Rusty Lee Washam's and Denny Lee Washam's dedication to excellence in the USMC and their love for their family, their fellow Marines, and their country, as exemplified in their sacrifice of life itself in defense of all that they held dear, stand as enduring examples of the characteristics that have ensured the continued freedom of our nation and the preservation of its ideals over the course of our history; and
WHEREAS, it is most appropriate for this General Assembly to permanently commemorate the singular patriotism, courage, and commitment to duty of the late Corporal Rusty Lee Washam and the late Private First Class Denny Lee Washam by naming a certain bridge in their native Scott County in their honor; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE
CONCURRING, that the bridge spanning Buffalo Creek on State Route 63 in Scott County is hereby designated as the "Corporal Rusty Lee Washam - PFC Denny Lee Washam Memorial Bridge" in recognition of the lives of valor and death in combat of Corporal Rusty Lee Washam and Private First Class Denny Lee Washam, both of the United States Marine Corps.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Department of Transportation is directed to erect suitable signs or to affix suitable markers designating the bridge spanning the Buffalo Creek on State Route 63 in Scott County as the "Corporal Rusty Lee Washam - PFC Denny Lee Washam Memorial Bridge".
Tributes and Condolences
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