Sgt. Justin Hoffman Memorial Video

[veronica35]

We are watching Combat Diary for our english class. I am a girl and have never been fond of "war movies" so I never watched them. But this movie is not a movie...it is true accounts of what these men did and do on a daily basis for our freedom. What an eye opener! It gives me a whole new perspective on the war. What a hard documentary to do, but one that was needed for people like me who haven't got a clue. Blessings and healing to all the families and thank you guys for our freedom!!!!!

[SeanFlaharty]

@veronica35 - I agree with you. Combat Diary is a must see! It's hard to watch but it really is important to watch. There is a quick scene where Justin gives the camera a thumbs up. That part always makes me smile.

[dham5928]

5 years now passed  Rest In Peace Justin from a Scottish Infantryman

[SeanFlaharty]

@dham5928 - Thank you for your comment.

I have learned a lot in the last 5 years since Justin's death. I still can't beleive it's been 5 years.

[Sane24]

This brought me to tears. I ordered Combat Diary the Marines of Lima Company when it was first available on dvd several years ago.. I've watched it like 7 times and haven't made it completely through it without either balling or tearing up pretty good. From the little bit of getting to know them through their friends, they were ALL great guys. It should go without saying that their accomplishment's in Iraq and their sacrifice will not be forgotten, I wish luck to their brothers that survived.

[SeanFlaharty]

@Sane24 - Thanks for the comments. I also have a hard time watcing Combat Diary. There is another version that is out there now that is uncensored with some great bonus material. When you sent these comments, I was with Justin's mom at a birthday party. We talked about Justin for hours tonight and she played me some voice mail messages I had never heard. We can't believe it's been 5 years. =:^(

I got a tattoo in his honor last week. Check out my other videos to see it.

[7voya]

Semper Fi!

[eriequest]

Thank you Sgt. Justin Hoffman. We love you. God bless.

[SeanFlaharty]

@eriequest - Thank you for the comment.

[RonUSMC2]

I'm thinking of you on this Memorial Day as well as all of the brothers you left behind. The Marines live on and so will you.

Semper Fi Devil Dog.

[kitana2k]

god bless you all soldiers!!!!!rest in peace sgt.hoffman!why must this happened,why?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!

[lovesfreedomtoo]

I owe my freedom to this young man & others like him, through history. There is no way I could ever repay any of them for what they have done to keep me free. All I can say is thank you & I will never forget. Rest In Peace brave soldier

[gnrlusr8]

Thank you for what you did for us Justin. You're a real hero.

[myfriendsrock894]

R.I.P Justin i think my friend Pat Ryan knew him

[rosanky1]

Thank you, Justin and all the men of the Lima Company for serving our country. We are proud of you, we miss you and even today, you are in our hearts. Love, Aunt Linda

[SeanFlaharty]

Yes, thank you for everything. There are no words I can use to describe my graditude for these brave men.

[atvbumpkin]

Justin was my cousin and I hadn't seen him since we were kids so I want to say thank you for posting this video of him. I don't know if you are the original maker of this video or if you just posted it but regardless thank you for keeping his memory alive. We never want to forget a fallen soldier but I as a family member never want to forget him as a person and a hero. Thank you!

[SeanFlaharty]

Thank you. Yes, I am the maker of this video with help from Teri Price. She gave me the pictures. I recorded the video near the end when Justin and I worked together.

[biohazard177]

I knew almost every single one of those Marines who were killed in the 2005 Deployment with Lima 3/25. Rest In Peace my brothers. Your sacrafice will never be forgotten. Semper Fi...

[lovesfreedomtoo]

God Bless...this is a beautiful tribute to a true hero

[SeanFlaharty]

Thank you.

[SeanFlaharty]

For those of you in the Columbus area, today (3/11/08) there is a great article in the metro section of The Columbus Dispatch about the memorial. There are some great pictures as well.

[SeanFlaharty]

I have been to many funerals but never a military one until Hoffman's. It's something I hope I never have to do again. It really made me appreciate life in a different way as corny as some people may think that sounds.

I knew Hoffman from when we worked together a few years back. We kept in touch via phone calls and IM chats after he switched jobs. I remember his dark sense of humor the most. I am certain he carried that over to Iraq.

[arvydas0069]

Great video man....Whats the name of this song? Sounds kinda similar to Ambient stuff from Sigur Ros.....I ended my service to Lima Company January of this year and am headed back to Iraq in 2 months working for the Government. God bless the 48 from 3/25

[SeanFlaharty]

Thank you for not only the response but your service. The name of that song is "Ambition" by the band Doves. They have a lot of different sounding songs. While the lyrics don't really match up with what is being shown, I used the song for the melody as it kind of goes in two different directions. If you are in Columbus and want to see the traveling Lima Company Memorial before you leave for Iraq, send me a message. It won't be installed until late May at the state house.

[arvydas0069]

I haven't seen the painted one but obviously I've seen the one at the reserve center in Columbus and the main on up here in Cleveland. Randy Lerner (Brown's owner) donated the money for the Cleveland one.

[SeanFlaharty]

I have also seen the memorial at Rickenbacker. It's very well done. I like its placement in the courtyard or whatever that area is called. I haven't seen the Cleveland version. Is it of the same design? That's cool about the Brown's owner donating money. I was up at the studio last week where the painted traveling memorial is just about finished. Anita, the artist, was just about done with the final panel. I can't wait to see the 8 panels intalled.

[arvydas0069]

Its a touching and kind gesture. I lost one of my best friends, Brian Montgomery, when I went to Iraq with 3/25. His brother had to escort his body home who was also with us in Weapons Company 3/25. We all went to High School together. His brother has 2 years left at The Naval Academy now God bless him. I'm heading back to Iraq in a couple months with the Department of State to contract security for U.S. Diplomats. Hopefully I can stay clear of whammies and purple hearts

[SeanFlaharty]

I hope you and your buddies remain safe when you go back to Iraq. It is very much appreciated. Thank you. I am sad to hear about your friend. It's always tough to lose a friend. I have lost many in my life and it never is easy. Hearing the news about Justin Hoffman and attending his funeral were both life changing for me. I can't quite put it into words so that is one of the reasons I made a short video.

[arvydas0069]

One of the sad truths is that I'm so glad I didn't have to go to the funerals and deal with that. I remember my friends the way they were at play and the way they were at war...either way, they were alive. Unfortunately, some I only remember in a certain condition emblazoned into my memory which I will not divulge for the sake of thier family members....Rest in peace my brothers....thats all I can say