Inking up the blogosphere. And no, I don't glow in the dark. But thanks for asking.

December 14, 2009

In Memoriam: EM3 David Mudge

It is with a heavy heart that I make this post.  I just read in the local news that Petty Officer Third Class David Mudge was killed aboard ship while performing electrical repairs.


ROSEBURG, Ore. -- A Douglas County sailor was brought home Sunday.


David Mudge, 22, of Sutherlin, died two weeks ago on board the naval ship U.S.S. Rentz in the United Arab Emirates.


He was escorted back to the Chapel of the Firs Funeral Home in Roseburg by the Patriot Guard motorcycle group Sunday evening.


The Department of Defense says Mudge was working on electrical repairs while the ship was in port in the Persian Gulf, when he suffered fatal wounds from an electrical shock.


Mudge joined the Navy in January of 2007.


The body will remain at Chapel of the Firs until Wednesday, when a full military funeral is planned at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 1:00 p.m.

First, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to David's family.  It is unimaginably hard to lose a loved one, so young and so far away.  Secondly, I want to express my thanks to the Patriot Guard Riders who escorted this young man to the funeral home.  The Guard's presence surely let the family know that every servicemember deserves honor and respect, most especially at this sad time.

May you rest in peace, David.  Thank you for your honor, your courage, and your commitment.



"Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidst the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walkedst on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea."


Link to the story

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

"All sailors share their grief".

An excellent post on Lex's site regarding these matters titled "A Tough Job", follow the embeded link....Read & reflect.

Squid Thoughts said...

Anon.--

Thank you very much for telling me about Lex's post. That was a story that everyone needs to read. I am proud that there are people like that who choose to do such a heart wrenching job so that they can deliver the final honor.

Read it, will probably read it again, and am still reflecting.

JihadGene said...

May God comfort and give strength to those who shared, lived & loved life with David.

Squid Thoughts said...

Well said, JG. Thank you.