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I went through mini-BUD/s with Van and didn't know anyone when I headed down there. He invited out to ice cream at Moo Time on one of the first few nights which helped me meet more people in the training. He was always a positive voice and made the summer easier for everyone down there. I remember Chief Walker betting everyone that he could beat them in a shooting exercise. No one else even came close but Van beat him by a good 4-5 seconds and got taken out to dinner. He was a good man and will be missed, thinking of him this Memorial Day.
I met Van in my late 20s, and wrestling coach Bill Bofinger allowed me to train wrestling with his team. So I would usually wrestle Van, Nick VanZee, and Leonce Crump. Van was very friendly, a tough wrestler, and quick with a joke/laugh. In a way similar to Crocodile Steve Irwin, Van is a man who continues to inspire others with a combo of strength and helping others.
Hello, and so sorry for your loss. We are a group in Coronado trying to bring recognition to our service members by designating our roadway the Avenue of Heroes. Thought you might like to comment on our post and image of his memorial bench. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Avenue-of-Heroes/1376195569330748?ref=hl
Happy birthday Angel in Heaven! You are very missed and thought of daily. I know you are in a wonderful place and God needed you for something bigger than this here. It's still just hard to know that in this lifetime we will not get to see you again or hear your voice making us laugh. One day though! What a really sweet day that will be, in Heaven where there are so many answers with such glory and grace to see. One day! Until then I'm going to keep living a life that I think would make you proud of me. I'm working hard to do good things for your brothers you loved so much. And I adore your family and feel as though they have been my own all along. Thank you for your love and help in leading me to be who I am. You're always remembered and never forgotten! Big 31st birthday in Heaven as the lighting and thunder is crashing at this very moment!
I really like this website. I visit often to get updates and learn new things about the military and veterans. I have come across many other great websites that are very informative. One website is U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs (http://www.veteranprograms.com). On this website I frequently learn about the latest money available to veterans, benefits for veterans and their families, where to get discounts for veterans, and I get free things from their veteran giveaway program.
Keep up the good work. I will pass the word about your website and I will visit again. Thanks!
Missing you so much today. I think about you every single day still. I still feel it just isnt fair for you to be gone. When im running and about to quit, i imagine you at the other end telling me to keep going and my reward is hugging you once more..silly motivation but youre with me daily.... Missing you so much!
So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
7 years tomorrow.. really miss you, Van
Inspirational man. I'm in awe of how a relatively short life can make such an inspirational impact.
Van- I didn't know you, but have had the pleasure of getting to know the beautiful love of your life over the past few months. Through her, I have learned about pieces of you. You would be so proud of her grace; the way she helps others through their own loss by doing nothing more than just being herself. I am certain you were quite an amazing man. I am also certain you stand firm with other "tender warriors" in heaven watching over us all.
I realize it is a sad week for those that knew you best, but please know that even still, there are people you don't know who continue to pray for your family and friends. I will be thinking of all of them this week, and of you. I look forward to getting to know you better through the eyes of those who love you. Until that day when we all meet our tender warriors for the first time, or again...
-vjk
A remarkable, remarkable life. Inspires me to do more with the time I have. This is a special tribute to an extraordinary human being. Take care.
Your Seal brothers did it for us, Van. I know you are just as proud as we are. And we are grateful as well. God bless you all...
I saw your mom and dad on the news last night. The climbing wall at the BREC park looks awesome. I'm sure you're pleased. Lots of imagination and dreams will be inspired in the young lives who venture there. Maybe even a future Seal or two. You never know...
Van, you are such an inspiration. You remind me of how to be a better man. MIssin ya bro.
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