https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/california-based/eric-hillenburg/ The latest user comments on Eric Hillenburg en-us https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c182730 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c182730 Joe was one of my husband's, Justin Meyer, first friends he met while in basic training. I remember Joe as being very fun-loving, caring, a good friend and your typical California kid. Justin and him ended up getting stationed at Fort Bragg together, but Justin was assigned to the 65th MP Company and Joe the 21st, so they did not deploy together. Justin remembers during his homecoming of his first deployment, Joe was one of the first people he saw to welcome him. I imagine that if Joe's life hadn't been cut short, he and Justin would still be great friends. I think about him often and wonder what he would be today. He is a true hero and an inspiration to many. Devon, I hope the notes from people who knew your older brother, even years after his death, help you find solace during your dark times. Joe will never be forgotten. Mon, 28 Dec 2015 08:07:44 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c181606 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c181606 Nine years. It's been nine years. I think about you every day, but Ocober 2nd is all too much. I lose myself in it. It's not even the 2nd yet and I'm already enveloped by it. After bed check, I put on my headphones, played some Puff Daddy "I'll be missing you," and tried to cry myself to sleep. When that didn't work, I climbed into the shower, drank a few energy drinks, and cried some more. This site says to "share a memory" of you, but I honestly don't have any I can remember. You've almost been wiped clean from my memory and I think that's what kills me the most. I mean hell, I was 13 when you were killed. 13. And before that you were constantly gone due to your obligations with the army. I just wanted more time. I needed more time. I was your little brother, I'm still your little brother. But, not for much longer. In a few months I'll know what it's like to be your older brother. I'm gonna be older than you. That, that is what kills me the most. I just miss you. Growing up without you has been hard. I just keep screwing up. I'm even getting medically chaptered out of the army for depression and ptsd. It's possible I can get back in after treatment, but unlikely. I don't know. And here I am venting on some random website memorial page. Like it really matters. Like you're gonna log on and read this, call me up, and tell me everything's gonna be okay. Right. Well anyway, on the off chance that you do see this from the afterlife, I love you and hope you know that even with all of this pain I'm glad you did what you thought was right. None of what we, your loved ones, are feeling is your fault. You made your choices in life, and though they ended with your death, you touched many lives during the short time you were with us and that means something. No regrets Joe. Thu, 01 Oct 2015 11:14:23 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c85142 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c85142 I remember my first day as a young private running through the halls of the 21st mp co airborne. We were hurrying around trying to load tripods up for a 50 cal range. Joe looked at me and said" I can see that you are a hard worker, keep it up nd you are gonna do just fine." I this day those words sit with me. Joe you are missed by many and never forgotten. As a leader now those words sit near and dear to my heart. You will never be forgotten Sun, 02 Sep 2012 02:06:17 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/california-based/eric-hillenburg/#c76279 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/california-based/eric-hillenburg/#c76279 He is a great individual he served his country with the up most Honor and courage. I love you Brother you will be greatly missed. Sat, 26 May 2012 07:20:15 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c70468 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c70468 Joe Perry was a true hero. In one of our first missions over there he saved the squad by taking out the rpg gunner on the roof top. I am forever in debt to Joe Perry. ALL THE WAY!!! AIRBORNE!!! Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:55:41 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c51282 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c51282 Perry, like all of my former soldiers was like a son to me. Got in just enough trouble so you wouldn't forget him, but was among the best when it was time to get the job done. His memorial program card sits on my desk to this day; always a smile, and remembering that day because he was wearing my sunglasses. Forever missed, and never forgotten. Mon, 09 May 2011 07:22:29 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c41754 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c41754 Joe was a great friend and he is missed, we will always remember and love you joe!! Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:39:49 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c31431 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c31431 I Am so proud to know Joseph. He was a young boy when I moved next door to his grand folks and he lived up the street. We lived in a very nice peaceful mountain comunity. Ill never forget when Id walk out side Id see Joseph and his freind Sky completley dressed in camofoge uniforms made for young men. I would see him play war as if he knew his future. He was always by the river bed that had a lot of brush to hide in. and when I would go for walks. I pretended I didnt see him while he was playing war. Im so proud to have known him and his family. Joseph was already protecting us before he knew it. I love and miss you Joseph, You are my HERO. love Sharon Flood and family. June 15, 2010. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:04:45 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c12839 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c12839 i served with joe in iraq 21st mp co abn.. he was a great friend, and made me put my personal feelings about this war to the side, and finish the mission. it was a SAD DAY when joe wasnt around anymore, when we got off the plane, a pain in my heart was there. i remember him telling me in kuwait, that the only that matters is the people we are protecting back in the states, and that when we get off the plane, it will be over.. i wear a band on my left hand to honor the great man joseph perry. you are forever in my heart!!! miss ya.. god bless you and your family! airborne! Thu, 12 Mar 2009 06:02:28 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c10278 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/joseph-w-perry/#c10278 I served with Joesph Perry in the 21st MP CO (Abn)and know him to a fierce friend who would do anything he could help you and a true patriot. God Bless him and his family. Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:18:21 -0800