Marc A. Retmier, 19

Navy, Hospitalman

Provisional Reconstruction Team Sharana

Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom

Died: June 18, 2008

Paktika province, Afghanistan

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: Hemet

High School: Alessandro High School (Hemet)

Burial: Pacific View Memorial Park, Corona del Mar

Retmier was the 500th Californian to die in Iraq or Afghanistan, and the seventh from the working-class city of Hemet.

Du Hai Tran, 06/20/2008

John D. Aragon, 06/12/2008

74 memories of Marc A. Retmier

“

Marc - We watched you grow from a young child into such a fine young man. You made us so proud. We love you and will remember you always. Carrie wrote the following in rememberance of Marc. Rest in Peace Marc you will be with us always. Love, Scott & Carrie

June 18th....2008
GONE .....
A son
A big Brother
A grandson
A Nephew
A friend....
A SOLDIER a PATRIOT a HERO !!!
How can this be? I'm sobbing for days....I can't think clearly and the pain in my chest is like a ton of bricks weighing me down-- its heavy...real heavy and my head throbs so bad I could be sick....I am sick....haven't slept since my best friend cried and screamed her primal scream to me that her baby is gone!!!
asking me why??....why??? why MARC!!!???
I am sitting here trying to make sense of this tragic turn of events...
He just left in Feb. he was coming home in July for 2 weeks!! THIS JULY!!! a few weeks from now--- he would have hugged and kissed his mom dad brothers grandparents---he would have told some stories---he would have made us beam with pride to tell those stories!! We were going to hang out-talk about the future, talk about coming home after his tour......
How exactly do you find the words??

I am helpless
I am hurting
I am angry
I am so sorry...
I am angry...
I have to walk this out and talk this out--- to myself...
I have to break down behind closed doors because I don't want the kids to get scared...or worry about me...Scott waits till he drives to work and he loses it! He hurts in private and feels that ton of bricks---
just sad...
so sad...
a funeral for a 19 year old young man??
does this seem right to you???
this makes me hurt....
I keep seeing Marc's sweet handsome face and his beautiful smile...
his straight white teeth!! he wore that uniform proud and rightfully so!!
I am so angry....aren't you? I can't believe what a tragic loss of a sweet special human being this is ...... I am crying once again...its so sureal ....I think I am dreaming... I know that sounds so cliche, but it feels so unreal to have to deal with this loss....and the pain

cont...

” — Scott and Carrie Foskette, June 20, 2008 at 11:22 a.m.

“

that our friends are going through--- everything hurts and aches and I know this pain is not even a fraction of what Joy and Steve Matt and Mason must feel.....
I can't believe our Marc is gone.... this is so tragic. .....painful and just.....
what??.....what are the words that I need to say to my friends? please tell me?
Any advice? to make the pain subside? to dull it or numb it or make it go away?

Marc,

Have you gone to heaven and seen the face of God?

I know he welcomed you with open arms.

Have you walked beside your parents one last time?

Did you come back in a dream? just to say Goodbye?

Have the Angels been singing since you arrived there?

The loss of you sweetheart is so hard to bare...

Did your uncle greet you with a hug and say Hi ?

Did you hug him so hard it made him cry?

I sit here in silence...and I feel such dispair....

I think God has been just a little unfair......

You taught our Andrew how to ride his bike...
that swimming is fun and something to like...JUST JUMP with no FEAR!

You made some weird choices with haircuts and color-- this is the stuff that always stressed out your mother!!

You have done a lot in your short 19 years-- accomplished a lot and conquered your fears!!

Smile down on your family Marc, let them know youre
OK-
send a message of love to ease thier pain--

cont...

” — Scott & Carrie Foskette, June 20, 2008 at 11:23 a.m.

“

well what can i say? HN Retmier was a damn fine Navy corpsman. Although we were not that close we did hang out on a few occasions. the last memory i have of marc is when me him and another friend all went to the movies to see kingdom with jamie fox. watching that movie was tough especially for him! i remember him telling me how it was making him fill since he was on is way in to a war zone. He did keep a positive attitude! He was always a great friend an mentor. I honestly never saw him mad. Anytime i was not feeling lets say "motivated" i would run into him in the peeway and there he was giving me some good 'ol navy motivation! he was an awesome guy and he will be missed. I absolutely pray for his family and friends and his loved ones. I very much so wanted his parents to know that they raised a very great son! To you my shipmate, brother, and friend HOORAH Retmier

” — HN Muniz, June 20, 2008 at 3:20 p.m.

“

This article of Marc can be read here: http://www.corpsman.com/2008/06/grieve-vs-celebrate/

Grieve Vs. Celebrate HN Retmier, what would he want?

June 21, 2008

I have been thinking about this article since I found out we lost this fine young HN in Afghanistan.

Sitting at a Keyboard in the dark night trying to figure out what to write. I have done this to many times in the past. I always try to honor each and every member by writing something different rather then the old

'DOD NOTIFIES Blah Blah Blah'.

Before you say, 'Hey he's being disrespectful of our Doc's who have left this earth doing our Nations bidding', I say!.

FFFFFFPPPPHHHHTTTTTTTTT!!!!!! NANNER NANNER NANNER!

I know Doc's. I was one for 24 years. I know Doc's in the NAVY, ARMY, AIR FORCE, COAST GUARD, and the NATIONAL GUARD.

We put up with a 'LOT' of crap from piss poor leadership and from great leadership who has to put up with piss poor leadership. WE have been stuck in the mud and sand for weeks on end. We have delivered Babies and buried Babies. We have Saved lives of our Comrades and we have buried some as well.

Some would say Doc's have a Morbid sense of Humor. I don't think so, I think we Doc's know how to do '1? thing more then any other Rate, or MOS in the Military..

We know how to

'CELEBRATE LIFE'.

Yes I could sit here and cry over the loss of HN Retmier, but I am sure of one thing, If he could, he would come and 'KICK ME IN THE ASS' and say

'CHIEF GET OVER YOURSELF'.

'See that picture of me helping this child, I made a difference. Not many folks in the US or the world can say they traveled across the world at 19 years of age and made a difference like I did.

'I was a Sailor, a damn good one too! I know my Chief at FMTB Grieves for me, but damn it Chief Pick yourself up as you have to teach other young hardchargers to do this job. You did a great job Chief, I listened to what you taught me. To be Compassionate but be a warrior. I followed all the rules. I lived life to it's fullest. '

'CELEBRATE ME!'

Celebrate my accomplishments and the accomplishments of all the other Doc's who stand at Heaven's gate with me tending to The Flock up here.

'We Celebrate you, Please re-pay the payment, Celebrate our life not our loss.'

To this I hoist a salute up to the falling sun and Salute my brother, my brother Doc Retmier who did the Nations bidding. I Salute his family, his friends, and his shipmates and Marines, Soldiers and other brave Afghani Soldiers who are standing up to this oppressive enemy.

I Celebrate you all.

Darrell "Da-Chief" Crone

” — Da-Chief, Corpsman.com, June 21, 2008 at 6:07 a.m.

“

I came here to Bethesda, Maryland in March of '07 and that is when I met Marc. We went through 'R' Divison together and I will tell you what, even though he had a little cockiness to him, his motivation and dedication kept me going. Just being around him outside of work always had us smiling, laughing, and just enjoying him. He was a very lovable person that everyone could enjoy. It has hit us hard here, the ones that were close to him. Everybody says that when you are in the military it is family, Marc was part of my family. Not only was he part of my family and one of my dearest friends, he was family to: HN Stambaugh, HN Parrish, HN Proper, HN Gomez, HN Zuniga, HN Erickson, HN Breckenridge, HN Hernandez, HN Wright, and to everyone else that was close to him. It is very sad and depressing to know that he was going to be home for good in a few months. Marc, you will be missed by us here at NNMC. Your motivation and dedication that you have given to the Navy and to us fellow corpsman will remind us what a pretty damn corpsman should be. May you rest in peace.

” — HN Holmberg, Jessica, June 21, 2008 at 8:03 a.m.

“

I met Marc in Dec '06 when I reported to NHCL for tad. He was my roommate. I remember one time he was showering, which normally took him at least 30 minutes, and our friend Foisy locked both doors to the head. We hopped in my car and headed to the commissary and halfway their Foisy remembered he locked Marc in. When we returned we found one pissed off Retmier and a broken door. I laughed so hard and will never forget the awkwardly proud smile on his face when he showed me the door, or what was left of it. We were worried the CS's would make us pay for it when we checked out but luckily they didn't notice. After FMSS we were also roommates at Bethesda and shared many good times. He always wanted to deploy, it was his dream. His dream finally came true and I was sad to see him go and sad that I couldn't join him. While he was overseas we talked about how we were going to Camp Pendleton 1st Mar Div after we left Bethesda. He was supposed to go home on leave in less than a month. HN Marc Allen Retmier and his family will always be in my heart and prayers, I love you dude...you're my hero!

” — HN Tyler Proper, June 22, 2008 at 5:18 p.m.

“

I lived across the hall from marc and was soon deploying to ramadi iraq and got cancelled when he left and i remember all we talked about was the action and the excitement. I respect you bro, you never talked about being a hero, but you are now you did something you never thought i cry countless tears man im 19 as well i remember a cheers to a safe return all the good times we had, but its good we have guys like you in this military because thats what makes this country free you, your the true meaning. Well i love you bro and when my time comes to be in the time of war trust me man im gonna think about you. I wanna let the family of Marc know that he died a hero and is honored. Man im gonna miss dumping ice water on people in the showers !! Love you bro HOORAH! ill see you again one day

” — MASN Josh Johnson, June 23, 2008 at 9:13 a.m.

“

its really hard to believe marc isnt here. december 07 when he came home to hemet he was sitting in my living room telling my mom and me about how excited he was to go. how he knew exactly what he wanted to do. the same living room he and robby built forts in on new years when we were all teenagers. i remember when he was in north carolina befor he deployed and he called me with andrew reynoso and he talked about how awesome it was going to be over there. marc was the only person i had left besides my mother that still called me jesse. even while being deployed hundreds of miles away, helping other people, he took the time out of his day to write me and wish me a happy birthday barely a couple weeks ago. and of course tell me that 21 means im over the hill. someone with a heart as big as marcs is so hard to find. marc, you were such an amazing person with one of the best smiles iv ever seen. haha. i know youre riding dirtbikes with robby now and watching over all of us. i love you kid. we all do.

” — Jessica Casto, June 23, 2008 at 7:04 p.m.

“

I had the pleasure of working with HN Retmier in the internal medicine clinic at Bethesda Naval Hospital. I was there only a short time to do training, but his motivation peaked my interest. He was so frustrated that he was sitting around doing vital signs when he could be out saving lives. I tried to explain to him the importance of whatever he does. But, I also tried to direct him towards special programs that could show him a little more action. He was so young, handsome, and smart...he had a bright future ahead of him. I felt so guilty when I heard the news...I felt like I had encouraged it...then I started thinking, this is what he wanted to do. He wanted to go and save lives, defend our country, and make a difference. And you know what, he did just that. I think he would want us to be proud of how he lived his life...celebrate his life, not mourn his death.
So kid...you did good...and we all know it...you made a difference and so many people will cherish the time they knew you. God Bless!

” — HM2 P, June 24, 2008 at 12:43 p.m.

“

I remember Marc as a sweet, darling kindergarten boy in my classroom at Morrison Elementary. He was in the afternoon class and I taught the morning class, but I always considered him one of my students, too. I remember his precious smile, happy attititude and twinkling eyes. He was such a special little boy. I don't remember every child who has ever been in my classroom in the past 20 years, but I definitely remember Marc. When I first heard about his tragic death I was in disbelief until I logged on and saw photos of both him and his mother. I pray that his life would be honored and that we all thank God everyday for our freedoms that have been won because of the bravery of Marc and others who have gone before him. I pray God's loving arms be wrapped around Marc's family. Please know that those who had the privilege of teaching Marc are deeply saddened and we loved your precious boy.
Christi (kindergarten teacher, Morrison Elementary)

” — Christi, June 27, 2008 at 10 p.m.

“

Dear Retmier Family,

I did not have the honor of meeting your son, Marc, but I am convinced that you raised nothing short of a TRUE AMERICAN HERO.

I read in the LA Times article that many young people in Hemet see the military as a "way out" of an area with "less opportunities".

All I can say is that, at the age of 19, Marc has achieved accomplishments that would put many other young people from "areas of more opportunities" to utter shame.

By providing medical services to the military and Afghani citizens, Marc rose leagues above the call of duty.

I feel sorry not only for your loss, but society's loss. I can only imagine how great of a medical doctor your son Marc might have become someday.

Where ever Marc is now, he has moved onto a better place, where heroes belong.

God bless Marc, and God bless your family for raising a TRUE AMERICAN HERO. R.I.P. Marc Retmier.

Sincerely, J. Veer

” — J. Veer, July 2, 2008 at 12:28 a.m.

“

Dear Retmiers,
My prayers go out to you all. Not a day has went by that I havn't thaught about what happened to him. The fact that he volenteered to go over there says so much about his character. He was by far the strongest hearted sailor I've ever met. And more than that he had somthing about him that made everybody arround him smile wether they wanted to or not. I watched him hike up a mountain about 6 kilometers long and beat most of the Army Infantrymen that were with him even with his giant med-bag. When he got to the peak he stopped and sat down and started telling me to call In 'N' Out and have them Air Assault in a number 2. I suppose it was a "you would have had to have been there" type thing but I couldn't quit laughing at it for a good hour afterwards. God bless your son and his service to our great country. I will never forget him.
Sincerely Specialist Brandon Calkins
United States Army

” — Brandon, July 11, 2008 at 4:07 a.m.

“

I did not have the pleasure of knowing Marc. I have only been able to get a glimpse of who he was through articles and and things people wrote and shared about him. He was so young yet so willing to serve. He touched so many lives. He served with his whole heart and put himself aside. I hope more of us could learn to do that. We had the pleasure of meeting his family as they bought our house. Such wonderful people and we were so touched by them and their story. Steve and Joy, we pray for you and your family often. I am praying for you alot today on your son's 21st birthday. I can't even imagine how you must feel. I pray that God will bring you comfort, strength and peace.
THE LORD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED; HE RESCUES THOSE WHOSE SPIRITS ARE CRUSHED. Psalm 34:18

” — Eva Munoz, September 28, 2009 at 2:14 p.m.

“

My memory is of Uncle DC and of mom, Joy. And of grandma and grandpa Powers. Joy, I was with you for a while, just after your grandma died. I so remember that little girl...hurting at the loss of her grandma and worry for her very hurting parents. And DC I will never forget you. I always remember you a lot. I think that we had a great friendship...since we enjoyed the same things together. And you were very important to me as a friend for our camping summers. Joy, I wanted you to know I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our Dan...just about 5 weeks before you son passed. I sure do miss Dan and I'm sure you really miss your son too. I can promise you my prayers. I am so sorry. Please give your parents a hug for me...and please tell them how sorry I am. Loss is so hard. And my love for your parents is much. God Bless you Joy. You have my prayers. Pat

” — Pat Gunderson, April 20, 2012 at 12:41 a.m.

“

Gosh, I can't even believe it's been almost six years since he's left us. After 8 years of service, Marc was not the only fallen hero I've had the pleasure of calling my friend. He was the first, however. His memories seem to go with me wherever I go and whatever I do. And his death has hit me harder than any I've had to experience. I'd never met another person who had such a magnetic personality. He was one of the most non judgmental people I've ever known and had an ability to make you laugh or think, regardless of the situation at hand. This is my first memorial day weekend since my discharge and I have to say it's a doozy. I have tears rolling down my face and ironically enough half a smile because I know if he could materialize even for a second, he'd tell me to cheer up and fire up my bike. Likely he'd be the one that set my hair on fire as I rode into one of these beautiful california sunsets. It almost seems silly that I could have known him so briefly and that his death was so long ago and yet so fresh in my head. And on this memorial day, I'd like to just say thank you, Marc. Thank you for every memory and every lesson you've given us. Thank you doesn't quite seem to cut it for the sacrafices you've made for all of us, but you have enriched my life in knowing now that it doesn't take a lifetime of experience to gain wisdom. You showed me as a new soldier that I didn't have to be a push over or a softie to have compassion and respect for others. That alone was a lesson that dwarfed anything the army could ever have taught me when it came time to put on the stripes and lead my own soldiers back into afghanistan on subsiquent go-rounds. You're what memorial day is all about. People like you are what makes America great. I hope that God has as great a place in His kingdom as everyone you've touched have for you in our hearts.

” — Brandon, May 24, 2014 at 11:06 a.m.

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Marc A. Retmier, 19

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74 memories of Marc A. Retmier