Fallen Warriors

Just as many of you, I come from a long line of warriors. I have many of them documented for several generations back for about two hundred years. I will not list all of them in this story.

Warriors are described in Webster’s as: one who fights in a war or battle. And they come from all walks of life before they are warriors. Some were farmers, tilling the soil, others were fishermen. Still, some were just boys with no occupation at all, before they became soldiers or sailors.

This story is dedicated to all of the men/women who have served for all generations for the cause of Freedom, whether in peace time or war. 

Freedom is not free; there have been millions of gallons of blood spilled for the cause of Freedom. The Freedom; that we have always enjoyed in America. They deserve the utmost respect of everyone that enjoys the Freedom they provide.

Some have asked why men/women would join any Military service knowing they put their life on the line when they sign on the dotted line and swear an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign or domestic.

I can tell you, it certainly ain’t for the money; it is for the love of Freedom, and love of Country, love of family, and themselves. Greater love has no man than to give his life so that others might live.

The main three that I will mention in this story are fallen warriors. The first one was in WWII, the second was in Korea and the third was in Vietnam. I knew all three of these warriors personally, and their deaths left a big hole in the hearts of our family members.

Family Photo of Jack McDuffie
A Few Days Before He Left

My daddy’s youngest brother Jack McDuffie was born August 15, 1921. He served in the CCC’s before he was drafted into the United States Army. He took his training at Camp Blanding in December 1941.

He was a Pfc. Company A, 32^nd Infantry, and he was KIA by a snipers bullet in the “Battle of Leyte” on the Island of Leyte in the South Pacific December 14, 1944. He was 23 years old, and he was the apple of my eye. He is buried in Whitewater Cemetery, Holmes County, Florida

My cousin Billy McDonald was little more than a boy when he went into the United States Army. Billy was born March 20, 1933. He was a Pvt. Company B, 32^nd Infantry. He was KIA September 23, 1950 in Korea.

Billy was 17 years old, and he is buried in Calvary Baptist Cemetery, Santa Rosa County, Florida. I have no photo of Billy.

James Robert Adams
Military Photo

Next is my cousin James Robert Adams born June 6, 1942. He graduated from West Point June 7, 1967 as 2nd Lt… 

He commenced his tour of duty in Vietnam February 14, 1968. He was in Company A, 505^th Infantry, United States Army. He was KIA March 20, 1968. His name is on the Vietnam Memorial wall in Washington D.C. and Jim is buried in Arlington Cemetery.

Numerous other family members have served in various branches of our Armed Forces, most have come home safe.

Two of my granddaughters are currently serving in the United States Marine Corp.

Nicole Villareal Bastian, born June 14, 1981, graduated the Citadel 1999-2002 Corp of Cadets, Captain 4401 MOS Judge Advocate, currently serving.

Three Marines
Nicole Villareal Bastian, Amber Marie Haven, Warren Villareal

Amber Marie Haven, born August 24, 1990, graduated Boot Camp, Parris Island as Pfc. April 23, 2010. Promoted to LCpl. October 1, 2010 MOS Combat Camera. Currently serving.

Kaitlynn M. Lewis

One more family member currently serving on active duty as well is a paternal cousin. Kaitlynn M. Lewis, born May 29, 1993. She enlisted in the United States Navy January 6, 2012.


Kaitlynn is a Seaman, Career Field, General Ships Maintenance
Stationed aboard the USS Leyte Gulf at Virginia Beach, VA.