In Memory of Staff SGT John M. Wayne

 

Update! We have been so successful with helping the family we are now trying to assist Marine families who are attending with transportation and housing while there. Any further donations will be used to assist anyone needing financial help. 

Death is only a beginning. There is a bright soul who’s journey will continue on just not in a place where those that love him most can hear or feel his presence. A mass of loved ones, family and friends are left in the wake of this loss. It’s hard to imagine the strong emotions and grief Johns family is now sorting through. Healing takes time but has not even begun. Right now his family is being faced with difficult decisions, logistics for end of life planning, sorting through his life, his home, memories and the hardest question “what’s next…?” and “how do we make this happen…?” Pride will get in the way for most, when individuals are faced with their greatest grievances, the darkest moments, it is beyond difficult to ask for help. Help is needed. Without going into detail, this passing was unexpected. Funerals, logistics, and trying to plan end of life services for family, his military brothers, and friends to be able to come together to lay their loved one to rest is at the forefront. The healing hopefully begins when everyone can come together, can tell the stories, share in the highlights of John’s life and how his presence, love and friendship touched so many.

 For a man who was there for every fallen brother, who rallied the memories for those that went before him, I can personally attest to a great friendship as a family member of one of those fallen. I know John would have been there, who was there, in all ways possible for his “family”. I say family in quotes because it lends to so many different meanings, not just defined by blood and relation but by trust and bonds forged throughout a life that was lived. Forged through adversities faced, through tragedy and celebration. We’ve come together to ask for the assistance that John and his family would never personally ask for themselves, so that we can alleviate as much of the economic burden as possible so that they can start their healing. So that they can take the time to cry for his loss in the way that is needed, that can’t be helped or held back, without the anxiety or stress of coming up with funds not readily at their disposal. 

 Any amount is appreciated and goes entirely to his family.

I’m Memory of Staff SGT John Michael Wayne

1st Marines Special Operations

Son, Brother, Warrior and unconditionally loved.