Rocky D. Payne
Profile
Age: 26
From: Howell, Utah
Assigned to the 497th Transportation Company, 44th Corps Support Battalion, 1st Corps Support Command, Fort Lewis, Wash.
Incident: Army Spc. Rocky D. Payne was killed March 16 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Iraq.
Died: March 16, 2005
Utah soldier killed in Iraq
By Leon D’Souza
Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah-based soldier assisting U.S. forces in protecting and delivering mail in Iraq was killed in Baghdad on Wednesday when his vehicle was hit by an explosive device, family members said.
They identified the soldier as Rocky Payne, 26, of Howell. Payne, a former Marine, was serving his second tour in Iraq, this time with the Army.
The family does not know the details of Payne’s death, but said they expect to learn more when a military investigation into the incident is completed sometime next week.
“We only know what he was doing there based on his e-mails,” said his brother, Randall Payne.
He described his younger brother as a dedicated man who loved heavy machinery, but had a delicate heart and often reached out to young children.
“He didn’t have any of his own, but he was very gentle with them,” Randall Payne...
Occupation
Incident
Prayers & Messages
Home
All USMC
All Military
Water Cooler
A Marine Wife's Prayer
The Military Spouse
The Marine
I Give To You My Son
Merry Christmas, My Friend
The Final Inspection
God Bless My Marine
A Marine's Promise
If Daddy Says Good-bye
Recipe For A Military Spouse
Gunny Bush's Poems
Marvin Levin Poem
Misc Poems
Military Support
Site Information
The Marine stood and faced God Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward Marine, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"
The Marine squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here,
They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod
As the Marine waited quietly, For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward Marine, You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell."
To all that serve
~Author Unknown
USMC Hangout Copyright © 2001- 2005