A Personal Note From Rick

5/11/2017

Relax... - this blog posting truly is a personal note - it has nothing to do with money or financial security - it's about a 50 year anniversary that will arrive in 2 days, on May 13, 2017...

I've been anticipating and dreading this date as it moved closer, and I've been wondering what I would do when it arrived. Well, the date is here and I've decided...

I'm going to let the world know about my brother and hero, Dan Michael Dennis:

50 years ago, on May 13, 1967, my only sibling, my idol, my older brother and "kick-ass" United States Marine, was killed in action (KIA) in South Vietnam. He was 21 yrs old. I was only 11 yrs old, in 6th grade and living in southwest Houston.

For his efforts that day, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star - I've uploaded a copy of it - after 50 years , it still hurts to read it... here it is:

Also, I'm running an "obit" in the Port Arthur News on May 13, 2017 - Dan graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur in 1964, so I thought his classmates that are still living in the Port Arthur area might see it and remember him.

Here's a link to a very simple website I maintain in his honor. If you feel so inspired, please visit the website:

http://www.DanDennisUSMC.com

Finally - if you're a veteran, I thank you for your service. If you're related to a veteran, please let that veteran know a random guy (that would be me) thanks them for their service.

And, if you feel so inclined, please say a prayer for my brother and all our veterans who gave their lives for our country.

Thanks for letting me share this with you...

Sincerely,

Rick Dennis
May 11, 2017

13 Comments

Jeff Stone

5/11/2017 01:57:11 pm

Rick,
That is very touching, and I truly appreciate what you and your big brother have done, bringing honor to him and our great country. You are a patriot, sir, and I am humbled to count you as a friend.
Jeff

rick hahn link

5/27/2017 09:26:34 am

Rick, Thanks for sharing this with me. I don't have words. 21 yrs. old, probably didn't really understand why he was there, but he was a Marine & that was enough. What bravery- even though I'm sure he was scared $^%$ less! As Christ said; "no greater love hath man than to lay down his life for another". At age 11, it must've profoundly molded your life. I am sorry for your loss.
I looked up the Silver Star; here is what I read: " It is the highest award for combat valor that is NOT unique to any specific branch; it has been bestowed by the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines." Semper Fi

Janie Jaramillo

5/11/2017 04:40:31 pm

Such a nice tribute for your brother, Rick. He meant a lot to you...sorry for your loss but he is always with you. Thank you for sharing this great blog.

Violeta Donner

5/11/2017 05:56:02 pm

Rick as I read your blog I can't help but cry. I can feel your pride, sorrow and pain for your brother. He is a hero and will always be. Another fine , heroic young man fighting for our freedom and paid the ultimate price. He is fortunate to have a brother like you to keep his memory going. GOD BLESS.

Ray Kessler

5/11/2017 06:10:54 pm

I am so moved by this wonderful story about your brother. He was a hero. No man can have greater love than to give his life for his brothers. Deb and I shall pray for Dan and you this Saturday.

Ray

Gary Hasse

5/11/2017 08:18:32 pm

Rick,
It is an honor to remember your brother on the 50th anniversary of his heroic endeavor in the jungles of Vietnam, defending us with his unselfish sacrifice. May GOD continue to bless him as we lift him up on this solemn day of remembrance, May 13, 2017. Your are a great brother.

Don Custer

5/12/2017 10:08:37 am

Rick : I was in Vietnam with the Army when your brother was killed. He and some friends of mine who met the same fate are my heros. God bless.

Robert Rodriguez

5/12/2017 03:14:24 pm

I can only imagine how much love you have for your brother and your pain from missing him so much. Be assured Dan is watching and looking out for you still. Just as he did while you both were growing up.
If I had a brother I would want him to be as loyal and loving as you.

Jeff Vandall

5/12/2017 10:43:26 pm

I'm so sorry for your loss, Rick. Just know he's with you always. Thanks so much for the post.

Cheryl Lee Reese

5/13/2017 08:23:25 am

Rick,
What a loving tribute to a brave hero! I am so sorry for your loss. I know that he is proud of you and what you have accomplished. It is so special to see that he was loved and honored by his little brother! He literally laid down his life for his friends and comrades! I am so thankful and grateful for Dan Michael Dennis and for all the men and women who so gallantly served our country during the Vietnam war. They put their lives on the line and for the many who lost their lives I am truly humbled. I appreciate their selflessness and honor.

David Moreno

5/14/2017 10:10:05 am

Rick, I'm also appointed with BBX and known Mike a few year's . Hope to meet you one day and share some of your idea's .I also served in Viet Nam in 1968, three week's later Tet broke out. I served with the U.S.A.F. I was assigned to the 37th Air Rescue. My job was to rescue down pilot's not only Air Force,but also Naval Aviators. When the call came to rescue wounded Army and Marine infantry soldier's, we were there, no matter the risk. My job was to also tend to the wounded en route to a Hospital. I witnessed the hero's in Hue and Khe Sanh, they would not stop fighting. Of coarse Marine's suffered heavy casualties, but never gave up their post. I saved a lot of wounded during our rescues. I wished I could have been there for your Brother . To this day, at time's I wish I could have saved all of them, but of coarse that's God's decision, not mine .....My Catholic faith is what has kept me going. Hope to meet you one day .....

Bruce Bristow

5/9/2019 08:28:13 am

Rick thank you for sharing this. You truly do honor your brother. I feel honored to be one of the people you shared this with. We'll be praying for you and your family at this time of rememberence.

Terry Vanderpool

5/9/2019 09:55:26 am

Rick, thank you for sharing. Your brother deserves all the respect in the world. His sacrifice is as meaningful and important and honorable as any fallen soldier ever from this great nation. You cannot give more than your life for our country. He gave it all.

A Personal Note From Rick

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