Maj Ricardo A. Crocker
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May 28, 2005
Lt. Richard E. Malmstrom read the following invocation at the memorial ceremony.
We gather together this day to mourn the loss of our fallen brothers, honor their memory and look for comfort. Maj. Ricardo A. Crocker (28 May 2005) and Sgt. David N. Wimberg (25 May 2005) were both Christian. As Christians we look to the Bible and its promises. If you do not share this same faith, please find comfort according to your own faith and bear with us as we look for peace in these trying times.
Let us pray ... In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Almighty God, on this day we approach you with our hearts full of sadness. For we know that death is not apart of your original plan. In the Garden of Eden sin entered the world and through sin, death. As much as we did not want Maj. Crocker and Sgt. Wimberg to die, we know that you too did not want them to die. So much so, that you gave your only-begotten Son as a sacrifice so that they would live forever because of their faith in Christ. Forgive them their sins, where they have gone wrong. Graciously take them into your loving arms because of their faith and comfort us with the promise of life everlasting to all who believe. Amen.
SCRIPTURE
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:1-6)
HOMILY
When we first arrived in Iraq we all hoped that we would suffer no losses during our tour. That hope did not last long. Since that time we have lost 17 of our brothers to Insurgent attacks. The harsh reality of war has hit painfully home to all of us. Common sense and self preservation would tell us to stay safely inside the dam and barricade the doors until the RIP is complete. Yet, that is not what Maj. Crocker and Sgt Wimberg did. They pressed forward and continued the mission. They walked through the valley of the shadow of death without fear knowing that God was with them. We can not blame ourselves for their deaths wondering if only we had done things different. We can not blame God and say that He failed them in their hour of need. They died because of the Insurgents.
Yet even in the knowledge that any one of us could have our lives snatched from us at any time we can not hide in the dam. We must press on with the mission. As Christians, Major Crocker and Sgt Wimberg found strength in Christ. They knew that even if they died they would live forever because of their faith in Christ. For the Scriptures assure us the everyone who believes is declared righteous before God and granted the forgiveness of sins because of Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Major Crocker and Sgt Wimberg have walked through the valley of the shadow of death without fear. Now they truly dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Lord, we commend to your care and keeping these our brothers in arms. We pray that you would forgive them their sins where they have gone wrong and deal with them according to Your great mercy. We pray that we may grieve well and honor their memories. We pray for strength as we continue the mission. Help us to accomplish Your will and not our own. We pray for our enemies, that they would repent and turn away from evil and turn to You. Rest in peace and God speed Ricardo Crocker and David Wimberg. We look forward to the day of resurrection when we will never again have to say farewell. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Depart, dear brothers, in the name of the Father, who created you; in the name of the Son, who redeemed you through His bitter suffering and death; and in the name of the Holy Spirit, who sanctified you. May our Lord Jesus be with you and protect you; may He be in you to refresh you; may He be before you to lead you into heaven; may He be over you to bless you, hereafter in eternity. Amen
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