28 November 2006

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Palmer,

I hope my writing you does not cause you more grief but I felt compelled to write and share my condolences at Cory’s death. I learned belatedly that he had been killed and felt a sadness I cannot describe. I have lost numerous friends and acquaintances in Iraq, but though I only shared seven weeks at Dive School in Panama City with your son, I felt his passing quite deeply. Simply put, I found Cory to be a tremendous Marine and a great human being. His positivity, sense of humor and intellect were immediately apparent upon meeting him. He had a way of laughing at adversity that came off as completely genuine in an environment where posturing is a way of life. He was universally well regarded and I can think of several times he made me laugh at critical times, a skill and attribute that is incredibly important in our line of work. I know you know it better than anyone, but the world is lessened by his passing. Again, my sincerest condolences.

Semper Fidelis,
Major R. Worth Parker, USMC

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I also want to share something with you….what is on my mind today (other than finishing my shopping). I woke up this morning, and for whatever reason, God put Corporal Cory Leonard Palmer on my mind.

Back in Dec 2006, I was in the airport waiting for my flight back overseas to finish up a 12 month deployment after spending two weeks at home for R&R. I was feeling pretty down, and couldn’t believe I was leaving behind my son and husband AGAIN. I had just finished a five month tour and went back 9 months later for the 12 month tour. So, I was sitting in the airport in uniform, and a really soft spoken woman walked up to me and asked if she could tell me about her son. I said sure. She pulled out a small picture of her son who was in uniform and told me his name is Corporal Cory Palmer, USMC and he was killed on 6 May (2006) while serving in Fallujah, Iraq. She told me how much he loved serving his country and asked me to carry his picture so he could continue to serve. She thanked me for my service, hugged me and left. I was heartbroken but at the same time, felt an overwhleming sense of duty and pride. I reallized at that moment that I needed to pick myself up and be grateful that I could still continue to do what I loved doing (serving) and be grateful for my life, family and friends.

I have carried Corporal Palmer’s photo with me EVERY day since! He has been on deployments and TDYs all over the United States. I retired from active duty on 1 Feb 2012, and now work as a government civilian still working directly with the military — Corporal Palmer is still carried with me. I have thought many times about trying to contact Corporal Palmer’s mother to thank her for helping me through a rough time in my life, and to also let her know that her son is still being honored and has continued to serve since the day I met her. I woke up this morning determined to make TODAY be THAT day. I am trying to find her. I am also going to make copies of Corporal Palmer’s picture and give them to the young men and women who work with me so they, too, can carry his picture with them.

I am trying to contact Corporal Palmer’s family today so I can tell them how much they have touched my life and how grateful I am for Cory’s life and service!!! I hope this message reaches them today, Christmas Eve!

SMSgt (RET) Melissa Taborn of Langley AFB VA

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Today an instructor of mine carried the picture of Cory Palmer. She told us the story of how her moral was so low after returning from her deployment knowing that she would shortly be deployed once again in five months. She was in the airport wearing her uniform when a lady approached her, this lady was Cory’s mother. She handed her a picture of her son, and asked of her to carry this picture, and share her son’s story so he can too continue to serve his country. A sniper in the USMC, I say thank you to you Cory. This story and seeing his picture have touched my heart. I’m proud to serve for this great nation, and am proud to say Cory is still making a difference in people’s lives. Including my own. Once again thank you, and all my condolences to his family.

Airman First Class Deissy Sanchez

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to corey’s family , man that boy was wild and full of life more than most. his love and spirit will never be forgotten,he will always be in my thoughts.

his medic HM2 (DV,PJ,FMF) John Maritnez

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Cory, you will always be our hometown hero! Seaford will never be the same without your contagious smile. Your friends and family will miss you always! We thank you for your enormous sacrifice. God Bless you, and may He bring strength and comfort to your family and all of us who love you.
With love and prayers,”

Connie and Pete of Seaford, DE

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Dear cory,
on this memorial day, may 28, 2007 my flag flies and i think of you, as well as the other service men & women that have served our country. you gave the most…your life to help insure freedom to our country & i just want to thank you for that. my prayers are with you and your family every day, but especially today.

they are also with your cousin, teddy, who died many years ago in service as a member of our armed forces; your cousin, leslie, who is currently in the air force preparing to go to korea in september and all our other family members who have bravely served & any others who gave their lives.

i also want you to know that i am very much a dale earnhardt, jr. fan in the nascar circuit. in yesterday’s race, his car was painted in camouflage in honor of the special few chosen to serve in special ops. all his proceeds from the race as well as contributions from fans are to go to support these special people…this includes you, your friends in special ops & also my roommate & best friend, billy joe, who served in special ops during his army career.

again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for serving & giving your life to help give the people of our great country freedom.

with love,
ellen

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Dear Danna and Charles,

“Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it glowed.”
Author Unknown

Thinking of you today, and celebrating the beautiful gift that arrived 23 years ago.

Love, Linda and Gary

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Happy Birthday, Cory! Aunt Montine would love to be making you a cake right now. Perhaps it would be an alligator, a dogwood, or perhaps a surfboard! Kevin C. has gone to Australia in your honor. He surfed, had a grand time, made some great friends and his mother sends her love. Mrs. Canale sent you the “Hero” Willow Tree statue that stands guard at the front door by your parrot, Olive.

Nick, Derek, Devin, and so many of your friends are finishing up their contract with the USMC. Derek, Nick, and Andy H. are all going to school. Devin will serve as a citizen soldier without you, so I guess my worries can be thrown away.

Cagney and John M. are in MARSAC. Did I spell it right? Fergal completed Sniper School – OOH-RAH! Josee called last week and he’ll be leaving the desert just after mid June. His contract ends Aug. 11.

CJ has your American Sniper Shadowbox proudly on display at TAG. Marty saved your watch for us – it’s still ticking. We think about you constantly, knowing that you are oh so safe and at peace now.

Your legacy is joy, Cory. We’ve known that for 23 years at home! Born with a smile – and through suffering, still able to crack a joke. Indomitable, mighty Marine. You make us all so very proud.

Captain Waller and Col. Bright, as well as so many Marine families send their love frequently. 2nd Recon will be returning to Iraq in October.

All your friends from home – from WVU and UD keep in touch and of course miss you terribly. But we don’t ask for you to return – that would not be fair. We just long for your laughter once again.

I’ll meet Justin from WVU in 2 weeks. What a great young man. So many people you touched with your smile, Cory Leonard.

We love you with all our hearts,

Love, Mom and Dad