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FALLEN HEROES
In Memory Of Lance Corporal Caleb J. Powers, USMC October 31, 1982 - August 17, 2004 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 Do not gloat over me my enemy, though I have fallen, I will arise again, though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my Light. Micah 7:8
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Lance Cpl. Caleb Powers November 2001
High School Graduation June 2, 2001
Caleb and his never ending smile
Caleb and friend Mackenzie Rozman, star in TV show "7th Heaven"
Temporary marker at the Arlington National Cemetery The following are some of the last known pictures taken of Caleb while he was in Iraq
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TABLE OF CONTENTS From the Governor of California Letters from across the Nation
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The day of August 17, 2004 started as every other day around Mansfield. The stores opened as normal, the last of the harvest trucks rolled through town, and the tractors rumbled across what would next year be the amber waves of grain. As people drive into town, the first sight they see is a bright blue sky and an American flag flapping in the wind at the school. It was a peaceful image, an image that would not be seen again for weeks to come. At the time, three graduates of Mansfield High School were on active duty in "Operation Iraqi Freedom." However, it was on this day of August 17, 2004 that the unimaginable news came. One of the three Mansfield graduates would not be returning home alive to the country in which he loved. The family of Lance Corporal Caleb J. Powers received a phone call. In this phone call, they learned that they would never again see the one in which they loved. Lance Corporal Powers was killed in the province of Al Anbar, Iraq. He was standing guard at a military base when a sniper's bullet cut through him, his dreams, and those who loved and looked up to him. Within a split second, Caleb went from a friend, relative, and classmate to a hero who would never be able to live out his life long dreams of being a wheat farmer in northern Douglas County, Washington. His family would never again see the endless smile of the person they loved, and he in turn, would never see the family which loved him so much. As a teenager, Caleb came to Mansfield to live with his Aunt and Uncle. It is here where he made a fresh start in life. He made many new friends who in turn helped him to be what he was until his last days. Perhaps some of his most fond memories included those in shop class, where he and others learned the tricks and trade of welding in agriculture. While his heart was in Mansfield and farming, their wasn't a day that went by where he didn't talk about wanting to be a United States Marine. Throughout high school, he constantly talked about the Marines, their way of life, and the devotion they have towards our country. As a senior in high school, Caleb took advantage of his last opportunity to get to know his friends and classmates from the past six years. He accompanied them on a class trip to Winthrop, Washington where they spent four days enjoying the fact that they were about to graduate from high school. Upon graduation, it was made clear what Caleb's intentions of life were. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. only a week after graduation. After his completion of basic training, Caleb took part in numerous operations over seas including stationing in Japan, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He returned many times to visit those he loved in Mansfield as well as the children at Childhelp USA. It was Caleb's second tour of duty to Iraq that would be his last. With only two weeks until his service was over, his life was cut short. Never again would he see his friends and family, nor would they every see him. The days leading up to his service started out as a cloudy, grim day. However, over the town of Mansfield gleamed a ray of light. This light stretched no further than the north and south ends of town. While surviving a tough and painful life, there seems to be no doubt that this was a thank you for the memories provided to him by his family and his friends. A memorial service was held for Lance Corporal Caleb J. Powers on August 27, 2004 at Mansfield High School. Here, over four hundred people paid their last respect to a fallen hero of our country. Present were four of Caleb's closest Marine friends, a close friend and producer, as well as a former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; all of which Caleb had touched in some way or another. On October 2, 2004 the town of Mansfield said their last goodbyes to their friend and fallen hero. A flag pole at the high school football field was dedicated in his honor. His graduated high school class planted a tree in his honor, and his number 44 football jersey was retired. During the National Anthem, a breeze helped to wave the colors of the United States flag and the United States Marine flag over Caleb's football field and amongst those green fields of wheat which Caleb loved so much; the fields that will next year become the "Amber waves of grain." Lance Corporal Caleb J. Powers was born on October 31, 1982 in Tillamook, Oregon. He was laid to rest on October 14, 2004 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. A memorial marker will be placed at the Mansfield Cemetery. |
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Caleb's sister, Rosanna, pays her last respects to her brother at Arlington (Photo by the Free Lance-Star) A burial service for Caleb J. Powers was held on October 14, 2004 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Additional photos of Caleb's Arlington service are available by clicking HERE.
21 American flags mark the spot where Caleb will be remembered in Mansfield. The flags were placed by area bikers during a fund-raising event. (Photo courtesy of Tupling family.) A memorial service was held for Caleb on Friday, August 27, 2004 at Mansfield High School. A marker will be placed at the Mansfield Cemetery in his remembrance and he was laid to rest in October at Arlington National Cemetery. A dedication ceremony was held on October 2, 2004 at Mansfield High School where a flag pole and a memorial tree were dedicated in his honor. In addition, Caleb's number 44 football jersey was retired. The jersey along with his military photo will be displayed on the Wall of Honor at Mansfield High School as a permanent reminder of the loss of an American hero and his sacrifice for our country. |
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Dear Family, Friends, Neighbors and All those praying us through this hard time, Thank You for your Support and Prayers. Although this has been a time of sorrow, Our Lord and Savior has had his hand on us, giving Peace and Comfort. We have been blessed by our small community and friends which have pulled together to meet our every need. We appreciated all of the food, flowers and donations as well as the cards and letters that were heart warming and encouraging. As a family of a fallen hero we ask that others will remember those still serving, send a letter, send a prayer. When you see those still serving, thank them for defending our freedom. We said our farewell to T.J. Tupling. He headed back to Iraq to finish his mission. Continued prayer for his quick and safe return would be greatly appreciated. A quote from a marine mom, “Rest assured Caleb is now guarding the very Gates of Heaven. It is the best duty a Marine can get.” Thank you all again for all the love, thoughts and prayers. May God Richly Bless you all, for he has richly blessed us with all of you. Love the Tupling/Powers Family SUPPORT OUR TROOPS |
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From the Governor of California
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Letters from Across the Nation The following are just a few of the countless letters we have received regarding the loss of Lance Corporal Caleb J. Powers. These letters come from across the continent from as far north as Canada, south to Texas, east to New York and Virginia, and nearly every state in the west. -----Letter 1----- Hello. I am an instructor at the Clarkston, WA branch of Walla Walla Community College. We are on the southeast side of the state. I actually live across the Snake R. in Lewiston, ID. My heart was touched when I read the wonderful tribute to Caleb Powers. My son is an Idaho Nat'l Guardsmen with the 116th En.Bn. training at Fort Bliss, Texas before heading off to Iraq sometime this late fall. He is my firstborn and such a wise, strong, determined, yet compassionate young man. He had been attending college training in welding and he was a volunteer fire fighter before he was placed on Active Duty this spring and had to put that aside. He was married March 16, 2004. I never envisioned my child going off to war. I am upset that Pres. Bush claims the war was over in May 2003 yet we still have too many of your soldiers dying in a war that isn't a war? Besides that point, I am very proud of what my son is courageously training to do in the near future. I support him and the rest of his comrades as they prepare to take their turn in defending and protecting the rights and freedoms of the USA. My sympathy goes out to Caleb's family and his friends and fellow soldiers. I especially will keep his buddy, Justin, in my prayers as I am sure it was so very difficult to experience, first hand, the loss of a friend. But then again... what a comfort it must have been to Caleb and what an honor for Justin to be able to share the experience of Caleb's soul returning to God. I am so afraid that I may lose my son but as he said so eloquently: "Mom, if God wants me home with Him, it will not matter if I am in Idaho or in Iraq." So true ... and so I continue to pray for God's will for him and for all the soldiers. I also felt great comfort when reading the words that "Caleb now guards and protects the Gates of Heaven." There could be no grander position. God Bless our American Soldiers here and overseas. God Blesses America each and everyday! God Bless and bring continued peace to Caleb's family and the members of his hometown. A soldier’s mom. -----Letter 2----- My tears are flowing for your loss...he was obviously a special young man that touched even God's heart, for he called him to his side, too soon for all of us mortals. I am so sorry that he was not allowed to fulfill his dreams after the Marine service he so proudly went after. My nephew is a USMC Captain, somewhere over there in Anbar Province as well. My step son is now out of the Corp. The lives of Marines are particularly close to my heart, and my heart is broken for your loss. I would have liked to attend the funeral but could not get away from work. He deserves a huge remembrance from all Washingtonians, for he did what so many would not....he gave his life for ours. I am so proud he will be interned in Arlington, which is the least one can do for such a special young man. Semper Fi, Caleb. -----Letter 3----- I just want to tell the community of Mansfield how impressed we Washington Marine Moms, who came over for the funeral, were with your town and how beautifully and reverently you all said goodbye to your hero Caleb. The entire Marine family mourns with you, and it was our pleasure to be able to be there and help in our own small way. God Bless You. -----Letter 4----- The Cortland County (NY) Young Marines extends to the Lance Cpl's family and friends our deepest sympathy. Rest assured he is now guarding the very Gates of Heaven. It is the best duty a Marine can get, but a very difficult one for those of us left on Earth to understand. Richard Holl Commanding Officer -----Letter 5----- To the Family of Caleb Powers: I am a born and raised Washingtonian and the proud Mother, Daughter and Sister of US Marines, and my family and I want to offer our deepest condolences to you. Although we can't even imagine the pain you are experiencing right now, Caleb's willingness to fulfill his unselfish duty to his country must fill you with great pride. Please know that although we didn't know Caleb personally, he was still one of "our" Marines and we all mourn with you. Please accept our humblest appreciation to you for allowing your wonderful son to give of himself in the name of freedom for us all. -----Letter 6----- My name is Maurice Fitzgerald. I had the great opportunity to be born and raised in Mansfield and graduate from MHS (52). My Dad ran the Standard Oil Company Plant for many years. I went on to Gonzaga Univ. and then joined the Navy to become a Naval Aviator. I retired as a Navy Captain with over 32 years of service. I was commanding officer of six naval commands, including the C.O. of the Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay Cuba, where I learned first hand the mission and meaning of a true U.S. Marine. During Vietnam, I made four, nine month tours to Vietnam, flying over 400 combat missions from the decks of our aircraft carriers. I was commanding officer of a carrier squadron in combat in 1971 & 72. I have mourned the loss of many fine people in my military career and I realize your current anguish. My wife, Marylen, and I extend our deepest sympathy and respect to Jackie, the Tupling family, the Powers family, friends, and the Mansfield community on the death of Lance Cpl. Caleb John Powers, USMC, in service to his country. I have lost many shipmates in aviation and in my years in Vietnam, and Marylen has accompanied numerous Navy Chaplains to inform and console loved ones of downed Navy pilots. The strength that can come from "within" can be a God send. In my phone conversation with Jackie, I could feel sorrow with strength. I hope her family and friends and the community will be able to provide additional strength for her during this ordeal. I have fond memories of growing up in Mansfield with the large Tupling family just 3 blocks away toward downtown. They were one of my favorite families. I graduated with a class of 15 persons, including Norman Tupling in "52." My brother, Dennis (Deceased) and I use to say, "We think we know everyone in every family in this town and on the farms, I wonder if they know us..?" I know Caleb was much loved in the community, as well as his cousin, TJ Tupling, currently serving with the Navy in NMCB-4 (Sea Bees) also in Iraq. (I hope my e-mails to Senator’s Murray & Cantwell will add to the list for consideration on TJ coming home for the service.) God bless you Jackie and all your loved ones. May the gift of our lord be with Caleb, a U.S. Marine, and may he rest in peace. Sincerely, Captain Maurice D. Fitzgerald, USN (Ret.) -----Letter 7----- I work at Child Help USA in Virginia where Caleb spent a lot of time growing up. There are many of us here feeling the loss of Caleb. I & others wish to send our condolences to everyone that will miss Caleb as much as we will. Too many lives gone much too soon. Even though we may not be able to be there with Caleb's family & friends now, our thoughts & prayers are. -----Letter 8----- I had the pleasure of knowing Caleb for many years while he was at Child Help and he was truly a wonderful young man. He was a devoted member of the young marines and his mentor John Bacon was his role model and why he wanted to become a marine. Because he was like a son to me I share deeply in your grief. The Young Marines in Quantico stands ready to serve in whatever way need. -----Letter 9----- To the family of Caleb Powers, I am truly sorry for the loss of your son. This puts a fear in me, as my son will be heading off to war while serving in the Marines also. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless your family. |
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On behalf of everyone involved in the setup and planning of Caleb's service, we want to extend a thank you to the many companies and individuals who donated their time, materials, and efforts to make Caleb's service the best that it could be. We also want to thank those who worked to get Caleb's cousin, TJ, home for the service. While the list of donators and volunteers is endless, we want to express a very special thank you to the following:
Everyone's efforts were truly amazing. With your help and cooperation, we were able to provide our fallen hero with a service he would have been proud of. Again, THANK YOU!! |
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Lance Corporal Caleb J. Powers, USMC - Killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom L. Cpl. Powers, a member of the United States Marine Corps., was killed on August 17, 2004 while standing guard at a military base in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. He was taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom when a sniper's bullet brought his life to an end. Boyd Gallaher, USAF No additional information available Amos McKee, AAC No additional information available Kenneth Mineard, USMC - Killed in World War II No additional information available Private First Class Ward A. Christensen - Killed in World War II Pfc. Ward A. Christensen, a member of the United States Marine Corps. Reserves was killed in the Pacific during World War II. His life was taken on a Pacific Island invasion when he attempted to make it across a clearing. He was hit by enemy fire and died on the island. His father, Chris Christensen, was a well known Mansfield area farmer. The memory of Pfc. Ward Christensen revisits us during our recent loss of Caleb when the sister of Ward Christensen, Elizabeth "Christensen" Glascock of Port Orchards, Washington, passed away one day after the news of Caleb's death. Thank you to Capt. Maurice Fitzgerald, USN (ret.) for passing this information on. Our condolences go out to the family of Elizabeth "Christensen" Glascock. Homer Alexander - Killed in World War I
(Mansfield's first military funeral for Homer Alexander, 1918) Homer Alexander of Dyer Hill was reported as "Missing in Action" the first week of September 1918. As a Mansfield area resident, he was called to duty on August 23, 1917 for a tour of duty in World War I. His body was later recovered and flown home from France. Services were held at the Christian Church. No additional information is available on Alexander. Photo and information as provided in "Mansfield, Town at the End of the Rails". |
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Below are links to news reports regarding Lance Cpl. Caleb Powers. On behalf of all Mansfield citizens and the family, thank you for honoring our friend, soldier, hero to all... Fredricksburg Newspaper (Arlington Services) Fredricksburg Newspaper (Article 1) Fredricksburg Newspaper (Article 2) National Tribute Page to Caleb
Below are links to memorial sites paying tribute to fallen soldiers of the war in Iraq: |
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