When Anderson first enlisted in the unit, within that first week we met and I was able to get to know him some.  We shared stories of our service int he military and commonly joked about the Marines vs the Army.  I  of course had to share with him the location of our crayon stash, as I do for all Marines that join the unit.   Anderson has a passion for EMS and want to be a combat medic within the unit.  We talked about his local volunteer fire department  in Indian Harbor, TX.   Today I placed a donation in his name to the Indian Harbor Volunteer Fire Department per requests from his family.  

You'll be missed Richard and thank you for giving us all the chance to know you and be apart of your life for a short time.  Semper fidelis 

When Anderson and I first met we talked for hours and got along so well. Being Anderson's Recruiter, the first time we spoke he strongly believed he would not be able to enlist with the 3rd Infantry Division, due to a long-term injury and after being rejected by so many others. However, we made his passion to be in a milsim unit come true. It makes me very proud knowing he spent his spare time dedicating himself towards this unit and hanging out the amount the brotherhood that we share here within the 3rd Infantry Division. During Anderson's time here he made such a positive and uplifting impact on all the Soldiers he spoke with and trained within the Force Improvement Group, without a doubt Anderson was on teamspeak every day hanging out amongst the ranks. 

Rest in Peace Sergeant Anderson!

It was three short months ago when I came in as a wide eyed bushy tailed recruit. I remember Sarge Lambert snatching me away from the Jaws of the 15th MEU and bringing me onto teamspeak to get me to fill out an application and conduct my NSO. He told me I was being assigned to first squad, Scorpions squad. He moved my channel and introduced me to a few of the guys. In that channel that night was none other than Specialist Anderson. We got to talking and he had asked me where I was from. I told him honestly that I was from Massachusetts and when he heard that he said something that I think I will always remember. He said in that southern drawl that he had "Well I guess you don't get to pick where you grow up now do you?" Looking back on it that was funny as hell, but being brand new I was scared half to death. I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. My nerves were only doubled when Anderson was breathing down my neck on the rifle range the next day during OSUT. But after shooting 40/40 and him telling me that I was going to be a sniper one day my nerves relaxed, and after playing with the unit for a weekend I felt right at home. I wish that I had more time to talk with Anderson I feel that we would have been great friends. 

And when he goes to Heaven,
To St. Peter he will tell:
Another marine reporting, Sir;
I've served my time in hell.

Hoorah Richard Anderson! Semper Fi!

Back when I lead the training of personnel within the 3rd ID, first thing I thought about now Sergeant Anderson was "This guy has a busted arm, he's in his old age, he'll probably forget to reset the router and we won't hear from him for a while" After seeing him graduate this unit's OSUT, then later attending my CLS course, I took a moment and though again "He's dedicated, he has this busted up arm, but he was the last to leave the CLS class because he wanted to learn more." If I'm being honest with myself, he had more heart for this unit than I ever would have, and I'm in my 20s. Sergeant Anderson didn't want to just be a ground pounder in this unit, he wanted to keep his brothers safe and well cared for. This Marine continued to show the hallmarks of what it means to be a warrior. Serving in one of the most controversial and bloody wars this country has seen, he took that horror with him and made light out of it by continuing his fight in the virtual space. This Marine is what I aspire to be when I grow old and gray. Nothing is more true, charriest, and honored than ones brother. 

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" - John 15-12/13

Never did meet the guy. But, he sounds like he was a decent person and made an impact on you guys. It's sad to hear what has happened. I am sorry for the loss. 07