Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 4:11pm
As any parent will attest, we all think our children are special...even more so if we have children that choose to become a part of our Nations' military. But, for some reason the parents of Marines think their children are just a little more special. The pride the grows as our children mature is there for all parents, but the pride that explodes the day we see our young men and women walk across the parade decks at the Marine Recruit Training Depots in San Diego, CA and Parris Island, SC is one that only the parents of Marines can attest to. There is a term that is used that reflects the pride that echoes throughout the Corps and our Marine Veterans and their families..."Semper Fidelis" which means always faithful in Latin.

Marine Parents John and Candi Warrington who live just down the road from me in the town of Gibbon, NE know all too well that pride never ending faithfulness of having a child being a part of "the few and the proud". Their son Jon was a Marine for almost nine years.

As a very young boy, Jon Warrington was influenced by his grandfather, MSgt Charles Warrington. As a result of his grandfather's example and love of the Marine Corps, Jon enlisted in the Marines in May 1991 in the delayed enlistment program, at the age of 17.

On May 26, 1992 he left for MCRD in San Diego. After MOS training, he reported for duty at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. In 1999 Jon was transferred to SOI at San Onifrey, California where he was an instructor until his retirement.

In June of 1998, Jon was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. This started his four year battle with this dreadful disease. Through his continual struggle with surgeries, treatment, and hospitalizations, Jon continued serving his country as a Marine, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Because of the limitations of his disease, Jon was medically retired in March 2, 2001. Jon moved back to Nebraska and continued to valiantly fight his battle with cancer. His courage was endless. He took pleasure in the times spent with family and friends. Jon passed into heaven on Saturday, May 18, 2002 at his parent's home in Gibbon, surrounded by his family.

The pride of their son continues and to honor their son, Candi & Jim Warrington began holding a fundraiser in which proceeds go toward a memorial scholarship as well as melanoma research. Over the years Candi has stated it hasn't been easy planning the event...there's been times she's had thoughts of giving up, but then remembers the suffering her son went through and then moves forward.

The Warringtons and their friends will be hosting the 7th Annual Operation Wardog Benefit this year at the American Legion in Gibbon, Nebraska on Saturday, May 1st. Plans are still in the works and more will be announced as the date gets closer. Prior year events have included a poker run, tattoo contest, BBQ, auction, raffle with great prizes, and a dance. I will post more as information becomes available. If you would like to be reminded of this event, there is a Operation Wardog Facebook event page here:
http://www.facebook.com/NETJMOM#/event.php?eid=251310243679&ref=ts

If you aren't able to be at this worthwhile event because of distance, you can still show your support. If you would like more information on how to give to this worthy cause, go to the donate page and click on the Paypal logo.

Used with permission and written by;
Jill Spiegel Wieser
Shelton, Nebraska
 

A Eulogy for Jon written by Brigadier General Jay Hubbard who lives in CA

It is my sincere wish to be with you today at the Gibbon Baptist Church to honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Jon Warrington, a Marine whom I have come to admire greatly. Unfortunately, health problems won't allow me to be there with you. However, Sheri has graciously allowed me to add these words to the memorial service.

My acquaintance with Jon only goes back a couple of years, but I have served with and maintained association with Marines for 62 years and in that entire pan I have never been more immediately impressed with a young non-commissioned officer of our proud and demanding corps. Jon's official record of service more than confirms my reasons to respect him as a truly fine example of the breed of American we trust to guard our precious Nation.

In the space of eight years on active duty, Jon was promoted ahead of his peers and was twice decorated for his superior duty performance - both here in the homeland and while serving in an Amphibious Ready Group abroad in troubled waters. Jon typifies those fine young troop leader who are trained and ready to march to the sound of the guns and to sacrifice themselves without hesitation if necessary to their sacred mission.

More recently, Jon has been confronting another enemy - one which he could not get into his expert gunsight. He fought the good fight as we would expect of him, but God must have decided to end the battle and let him rest.

Jon's passing before even reaching his prime is a deep tragedy fo his parents, Sheri and Colter, but it is even more than that. It is a loss to his Corps and to the Nation he loved and served with such distinction.

We should pray that Jon's shining example will somehow be passed on to other strong, clear-eyed young men who will try to measure up. For now, we say "Sleep Well Marine, your Corps loves you as one of it fallen warriors".

Brigadier General Jay Hubbard