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Damian Vickerman
26-Mar-2005 02:22
I just wanted to thank you for the kind word about my brother (Cpl. Vickerman)! He was an great person and friend to all and he is greatly missed; however, he is serving a greater duty now.
I am so sorry to hear of Travis' passing. The day I photographed him in Okinawa on this patrol, he was leading the men in his platoon as a junior corporal. Both his platoon commander -- normally an officer -- and his platoon sergeant -- a much more seasoned enlisted man -- were not on this patrol because they were back at base camp tending administrative concerns. They put Travis on point because it was a great leadership opportunity for a junior Marine preparing for a real-world combat mission.
His leadership seemed to my eyes to be as good and strong as it gets. His men followed him obediently and with vigor. They seemed to respond to "their buddy" in the driver's seat, making it happen. I am very personally affected by the very sad news of his death and will never forget day Cpl. Travis Vickerman led me on patrol with my FM2 through the Okinawa Jungle.
Semper Fi "Grunt." The Corps lost a good man on May 24, 2004. Godspeed. Rest in Peace brother.
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Guest
17-Aug-2004 18:43
It's good to see more images of Travis (Cpl. Joseph T. Vickerman). He was a good Marine, man and son. We will miss him dearly. Killed in auto accident 28 May 2004.
