TRIBUTES TO JOHN OLIVER

If you knew John Oliver, please take a moment and send us your thoughts or a small story about John.
Send email to: webmaster@beirut-memorial.org and please indicate if you would like me to post on this page.
Your input is greatly appreciated.

Don "Gunny" Inns writes:

Personally, this is the biggest blow to me since the Beirut bombing. John was a groomsman at my wedding in 1997. We were hoping to get together in Jacksonville, NC for the 23rd anniversary 2 weeks ago.

John's Boy Scout commitments and family duties did not allow for it. His last comments to me included "Well, I remain hopeful and would really like to see you again Don." My last words to him were "Give yourself a break. There is more than one way to remember. Taking care of your family honors those we left behind too."

John always ended his correspondence with "The First Duty is to Remember", which is the motto of the Beirut Veterans of America. I will never forget him and remain hopeful that one day we will be reunited.

Joan Muffler writes:

Tribute to John Oliver: I met John one time in Jacksonville for one of our anniversary ceremonies. I enjoyed receiving e-mail from John because I felt his writings were written with so much thought and love for his brothers who never came home. I will miss hearing from John and feel he is now with his brothers. Four Marines named John, one being my son have passed on. My life was blessed knowing them.

Joan Muffler (Beirut Connection)

Jeff Hamman writes:

John was always passionate in his efforts to put out information valuable to the Beirut community of vets, families, and next-of-kin for those killed in Lebanon. He was tireless in his campaign to connect and inform us all of current events, happenings, and perspective on issues related to terrorism, veterans and the USMC. He was very helpful in the early days of the Beirut Memorial On Line with providing helpful information and promoting it as a resource. He literally pulled vets and family members together and got them organized on line. I corresponded with him often over the years and will sorely miss him.

I did not John Oliver personally but I know him. Being a fellow Marine and Beirut Veteran, we share some of the same memories and nightmares. John's sacrifice, dedication, and courage will always be remembered by his fellow Beirut brothers. He will not be forgotten.

His children will always have a dad to be proud of, and his family also!

Semper Fi John, I will see you on the other side one day.