Rolling Thunder NJ - 21 Apr 2012

John's father, Robert, wrote and spoke these words at the Rolling Thunder Candlelight Vigil.  John's mother, Kate, served as editor:

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

APRIL 21, 2012

Memories are what each of us keep in mind for our future actions and thoughts.  Our memory keeps us from repeating unfavorable actions and directs us toward favorable actions.

Tonight we call upon those memories to honor the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan.  All families suffer losses of loved ones.  Some of us present tonight have suffered the loss of a soldier killed in action.  We honor the loss of our soldier by bringing our memory of the soldier into focus and remembering the characteristics and traits that soldier personified.  We are called upon both to remember and continue to uphold the traditions each soldier uniquely presented.  Our actions tonight and in the future will be a reflection of our lost soldier.

This vigil allows all of us to reflect on soldiers killed or wounded in action.  We are presented with the opportunity to recall each soldier and the opportunities that cannot be taken because of our loss.  We cannot create what may have been, but we can allow ourselves to visualize what we hoped could have happened.  The dreamer in each of us can focus on the best we wished could have happened and try our best to live out that dream.

We cannot change the past, but we can influence the future.  Ours is a daunting task but it is our hope for the future.  Please let the good thoughts carry us forward and remember our fallen warriors with dignity and grace.

God bless all of you, our county and the warriors that have protected us since the beginning of our country.

Dedication of Quinlan Conference Room

John's father, Robert, spoke these words at the Dedication of the Quinlan Conference Room in Fort Campbell, KY on 20 May 2010:

"Being remembered is a significant part of anyone's life. To be remembered and memorialized for what you did is important, but being remembered for who you were is also very significant. Existence is the most critical part of life because of your ability to influence others. This influence may be carried forward across many lifetimes.

John was a significant influence on the lives of others. Kate and I along with his sister Sue were overwhelmed at his memorial in KY, burial in Arlington, memorial Mass in NJ, and by subsequent letters and comments of John's fellow soldiers, friends, and family of how he played a significant role in their life. We knew about John's relationships with some family members, but his active participation in the lives of fellow Army and Marine soldiers, their families, and friends was amazing to us.

Those of you who knew John will always have a story to tell as a participant or observed during John's life. We, his family, want you to continue to remember and tell those stories. This will continue his legacy as a husband, father, son, sibling, uncle, fellow soldier, and friend. We love to hear those stories for it reinforces our memories of John's influence in his world.

During his life, John and Julie gave us the gift of three beautiful grandchildren - Keely, Maddie, and Erin. Each in their own way carrying forth in this world many of their father's enduring characteristics and strengths. They will be a living tribute to their father.

This past year we were blessed by the birth of a grandson. Sue and Greg named him JAQ (John Andrew Quinlan Ripke) in remembrance of her brother she so loved.

We, his family, thank the 160th SOAR (A) for this honor to John. Your continual remembrance by this unit and the military at large will be a source of comfort to us. Sacrifice is a part of life and to sacrifice your life for the principles of this country will always be significant. Please remember and honor John in your life and ask the question to yourself, "What would John have done in your situation?".

In honor of John and the fallen of the 160th, Kate and I would like to present to the 2nd Battalion a Gold Star Flag with the words "Honor and Remember" as a remembrance to all the soldiers who have fallen in battle. We hope this will be a fitting tribute as a reminder to the sacrifices made by soldiers for this country.

May God bless John, his family and friends, his fellow soldiers, and this great country."

Two Years today

John died two years ago today; I can't believe it's been that long already. I went to John's grave site this morning (after dropping the kids at school). Every other time I've been to Arlington, there have been many people around - especially in Section 60. Today when I visited, it was mid-day and mid-week on a cold and wet February day, and there was no one else about. There was, however, plenty of evidence that people had visited recently. There were flowers and notes and flags lightly moving in the winter wind. After a little while, the precip changed from snow to sleet and freezing rain. I went back to the car and sat for a bit, and felt about as sad and alone as I'd had since we all heard the news two years ago.

I took some pictures and videos, and uploaded them to share. The album is unlisted, which means the link can be viewed by anyone reading this post, but the photos themselves aren't searchable to the public.

We Are All Grieving For Our Soldier

(The following words were spoken by John’s father to the VFW Post 2179 “Gold Star Families” Luncheon in Port Monmouth, NJ on September 21, 2008)

How we grieve is an extremely complex and personal matter. We live on in spite of the grieving and the internal pressures we experience. One of the reasons we live on is to insure others will know and remember about the soldier we are grieving.

Your soldier will never be forgotten.

We, the survivors, are left with the problem of comparing our soldier’s contribution to the success and continuation of our country. This is extremely difficult for us because the “war” has become personal. It’s not just the soldiers killed and wounded, but the toll it has taken on ourselves, our extended family and friends.

We did not wish to become “Gold Star Families”. It was thrust upon us as circumstance allowed dire things to happen. We reluctantly accept this “honor” with the courage to continue on in spite of the problems we have continuously faced and the unknown problems will face in the future.

We all want our children and grandchildren to have successful lives. We are at a loss to understand when a soldier dies that it may not be recognized as a success. Yet when wars are “successfully” completed, the country recognizes each soldier’s ultimate contribution.

Grieving never stops but it does take different forms with the passing of time. Sometimes we may understand why this happened and other times we are total perplexed as to “why us”. Please understand I am not trying to having you understand what happened. This may never happen. But I am trying to have you find a place for you to live with this tragic event.

May God bless your soldier, you, your family and friends, and the United States of America.

Who Is A Hero?

(The following words were spoken by John's father at Seabrook Village in Tinton Falls, NJ on September 12, 2008 at a memorial service for 9/11 victims and those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan)

Our son has been described to us as a hero. He died for our country in a foreign war on terror and was a professional warrior.

Last year, at a tree and plaque dedication ceremony at Bradley Beach School, I asked the students what was a hero. The answers varied, but all pointed toward someone who did something great. Today, I offer my definition as someone who accomplishes a task without being asked. Someone who saw a requirement, figured out what can be done, and went ahead and accomplished the task. John did that and more.

We all can be heroes to others. We need to take the time, observed what is happening around us, list our options, select a course of action, and, of course, accomplish the task. This is a means for us to grow, mature, and have wisdom on your side. I am sure you have identified people with these characteristics. You want to develop these characteristics for yourself in order to be a hero.

Thank you for inviting me to speak today. I hope all of you will become a hero to your family, friends, and co-workers.

God bless you John, and God bless America.

Memorial Day 2008

Susan, John's sister, asked for this to be posted:

------

This Memorial Day we think of you and all who have served. We remember and will never forget.

I saw 2 quotes that I thought were profound on my last visit to Arlington.

"When you get home tell them of us and say... for their tomorrows, we gave our today" - Kohima Epitaph

and this one that so reminded me of you, I laughed...

"It is better to have lived one day as a lion then one thousand days as a sheep"
Lt Col. Klinger, buried at Arlington.

John - we miss you, this really doesn't get an easier, I thought maybe it would. When I think about what happened to you my stomach still does a flip, guess it always will.

I still think of you every day, every hour, every minute.

You were a bad ass & I love you,

Susan
Nightstalkers Don't Quit!

Thoughts on John - One Year Anniversary

A party to celebrate John's life was held on Sun Mar 16th at Vic's in Bradley Beach, following a Mass at St. Elizabeth's. John's father, Robert Quinlan, said these words:

-------------------

It’s been a fast tough year. John has been missed by all his family and friends.

In life, John wanted to succeed at all his endeavours. His quest for success in the military put him on a fast and dangerous track. He understood the dangers but wanted to challenge himself and his fellow soldiers to accomplish difficult missions. This he did this for five wars over 18 years. His last mission was his most difficult one.

John joined the military because it had numerous challenging options. He initially chose the Marines and aircraft avionics as his first military profession. He excelled in this field and was the go-to-guy for his contemporaries. He then was a Loadmaster in the Marines for C130 cargo aircraft. This I think gave him the interest in becoming a pilot.

John wanted to serve our country and have a wonderful family. He accomplished both. Julie surprised Kate and I by being here today. His daughters could not be here today as they are in Tennessee. Kate, Sue, Olivia, and I visited Julie, Keely, Maddie, and Erin in February. Overall, they are doing very well and wish to thank all of you who have kept them and us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult period.

John’s devotion to his own family and extended family and friends has been brought to our attention numerous times through words, letters, emails and pictures. We –his family- have had the distinct honor to learn of John’s deeds and accomplishments well beyond our initial understanding. John would not have shared with us most of these deeds and accomplishments or put a humorous spin on them. He did not want us to worry and he wanted to create the feeling in us that he could handle any situation. We know he did his very best on his last mission.

John was a Senior Pilot and had over 1800 hours of flying time and almost half of that was in combat. John became a helicopter pilot because he wanted to sit in the front seat. He was in charge of the aircraft and responsible for his crew and passengers. John was scheduled last year become a Master Pilot and Flight Leader. Both positions would have put him in the top U.S. Army pilot positions.

I hope you all understand a little more about John. We, as his family, are extremely proud of him and his many accomplishments. As his parents, we could not have asked for a better son. The pride he had for Julie, Keely, Maddie, and Erin was infectious. His sister Susan and her family will miss him forever. John’s death was a difficult loss to all of us.

John left us with many memories. Those memories will keep him alive in all of us. His sense of humor and story telling will allow us to continuously smile when thinking about him.

We wish John well as God’s Co-pilot.

I would like to ask Roger to play “Arlington” as a tribute to John.

One Year Today

Today marks one year since John's death. There will be a ceremony at Fort Campbell today for all those killed in the crash. John's parents and sister will be there with Julie and the girls. Please share your thoughts and prayers.

Maryland Governor's Patriot Medal

On Tuesday December 18th, 2007 - John was awarded the Governor's Patriot Medal from the State of Maryland. There were about 25 awardees, including Maryland police officers, firefighters, first responders, and military men and women who died in the line of duty. The presentation was made at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, and the Governor and Lt. Governor were among those who spoke movingly in tribute of those honored.

John's parents were there, along with John's Aunt Linda and Uncle John and John's cousin David. Here are pictures of the front and back of the medal, along with a picture of everyone after the medal presentation. Here is a picture of the medals before they were presented; and a picture during the benediction during the service. More official photos can be found here.

After the service, John's parents and Aunt & Uncle visited John's grave at Arlington. Here is a picture of the wreaths, and a another picture of the medal.

John's parents also recently received a Gold Star Service Banner and fly it at their home.

Veterans Day 2007

Veterans Day 2007

John Andrew Quinlan

(Reflections from his mom)

One of the very last conversations John and I engaged in had to do with a bill that sat on Gov. Corzine’s desk. This was a small bill embedded inside a greater piece of political nonsense. John was rather hot to trot about this small bill aimed at dropping the mandatory teaching of Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day in the public schools. Both of us fired letters off to Corzine expressing our strong feelings about this. John left for Afghanistan and my last letter to him was to let him know the bill did not pass! I am not sure he read the news before he went down.

On this Veterans Day pause for a few minutes to remember all who have served. We who knew John also knew and still know the tremendous commitment he and all military have made and continue to make enabling us to live in peace and safety each day. Pass the message to your children so they will not become complacent as they grow older.

Veterans Day was always the special day I would either call or email John to thank him and let him know how much I loved him. (This was not the only day!!!)

This year I cannot call him, however I do find myself reflecting on all the good he brought to the world both in his life and in his death. Although we are still working through tremendous feelings of loss we have also been overwhelmed by all the good that has returned to us as a result of his huge circle of life and kindness. He now has two little babies who were given the names Andrew John and Paul Andrew in his memory. His old buddies call and keep in touch. Each week a new kindness is returned to us in his memory.

Above all, John left us the gift of his beautiful girls, Julie, Keely, Maddie, and Erin. All are his bright lights in the world and we love them dearly.

Each night I go outside for a few minutes and look up at the sky always imagining the beauty of the night stars and the sunrises John saw on his many flights. Looking up, I reflect on his short lived yet beautiful life and these lines…..

In one of the stars
I shall be living
In one of them
I shall be laughing
And so it will be
as if all the stars
were laughing
when you look
at the sky at night

The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint- Exupery

Eulogy for a Veteran

John's uncle, John Mocko, asked that this be posted:

"One day, the sky he loved so well, parted, and God reached out and took him by the hand."

"Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
I am not here,
Search your heart,
I am there."

- Author unknown

Words on August 18, 2007 about John’s death

It has been a long time and in ways it has been a short time since your death six months ago. Your extended family prays for you (and all of us) all the time. People say that “Time heals all wounds.” But I would say time renews all wounds. We will never forget our wounds, but we have learned how to live with them each day.

Your family misses you. We all miss you. You were a shining light that will not go out. The sound of your laugh, light of your smile and presence will be in our thoughts forever. We expect to see you come through the door every day and wish we could give you one last hug or say goodbye for one last time. This will not happen but we still continue to expect it to happen.

Yours was a relatively short life in years but a long life in accomplishments. A husband and father to three children, a grandson, a son, a brother, an uncle, a brother-in-law and a cousin are part of your legacy. All roles you filled in an outstanding personal manner.

Your services to your country (8 years in the US Marine Corps, 10 years in the US Army) all speak to your valor and dedication. Twenty-seven service medals for efforts above and beyond the call of duty received in five wars cannot be underestimated. Few servicemen have duplicated or exceeded this effort. What your future accomplishment could have been is only for you and God to know.

Last week a Chinook helicopter crashed in Iraq killing five US soldiers. We prayed for them and their families as we have prayed for you and your comrades. All the deaths and wounded in this war on terror are on our minds. We want the war to stop and the killing to be over. This will not happen. This also we have to live with and try to understand.

Pray for us John, to know what to do and how to do it. We will live our lives with you as a primary example. Always saying to ourselves, “What would John do in this situation, how would he react, when would he influence the situation?” We will hope to live our lives as a dedication to your commitments, actions and accomplishments.

Your presence will always be felt in our lives. The commitments we have made to support your family will always be honored. Our best example for our lives will be to honor you as our family hero and the man you became from the son your mother and I had. We have seen you grow to tremendous heights and want to remember all the things you have accomplished. We only wish you could have lived to see your daughters graduate, walk them down the aisle when they marry and play with your grandchildren. It will be our legacy to ensure your presence will be felt at family functions and remembered at the family dinner table.

Love, Dad and Mom

Letter from Susan

John's sister, Susan, asked me to post this letter:


John,

I can't believe it has been 6 months today since you died. Some days I still can't believe it, I wake up every day and have to remind myself that it is real. I miss you, I think of you all the time, I wonder what you would think of things, you always were so black & white with your thoughts, never lacking on opinion that is for sure.

I wonder if you can see the sad things that I see, like the flagpole in Mom & Dad's front yard with the Gold Star flag & Dad going out there every morning & putting it up, your wedding ring hanging from Julie's neck, the pile of Chinook coins & pins in Olivia's room under your picture & the gathering of seashells on your headstone at Arlington with all our names on them.

I also wonder if you can see the happy & funny things too, when I took Keely to New York City & her face when she walked thru Times Square, when Madeline told me she would like to have Dad's 57 Chevy & told me in detail what she would like to do to it, sounded like you two have had that conversation before. When I told Erin that my baby blanket was yours & she smelled it & said she could smell you in there. She will not believe I am your sister... she thinks I am her sister!

Well, I have to tell you that you would be really proud of all of us, Julie is a rock and she carries on as you would have wanted her to, although I can't imagine the pain she carries. The girls are doing great, they are beautiful and full of craziness, truly Quinlans, which I love. Mom and Dad are being strong and they keep every piece of information on you in beautiful books so the girls will have it one day. I feel closer to all of them than ever and we have all grown together to pull ourselves through this.

You are missing so much and there is no way to justify that. There will always be an empty seat at our table. Julie, Mom, Dad & me are your memory keepers, through our stories of you our family will remember, Keely, Madeline, Erin, Olivia & Will will know you. Someone sent me a quote & it said "To live in the hearts of those you love is to never die" and that is why you will never be truly gone.

We are planning to take the kids skiing over Christmas this year, just as you always wanted to. I hope you are smiling on us as we make fools of ourselves all over that mountain.

I love you,

Susan

Words of Thanks

JOHN’S EDITORIAL LETTER - April 8, 2007

How to begin? Our son, CW3 John A. Quinlan, was killed in Afghanistan on February 18, 2007. His helicopter crashed while he was returning Army Rangers from a covert mission in Afghanistan. John was the Pilot-in-Command. Seven soldiers plus John were killed. Fourteen soldiers survived.

We, his parents, are overwhelmed by the support and comfort we have received within our family, the military and civilians in our country. Several hundred letters have been delivered to John’s wife, Julie, our daughter Susan and ourselves. Many included generous donations to John’s children’s education fund.

We want to thank the people who have provided direct support in honoring John. It is very important to us for others to know the tremendous generosity and commitment that exists within our community and country.

Please note that the following list is not an indication of a ranking of an individual’s or organization’s support, but a sincere hope to acknowledge each effort that contributed to honoring John.

The Priest, Father William J. Lago, and Deacon, Mr. Robert Armstrong, offered the memorial Mass on March 11, 2007. Father Bill’s sermon describing John’s attributes was moving and allowed our family to accept and further understand John’s passing. The altar servers performed with kind reverence. Our nephew, Sean Quinlan, carried the cross.

The town of Bradley Beach performed with outstanding grace. Our family received assistance from the Administrative office (Phyllis Quixley) and the Fire (John Zech) and Police (Chief Leonard Guida) Departments. The Fire Department hall was provided for the reception following Mass and the police provided an honor guard at the Mass. The police also provided front door and handicapped parking for the immediate family. We feel honored by your care.

The beautiful singing at the Mass was provided by our niece Barbara Quinlan, a family friend, William Rutledge Varley, and Suzanne Ramsey-Restivo. Taps was played by Karl Cruvup, a friend of Kate’s from Asbury Park Middle School. The organist was Andrew DePrisco. One other individual who was instrumental in forming the liturgy and program for the memorial Mass was Gerry Varley. Many thanks to all of you.

Delicious and plentiful food at the reception was provided by Piancone Restaurant (Rick Piancone) of Bradley Beach in coordination with the town of Bradley Beach. Beautiful table linens were provided by Acme Sanitation Supply of Neptune, NJ. Bradley Fire Department also provided clean up services after the reception. Bradley Liquors provided the beer keg and wine served at the reception. Our family is grateful for your generosity.

The Avon Police Department (Chief Terry Mahon) provided church parking for the family and handicapped members of the family. They also allowed three volleys to be fired in John’s honor at the conclusion of the Mass. Thank you.

The Bagpiper at the Mass and reception was Bob Pfarr. His songs were special and significant in helping to memorialize John’s Irish roots.

A Color and Rifle Guard provided by the American Legion Post No 232 in Barnegat, NJ. Bob and Lillian Padavano of Waretown, NJ made this possible. Thanks to all for this military memorial.

The presence of John’s Battalion Commander (Lt. Col John Evans) from Fort Campbell, KY at the Mass was appreciated along with his remarks about John during the reception. It was nice to hear that John was one his best pilots, and a good friend.

John’s US Marines buddies in attendance at his burial were a source of comfort to our family. “Semper Fi, Marines”.

Our nephew Roger Quinlan Jr. provided the Irish music and sound system at the reception. His and Steven Mocko’s support for me during the Mass eulogy was heart-warming and a true measure of the family’s unity during this event.

Our nephews, David and J.J. Mocko, provided John’s blog (www.johnquinlan.blogspot.com) listing pictures, newspaper articles, TV spots and individual comments. This is a significant source of comfort to our family.

An individual, who is a friend of John’s from Maryland (Brandy Edwards), played a large role in publicizing John’s accident on Maryland TV and in the newspapers. This resulted in significant attendance at John’s burial from his friends in the Baltimore area. We were comforted to greet these friends, some of whom we had not seen in over 20 years.

A very significant honor was provided to our family when we ordered a 20-foot flag pole for John from Kempton Flag of Wall, NJ. The flagpole was installed at our home on March 31, 2007. Upon completion, the flagpole, a U.S. Flag and a U.S. Army Flag were presented to us as gifts in memory of John. We are moved and grateful. Thank you.

Two veteran’s organizations (The Catholic War Veterans of Asbury Park, NJ and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 232 of Neptune, NJ) presented in ceremony Gold Star flags to Kate and me. We are extremely grateful for this honor.

We would also like to thank our extended family for their assistance during this time of grieving. Many nieces and nephews read during the Mass. John and Linda Mocko (my sister) were outstanding in providing display materials, pictures, scrapbook presentations and emotional support.

Fort Monmouth provided outstanding support in the work of the Henry Kearney, Chief, Public Affairs and Major Tom Watiti as the Causality Assistance Officer. They both significantly helped in the administrative and editorial processing during the Memorial, Burial, and Mass.

Taking care of tailoring and pressing my U.S. Army uniform (purchased in 1964 and last worn in 1982) was EZ tailors in Shrewsbury, NJ.

Pictures of John’s burial taken at the Arlington National Cemetery were taken by Michael and Beverly Miller of Avon, NJ. Their picture of John’s coffin under the U.S. Flag was used in our thank you card. They also presented us with an enlarged framed copy of that picture.

Kate’s friend Wanda Smith from Asbury Park Middle School wrote and read at the reception a poem dedicated to John. She also provided us framed copies. We thank her for this special effort.

A video of the Memorial Mass was taken by Erick Gunter. We thank him for this effort.

People continue to surprise us with acts of kindness. Our neighbors (Vincent and Jody Fama and their son Vincent) went to Arlington National cemetery for John’s burial and provided exceptional emotional support to us during the burial and memorial Mass. We are extremely thankful for their efforts. Many neighbors provided delicious food and comfort for us along with visits to our home.

Kate and I hope we have included all those whose effort contributed to honor John. If we missed anyone, please accept our sincere thanks for your efforts. We are extremely grateful to all of you.

Robert J. Quinlan

Kathleen T. Quinlan

John's Eulogy - March 11, 2007

John's father, Robert J. Quinlan, spoke these words at John's memorial Mass:

“We lost John”

With those words, our world was turned upside down. Susan called me on Sunday morning February 18, to tell me John was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Those words will echo in my head forever. Sunday will always be our remembrance day of John.

John’s life was a life worth living. We will miss him dearly but we, as a family, will survive this event.

Julie and their daughters could not be here today. Julie is attending the funeral of John’s co-pilot. They will be here this summer when we will have a scheduled Mass in memory of John.

God now has a new co-pilot in John. But I must alert God that within a very short time John may try to become Pilot-In-Command.

Kate and I are so proud of our children’s accomplishments. Sue and John have given us great families including five grandchildren. We will love and nurture them always and forever. But today, let me share with you some things about John which you may or may not know.

He was the grandson of Mary and Bob; son of Kate and me; brother of Sue; husband of Julie; father of Keely, Maddie, and Erin; brother-in-law of Greg; and uncle of Olivia and William, along with 8 other nieces and nephews. He was the friend to so many people both military and civilian that it is impossible to count or acknowledge them all. I wish to thank all of you here today for your friendship with John and for the comfort that friendship brings to our family.

John was a family man in every sense of the word. His devotion to his wife and children was exceptional in every way. He was a devoted Catholic with his family attending weekly Mass and children attending a Catholic School. His religious convictions were part of his everyday life. He had respect for all people regardless of their creed or background.

John was at the front in five wars since 1990. The Gulf Kuwait War, Somalia, Dessert Storm, 2 tours in Iraqi Freedom and 5 tours in Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

He spent 8 years as a US Marine. John was an Avionics Specialist for Harrier jump jets and a Loadmaster for C130 Hercules cargo planes. He will always be a “Devil Dog” to his Marine buddies. “Semper Fi Marines”.

He spent 10 years as U.S. Army Warrant Officer Chinook pilot receiving two promotions ahead of his peers. It won’t surprise all of you to hear that his pilot flight name was “Irish”.

He received 27 military medals. It was impossible for him to wear all of them on his uniform. His highest honor was the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) which is for exceptional heroism and flying skills. He earned it when he safely landed his Chinook helicopter safely last July after it was shot down by an enemy RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade). He saved 25 soldiers. I met three members of his crew in Fort Campbell, Kentucky two weeks ago. They all cried and hugged me and said that they are alive today because of John's actions.

His second crash on Sunday, three weeks ago, which took John’s life along with the lives of seven other soldiers. Fourteen soldiers, however, survived due to John’s landing the helicopter “dirty side down” - meaning on its wheels with no fire. Any rollover would have caused a fuel fire and total loss of its crew and passengers. Thirty eight U.S. Army soldiers are with us today because of John’s courage and technical knowledge.

John is an exceptional military hero in every definition of the word. He was a Professional Warrior. He was never in the rear with the gear, but always at the front lines where the action took place. One his aunts has pointed out to me that John’s zeal in his military duties is also a definition of patriotism.

John’s unit is called “Night Stalkers” because they fly in the night to surprise and defeat the enemy. The motto of John’s unit is “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit”. The Quinlan family’s new motto is “Quinlans Don’t Quit”.

God bless you John and your family. We know that the world is a better place because of your having been here. God’s speed be with you. We will miss you forever! You have our love forever!

New articles

John's picture is on Page A11 of today's (Thu Mar 22nd) Washington Post. Also, there are several new stories posted in the column on the right.

Memorial Mass for John

There will be a memorial Mass for John on Sun Mar 11th at 2PM at St. Elizabeth Church [424 Lincoln Ave] in Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ.

Following the Mass, there will be a reception at the Bradley Beach Fire Department's Company Banquet Hall [725 Rear Main Street] in Bradley Beach, NJ beginning at 3:30PM. Please bring an appetizer, a side dish, or a dessert to share.

Flags in New Jersey at Half-Staff

In New Jersey, the United States Flag and the New Jersey State Flag are being flown at half-staff today, Fri Mar 2nd, in memory of John.

Maryland State Flag

The Maryland State Flag is being flown at half-staff today, Tue Feb 27th, in memory of John.

Look for Updates Here

To repeat all the information in one place, on Tuesday February 27th:

1) There will be a wake at Murphy Funeral Home [4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, 22203, (703) 920-4800] from 11AM to 1PM.

2) There will be a graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery at 2PM.

3) There will be a party in celebration of John's life at the Fairview Park Marriott [3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA, 22042, (703) 849-9400] beginning at 4PM.

Rooms are available at the Fairview Park Marriott. Rooms are also available under the Quinlan Group at the Comfort Inn Pentagon [2480 S. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 22206, (703) 682-5500]. Please check through the comments sections in the posts below for additional possible hotels; most people are staying at the Comfort Inn Pentagon or the Fairview Park Marriott.

One last thing - the DC metro area received 4 to 6 inches of snow on Sunday. There should still be snow on the grounds at Arlington on Tuesday, so be sure to dress warmly and with sturdy footwear.

Updated Mon Feb 26th 10:56AM: The party at the Marriott at 4PM will be an all-cash bar. Sorry for the change, but the large expected number of people and the prices the hotel were quoting drove the cost up.