Dustin Ray Chaney

Dear Gloria,
My heart goes out to you for your loss. I know he was your greatest joy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will be out of town but will see you when I get back.

Gloria and Beverly and family,
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you with your memories of Dustin and give you peace during this difficult time. Dustin was a fine young man who served his country. We know he was a blessing to your family as well. Please accept our sympathy from the entire Heiner family.

I met you at age 12 when you & your mother Gloria moved from Houston to Lumberton. It was during a little league BB tryout where I made you my first pick. after seeing your determination, effort, and positive attitude, I knew we had to have you on our team. You proved to be one of the important kegs in the wheel (soul) of the team that gave us a personality which eventully became the heart & soul of our team not only with your support & hustle, but your good nature and refreshing ability to make everyone laugh.

I also remember that night at the beach when you had so many questions about becoming a Marine someday. I tried to answer all your questions about what it meant to be a US Marine. And in that discussion, trying to expalin to a very curious young man that although the Marine Corps had the best preperation & survival combat trainning; the one concern I had was the inability for always being successful at trainging young 18-19 year old men to handle the mental anguish that is the real part of a combat conflict. When your enemy has no moral or principaled value system when it comes to human life; the principals God has placed on the lives He's given to all His creation. An enemy that would sacrifice a child, often times their own child, to wound/kill innocent people in order to mame or kill a few Americans.

I tried to speak to you about what's now known as Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After war, it's a long road back in the PTSD healing process. My tour was from 1967 to 1971; The battle with PTSD is still ongoing.

But you wanted to make a difference in the world & defend the principals of the United States so you enlisted in the USMC. When your mother told me about your enlistment & then fussed at me when you shipped out to Iraq all I could do was beg her forgivness yet telling her how proud all that knew you should be for your personal sacrifice & love of country.

May God bless you & your family and keep everyone that's been touched by your life, in the hollow of His hand.

Dustin,

My prayers go out to you, another special fallen Marine. Semper Fidelius

Dennis Thomas

Gloria,

So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. May God's comforting arms envelop you at this difficult time.
Love,

You church member---Pam Viator

Chaney you will be missed. I just recently came across the notes we used to pass back and forth in middle school. Those were the days. Your family will forever be in my prayers.

Baby words cannot explain how much i miss you!!! You affected my life in so many ways and i thank god everyday for letting me spend the time I could with you..A day will not go by that I wont think of you.. Your smile, always making me laugh and how great of a father you were... I cant wait till my time comes and i can jump in your arms.. love you always and FOREVER!!

Dustin I had the honor of serving with you in Iraq and am so proud of everything you did for our country. I have nothing but great memories of you both on and off the battlefield. I was completley heartbroken when I heard the news that you had gone on to Heaven. Rest in Peace my brother and know that you will be missed forever. Semper Fi.
Victor

Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to Chaney's family and precious little girls. He was one heck of a Man/Daddy and will be sadly missed.
"What the caterpillar perceives is the end, to the butterfly is just the begining." (Anon)
May the glory of God shine through!
We <3 you Chaney

Dustin,

I didn't know you personally but I know your Aunt Martha from Redeemer Lutheran Church. I remember including you in prayers for our military on Sundays. I am praying for your family at this time. May God be with you all during this difficult time.

Chaney you will be missed by us all. I remember the times that you came over to my house in your shaggin wagon. You always had a great smile and made everyone laugh.Our prayers are with your family .