New Beginnings for 2008
February 16th, 2008 by Jaclyn Sharratt
I always thought the second I heard Justin’s charges were dropped that our lives would instantly go back to ‘normal.’ To my surprise, it did not happen; yet at the same time I think we are all finally settling down and looking ahead.
Justin spent the past five months home in Pennsylvania, where he and two fellow Marines kept our parents busy! They worked on the Jeep, fixed their motorcycles, played video games, and enjoyed the holidays with our family. In mid-February the boys left and headed back to California. They are now living near San Diego, working and planning their future. Justin plans on attending a mechanics school in the fall and is in the preliminary stages of starting up his own shop. We are also working with a producer on a movie based on our family and the Haditha situation, which is very exciting, and quite crazy to even imagine! I am looking forward to spending time with Justin in March while out in San Diego on a business trip. Our family also is planning my Chicago wedding to my wonderful fiancé, Matt Smith, which will take place October 2008. Justin will be standing as our Best Man.
It is hard to make myself not remember the past, and to realize life is working out for the best. It is challenging to not relive the fear of the unknown, or to not worry about something terrible like this happening to another family. Regardless, nothing feels better than the happiness I experience after a two hour phone conversation with Justin, each minute spent catching up on the latest in our lives, both of us grinning ear to ear. Now that is the Justin I know… that is my little brother.
Randy Says
God bless you all. Good luck on your future!
-Randy
Aug 1st, 2008 at 12:03 am
Jesse Boland Says
I was very pleased to see on the news that Justin and 6 of the other 7 Marines involved in this had their name cleared. Its very hard for civilians to understand the nature of what Marines and soldiers face overseas and idiots like congressman Murtha do not make things any easier. I was released from the Marine Corps in March of 05 and Im now re-enlisting. I hate the bad press the military is getting over a very unpopular war and I wish they would start to understand that it is not our call to fight or not. We simply follow orders.
Sep 25th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Matt Says
Here at Feral Jundi, we support you 110 percent Marine. Murtha was completely out of line. Semper Fi and go get him.
Sep 25th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
A Marine Mom Says
So proud of Justin and the members of his family. You have shown such a high amount of dignity. I have kept you in my prayers from the beginning of this nastiness. I will continue to pray for all of you and for your legal team. It is time our people in government were held to a higher standard. Justin, and many others, have VOLUNTEERED to take a vow of duty to this country. Every one of them should be commended for their services, not brought up on bogus charges because someone wants to make a point, a name for themselves, or bring disgrace to our military. Justin, I am a manager at an auto repair facility in Indiana and I would love to have an employee as dedicated as you. Good luck in your studies and your endeavor of having your own shop. Remember this, there is nothing man can say or do that will take away from the pride you should hold in yourself for the service you have performed. God Bless You, God Bless Your Family, God Bless your Marine Family, and may God continue to Bless this country with heroes such as you. SEMPER FI my friend
Sep 27th, 2008 at 2:04 pm