« History and heroism in unexpected places | Main | What We've Gained In Three Years In Iraq »
April 08, 2006
Emily Dieruf and her Corporal Nich - honoring his memory and sacrifice
On April 8, 2004, Emily Dieruf was told that her husband of three months, Corporal Nich Dieruf, had been killed while serving with 1st LAR near Husaybah, Iraq. Out of her grief was born a steely determination to continue the legacy of her husband's work in Iraq by supporting the families of troops here at home.Marine wife and mother, Carrie Costantini, remarked in an e-mail last night; "I'm sitting here tonight thinking about what tomorrow means. Tomorrow means that it's the 2nd anniversary of Cpl. Nich Dieruf's death.
His wife is an inspiration to me ... she's founded the Cpl. Nich Dieruf Foundation. Cpl. Nich foundation supports military families in crisis with quality of life grants. That's right..grants..not loans. For reservist families, for abandoned spouses, for surrogate family members and many more, this foundation provides support. She is 24 years old and does so much for our military families. She is not old enough to rent a car yet she does all of these things for us."
Emily Dieruf recently visited Quantico to speak with military spouses at the Commander's Course Spouse's Workshop. Here's a report from the workshop:
"People need not forget about our fallen soldiers, their sacrifices and the families who are affected," Dieruf said. "When Nich was killed, I vowed that I would not let him become a mere number or statistic. I live everyday honoring his memory and sacrifice, just like all of those others who fell before and after him."
Staying true to her word, Dieruf, along with USA Cares, has helped more than 2,000 families by providing or locating over $1 million in financial support. Dieruf's speaking engagements help military wives by making a sensitive topic more real for them. Many do not like to speak about war and death, but Dieruf sets the stage for honest discussion among the women of her audiences.
"Other military wives react with great sympathy and horror. I represent a harsh reality for them," she said. "But, overall, everyone has been extremely supportive and understanding." Although Dieruf was only able to enjoy her marriage with Nich for a brief moment, she will continue to honor her husband and his legacy.
"My husband whole heartedly believed in what the United States is accomplishing in Iraq and Afghanistan and so do I," she said. "He would write me letters about how the women and children of Iraq would thank the troops for coming to liberate their desperate country."
That is what keeps Dieruf going, and she lacks no motivation.
"Every day that I get to tell another audience about my personal hero, Nich," she said, "I am rejuvenated for the following days to come."
During Corporal Dieruf's funeral, church rector Paul Prabell eulogized; "We can be sure that Nicholas has fought the good fight as a faithful Marine. We can be sure that this former cross country runner has run the race to the finish, that this young man of faith and dreams and spirituality has kept the faith."
Emily is continuing his race with the same faith and dreams that Nich brought to his fight. Consider donating to the Corporal Nich fund in his memory today. Cassandra at Villainous Company also has a tribute up today - do stop by and read it.
Posted by Deb at April 8, 2006 08:47 AM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.marinecorpsmoms.com/mt-tb.cgi/791
Comments
Deb,
Can't thank you enough for writing what you did about Emily and Nich Dieruf.
It was well written and the fact that you did it emphasizes what the Marine Corps Family is.
It's moms, dads, sisters brothers, wives, sons, daughters, step moms, step dads and so on.
It's people you've never met before but have a kinship with because they're Marine family.
That's the Marine Corps Family. No offices, no official phone numbers, and no designated officials.
Just people that love the Marine Corps and are willing to stand up and be counted.
Thank you. You're the best.
Carrie
Posted by: Carrie at April 10, 2006 03:36 AM