In Memory of My Brother-Gunny Lue. A Marine Through and Through.
Semper Fi and Farewell
My heart is heavy today.
I have lost my baby brotther, my only brother. I have lost an anchor. A link in our chain. He was my rock. His strength made our family strong. He was my fathers Joy. My mothers love.
On last Monday my brother had a severe Asthma attack, his lungs collaspe and he lost consciousness and with no oxygen to his brain. First responsders attempted to revive him. He was placed on a ventilator. The brain was not functioning and he was not breathing on his own. As a family the decision was made after countless test to remove him. On 10/23/2024 he was removed from the ventilator at 6:00pm and passed at 6:07 pm.
The Marines saved my brothers life. Really. Lue always knew he wanted to join. But with his chronic asthma there was no way that would have happened. Yet at 17 yros in 1985, the Marine Recruiter's in Detroit, Michigan worked with my brother. They took him under their wings, exercised and drilled with him. Taught him how to control his breathing and reign in his asthma.
Lue joined the Marines at the age of 18. After more then 25 years of service he retired. Lue was a fitness nut. He ran 5 miles at 330am nearly every morning. Even I couldn’t keep up with him and I am not so bad. I would say bye see you up that hill. After he retired from the Maines, He continued to maintain and control the asthma. Yet on Monday October 14, 2024 asthma won out.
Once a Marine- always a Marine. From Gunny to Master Gunny - A Marine for life!
He may not be here on this earth physically. But his spirit lingers. For on 10/23 as an organ donor he saved four maybe five lives.
And as a lasting tribute to him, we completetd my brothers circle of life with an Honor Walk.
An honor walk, also known as an "organ donation walk" or "walk of respect symbolizes a final tribute to the patient's life and their selfless act of organ donation. It serves as a moment of reflection and acknowledgment of the profound impact of their decision to give the gift of life to others in need.
I am so very proud to have had you Lue for 56 years. And while it was hard to say goodbye it was even harder not seeing the vital man that I know you to be.
So - I shall let you go.
Semper Fi baby brother.
I shall miss you so very much.
Facts:
Asthma affects approximately 25 million people, including over 4.6 million children under the age of 18. It is a significant health and economic burden to patients, their families, and society.
Nearly 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma. This equals about 1 in 12 people.
Nearly 23 million U.S. adults ages 18 and older have asthma.
Asthma rates are highest in Black adults in the U.S.
Asthma is more common in female adults than male adults. Around 11.0% of female adults have asthma, compared to 6.8% of male adults.
It is a leading chronic disease in children. Currently, there are about 4.9 million children under the age of 18 with asthma.
Asthma is one of the most common and costly diseases in the United States.
On average, 10 people in the U.S. die from asthma each day. In 2022, 3,235 people died from asthma. Nearly all of these deaths are avoidable with the right treatment and care.
In 2020, deaths due to asthma rose for the first time in 20 years.
Reference:
In honor of Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Lue David Jackson Jr. we are accepting donations that will go towards the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA) and US Marines 2024 Toys for Tots Campaign. You can make a contribution by going to the button below.
CellyBlue - I Do Know This!
CellyBlue I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, a brave, honorable, and courageous man who served his country so loyally. My thoughts are with you.
I am sorry for your loss. I admire men like your brother who will do what he needs to do to bring honor to this family and himself. My son is a Marine and he is my hero. I was merely a Submariner. May your brother rest in power! The sacrifice is so much more than we can say! Also, I grew up a little Northwest of you. It is always good to hear of success from our area!