"God has a very special plan for each of your lives, and wants you to know Him personally. Remember that no problem you will ever have is too big for Him to handle. No matter what happens, God always has your best interests in mind. That means that God always does what is best for you - even when it seems hard. He loves each of you very much."

Sgt. Jesse W. Strong, USMC
Combat Engineer Battalion
K.I.A - Iraq

Antoine's Memorial

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full,

I savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it with undue grief.

Leif your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me FREE!

On November 23, 2004, a memorial service was held in Henry Chapel which is a part of Toine's church Home. The "Blue Star Mothers", an organization formed during World War I, presented Deborah Smith (Toine's Mom) with a banner featuring a gold star, signifying a son lost for the cause of freedom. Following the service, Deborah was presented with the Purple Heart.