The archives of the Guest Book from the old father-capodanno.org site.

2003 Capodanno  Guestbook
William Duran
Denver, CO
12/17/2003
I am a former Marine grunt of Mike Co 3RD PLT. I participated in the action SEPT 4, 1967. Father Capodanno brought comfort to men that would soon depart, forever, the horror of the moment. May comfort and peace be with him.
John van Heeswyk
London area, Ontario
12/17/2003
Just a bit of a comment about Father Capodanno: What an awesome person he must have been. It must have been wonderful to have met and known such a wonderful spiritual person. He moves me....much. May God bless his soul. And send us more Priests like him!! Yes it would make a wonderful movie, for the times we are living in today. May God inspire some producer.....
David N. Campbell
FL
12/6/2003
I served onboard USS CAPODANNO (FF1093) and I am currently the Administrative Officer for the USS CAPODANNO Association (Formed in August 2001) We have our own web site www.usscapodanno.org
Nick
Pensacola, FL
11/14/2003
Fr. Capodanno truly is a model of holiness for all priests to follow. If priests were more like Fr Capodanno, we would have the greatest priests ever! I love the Catholic clergy deeply and desire their sanctification…..Through the intercession of Fr. Capodanno, I pray for his brother clergymen to be holy.
Patricia Watson
Versailles, KY
11/4/2003
I read about Father Capodanno in the Navy Times. I liked the article and wanted to find out more about this heroic and remarkable priest.
LCPL Enrique Saenz
Edinburg, TX
10/22/2003
Father Capodanno's story is a beautiful one that should actually be made into a movie. When I first heard his story, it brought a tear to my eye, because I know our Navy chaplains care for us that much. Ooorah, Sir.
Julius L. Keszler, Jr.
Hollywood, FL
10/4/2003
It was very inspiring and edifying to read Father Vincent's self-sacrifice, bravery and dedication first as priest and to his parish community, the marines, who he ministered to even in situations which were dangerous to his life. A life, reflecting, echoing, and joined to the sacrificial immolation of his Master: Jesus
Richard Byrne
Pinconning, MI
9/5/2003
I was in K Co. 3/5 and served with Father. He was everything and more of what's been said and written about him. I believe by knowing Father that I was in the company of a Saint.
Lydia
Mondamin, IA
8/21/2003
I have given a statue of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel to KVSS Catholic Radio in Omaha Nebraska, in honor of his life and death. It will have his name and Sept. 4th 1967. Father Capodanno will always be in my heart. May God Bless you and all you love Lydia Caldeira
Rev. J. Luis Fernandez, Ph.D.
Miami, FL
6/25/2003
Learn about Father Capodanno when attended Chaplain School in 1972. I also met USMC Colonel who knew him in Vietnam. I have one of Fr. Capodanno's St Christopher medals given to me by same USMC Col who took care of his personal effects etc. It was a custom for Catholic Chaplains to give to the troops medals of St Christopher with the year of their arrival in Vietnam. At present is hangs on my Rosary.
Jeannie Eiserle
Fort Wayne, IN
6/8/2003
This book came to me by chance one day and has sparked my already existing desire to work with the military and their families, especially concerning spiritual warfare and related issues. My boyfriend is currently serving in the USMC in Africa fighting terrorists, and he is also beginning the RCIA process. It came to me the other day to send him this book, "The Grunt Padre," which I am now reading, because I believe that Fr. Capodanno's story will aid him in his conversion. Fr. Capodanno is a heroic example of a modern saint for those of us who are "militant" Catholics, or those who believe in spiritual warfare and also in "suffering with" our troops. I thank God that I found this book!!!!
GySgt Dennis Stahlbock USMC Retired
Hudson, FL
5/25/2003
I was on operation Swift with Brave 1/5, we were the first company sent to relieve Delta Company, I still can hear the message relaying that Father Capodanno was KIA. What a blow to all of us in the 5th Marine Regiment.
Anthony C. Jenkins
New Haven, CT
5/19/2003
Served onboard the USS Capodanno DE/FF 1093 1976 to 1979. I am very proud to be associated with Father Capodanno. I was blessed to listen to a speech from a Marine who served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam who enlightened Capodanno Sailors about his legacy. I look forward to upcoming USS Capodanno ship reunions and I thank each and every one of my shipmates for the bond forged with them and the opportunity and appreciation of having served my country with them.
George "Mac" Donald
Palm Bay, FL
5/17/2003
I served with 2nd Battalion 11th marines in 67/68. I had the pleasure of knowing Father Capodanno and assisted him with Mass several times. I had not been to church for years and his demeanor renewed my faith. He was definitely for the regular guys, down to earth and friendly. I was devastated by his death but not surprised by the way he died.
Steve Allbritton
Santee, CA
5/10/2003
As a Nam Vet I can only say thank you for the work you've done so that those that gave all will forever be remembered. Steve Allbritton, Corporal USMC
Linda Drake
Hillsboro, OR
5/2/2003
I find the life story of Fr. Capodanno very inspiring. My brother was in the Navy in the same era and I have a brother-in-law who was in Vietnam at that time. My nephew (brother-in-law's son) is now in Iraq and I place him in Fr. Capodanno's care.
Steven Kramer
Alexandria, VA
4/30/2003
I was at the St. Mary's last night and heard the presentation. I am re-reading the book, which was signed (thank you Fr. Mode). This is a compelling story, which should be captured on film- if not a movie, then a documentary.
Karen Connair
Annandale, VA
4/29/2003
I heard Fr. Daniel Mode speak about Fr. Capodanno tonight at St. Mary's Church, Alexandria, VA. What an inspiring story of a very brave man who lived to serve his Marines! I am going to get a copy of Fr. Mode's book and spread the wonderful story of Fr. Capodanno to my friends.
Dorothy Minero-Gallagher R.N.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/29/2003
I am both humbled and proud to say that this is my Uncle Vincent. My mother was Dorothy Capodanno from Staten Island, Uncle Vincent's sister. I am touched and inspired by the response on this website- especially in this time of great turmoil. As I watch the news of our boys fighting for us in Iraq, I can't help but look to my Uncle for strength and courage. I feel certain that he is again with his boys, helping them through the fear, pain, and suffering... giving them the strength and faith needed to face each day. This is his life's work...to anyone who has a son, brother, or friend in battle or going over there now I send my prayers, compassion, and unconditional love to you and your loved ones. No one, Uncle Vincent included, wants to see these young people suffer. Know that there is always a higher purpose in God and that they have an angel on their shoulder...Father Vincent Capodanno. With much love and prayers,
Dorothy Minero-Gallagher R.N.
Cpl. Russ Sherrick U.S.M.C. Ret.
Renton, WA
3/11/2003
I served with E 2/7 in 66. Father Cap0danno would visit our base area whenever he could. I got to know him fairly well and appreciated his Mass, Communions and Confessional. He would then talk with us and I was amazed at how he would remember all our names and seemed sincerely concerned about our wellbeing. I looked forward to his arrival; it was a soothing diversion from all the insanity that we were all going through. On Dec. 18th I was wounded severely and was med-evaced to the Chu Lai Hosp. Needles to say I was quite traumatized from the event but who was there when I awoke from the anesthesia, Father Capodanno. He stayed by my side for along time and helped lift my spirits and reassured me that I would be o.k. He then helped me draft a letter to my family. Since I was in a full body cast it would have been impossible for me to. My parents found it very reassuring. Mom kept all my Nam letters including his of which I treasure the most. I learned of his Medal of Honor as soon as it was awarded and to me he exemplifies a true hero.
John Short
Hampton, VA
3/7/2003
On Easter Sunday, 1967 I was still rather boot to 2/7 (having arrived in January 1967). Fr. Capodanno flew in on a UH34 to say Mass that morning. Recalling that liturgy always brings me peace of mind.
Richard L Kilgore
Coldwater, MI
2/19/2003
I just received the book The Grunt Padre I am overwhelmed and it brought tears to my eyes. I too was Father Capodanno aide for a period of time in Viet Nam with Henry Hernandez. I have a lot of memories of Father Capodanno that I would like to share. Father Capodanno influenced my life after Viet Nam and I still think and talk about him often. I have never met a man in my life time like Father Capodanno- it was like he had an aura around him. I knew during the tough times in Viet Nam God was with him I also had the same feeling when I was in action with Father Capodanno. I would like to talk to someone about my memories of Father Capodanno and also would like to get it touch with my old Marine buddy Henry Hernandez. Also would like to tell you that on the back cover of the book, under the picture of Father Capodanno, I believe I am the person on the far right- that is me. God Bless Father Vincent Capodanno and my memories of this great man will be with me the rest of my life. Thank you, Cpl Richard L. Kilgore 1/7 Marines 19661967
Caroline McCoy Hansen
Acworth, GA
2/10/2003
We are praying to Father Capodanno to cure a young priest in our parish, Father Joseph Peek, of Leukemia. Please pray for him!
Kerry "Doc" Pardue
Chandler, AZ
1/29/2003
I read with interest Father Capodanno's story. My wife's first husband died while with the 1/7th Marines as well. We hear so much negative today about Catholic priests but not enough of how much that they do to help others and live a godly life.