REDMOND, OR, USA U.S. Marines LCPL, 2D BN, 6TH MAR, RCT-6, II MEF (FWD), (PARENT COMMAND: C CO, 2D CEB) FALLUJAH, IRAQ 04/23/2007
Tomorrow morning the Patriot Guard Riders will pass my house on their way to Burns, on the far east side of the state, to meet LCPL Peterson’s final plane home. They will serve as escorts throughout his services. Before the service, a formation of motorcycles will ride down Broadway Avenue in the double missing man formation to honor Peterson. At the lead will be Peterson’s wife, LCPL Regina Peterson, who will ride on the back of a Harley-Davidson driven by another Marine in uniform.
Dale was a son of Burns in Eastern Oregon and Redmond in Central Oregon. He graduated from Redmond High School in 2005, and joined the Marines when he graduated from high school. His teacher, Georgia Hendricks, remembered Dale for his upbeat spirit and positive attitude.
“He was very bright, a great young man. We loved him here and had a lot of respect for his abilities and natural talent, and his ability to make other people feel good,” she said.
Dale’s widow, Marine LCPL Regina “Reggie” Peterson, said, “he chose Camp Lejeune because he knew they were going to deploy. It breaks my heart, but I also couldn’t be prouder. He was doing what he wanted to do.”
His father said, “This is about a boy who had the courage to go in the military and fight and die for his country.”
Peterson was known for his humor, skill and loyalty. “He was always smiling and cheering up his fellow Marines when they were down,” LTC Mark Brennan, Peterson’s CO said. “Dale was a man that was deeply loved by many.”
Dale is survived by his wife, Reggie, a Bend native; his mother, Dorothy, of Burns; his father and stepmother, Greg and Kathy of Redmond, and three sisters.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.
Farewell, LCPL Dale Peterson, and Walk with God.