A Marine hero
FD families remember JJ Bonnell on the one-year anniversary of his death in IraqBy BILL SHEA, Messenger staff writer
Article Photos
When Denise Rork thinks about a cross-country trip with her son to Disneyland about two years ago, a slight smile brightens her face.
The trip from Iowa to California with her late son, Jon E. ''JJ'' Bonnell Jr., is one of the Fort Dodge woman's favorite memories.
Bonnell's father, Jon Bonnell Sr., of Fort Dodge, always cracks up when he remembers playing tennis with his son. The elder Bonnell has played tennis since he was about 10, and his athletic son, a 6-foot-2-inch Marine, never could beat him.
Happy memories like those are what the Bonnell and Rork families will try to focus on today - the one-year anniversary of JJ Bonnell's death in Iraq. He was serving as a sergeant in a Marine Corps field artillery unit.
He was 22, and hoping for a long military career.
''I don't want people to forget that they have their freedom because of JJ,'' Denise Rork said.
Like all parents, she always strived to make things better for her son. She can't do that anymore, and that has troubled her deeply since he died.
''I don't know if I am dealing with it,'' she said.
A billboard bearing a photo of JJ Bonnell in the distinctive dress blue uniform of a Marine has been placed at various locations around Fort Dodge since he died. Denise Rork cries every time she sees it.
But she wants her son to be remembered as something other than a war casualty. She hopes he's remembered as someone who liked to draw, who was passionate about baseball and loved his family.
''You never not think about him,'' the fallen Marine's father said. ''I kind of got to a level where I can talk about it. He's in my mind a lot every day.''
The Bonnells and the Rorks agree that the outpouring of community support after JJ Bonnell's death was both astonishing and comforting.
''I just can't believe how much support that the town has done,'' Jon Bonnell Sr. said.
From student
to Marine
When JJ Bonnell enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003, he surprised his family.
At the time, he was a senior at Fort Dodge Senior High School.
Brandy Rork and Tasha Rork, his older sisters, said they had talked to him about the possibility of enrolling in Iowa Central Community College.
Tasha Rork said she believes he chose the Marine Corps because it would allow him to go places and do things he'd never get to do otherwise.
''There was no talking him out of it,'' Bonnell's mother said.
His father clearly recalls JJ Bonnell calling with news of his enlistment.
''He said 'Dad, I did something I don't think you're going to like, but I had to do it,''' Jon Bonnell Sr. said. ''I said 'What's that?' And he replied, 'I enlisted in the Marines.''
Marines picked JJ Bonnell up at his mother's home to start his trip to boot camp.
''I was pretty settled with what he was doing until he went to Iraq,'' Denise Rork said.
Before he went to Iraq, he was assigned to Camp Pendleton in California. He and his mother made their memorable road trip from Fort Dodge to Oceanside, Calif., in 2006. There, they toured Disneyland and she visited the base where her son was stationed.
Back to Iraq
JJ Bonnell was a veteran of a previous tour of duty in Iraq and a relief mission following the December 2004 Asian tsunami before he deployed for his fateful 2007 Iraq mission. At the time he was a member of B Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.
In letters and phone calls to his family, he offered no details on what he was doing in Iraq.
Family members suspect that on the night he died, JJ Bonnell volunteered to go out on a mission after completing a full day of duty.
''He jumped in and volunteered all the time and was good at everything he did,'' Denise Rork said.
Jon Bonnell Sr. agreed.
''He wanted to do it,'' he said. ''Anything they needed help with, he jumped to it.''
On the night of Aug. 6, 2007, the Marines needed help checking out a suspicious truck loaded with watermelons that had been parked alongside a road all day.
As Bonnell approached the driver's side of the truck, there was a huge blast. He was killed.
Another Marine was blinded and lost the use of his right arm. Two other Marines suffered less serious wounds. Two Iraqis in the truck were also killed.
The next morning, the Bonnell and Rork families received the kind of visit all military families fear.
At 5:30 a.m. Aug. 7, two Marines rang the doorbell at the Bonnell residence. Across town, three other Marines did the same thing at the Rork house.
Donna Bonnell, JJ Bonnell's grandmother, opened the door. She at first thought the Marines were police officers.
When Jon Bonnell Sr. came to the door, he recognized the uniforms immediately. Upon seeing them, memories of his son rolled through his mind like scenes from a film.
''I said, 'Is my son gone?' and they didn't say anything,'' he said. ''I said again, 'Is my son gone? You can tell me that.' I don't think they knew what to say.''
The Marines found their voices and delivered the dreaded news. The Bonnells recalled that the Marines were as devastated as they were.
A city and nation mourn
On Aug. 13, about 500 people filed into the gymnasium at Fort Dodge Senior High School for the funeral. Later that day, JJ Bonnell was laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery on Fifth Avenue South.
In the days and weeks that followed, tributes rolled in. There were letters from military officers, President George W. Bush and even a state flag and a letter from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who took an interest in JJ Bonnell because he was assigned to Camp Pendleton in that state.
The Rorks and Bonnells now bear tributes to their family hero wherever they go. Denise Rork has a tattoo of her son on her arm. Tasha Rork has a tattoo of her brother's dog tag. Jon Bonnell Sr. wears a bracelet embossed with his son's name. Sarah Bonnell, the Marine's younger sister, wears one of his dog tags all the time.
''He was a wonderful brother and a hero that will never be forgotten,'' Sarah Bonnell said.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net
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MichelleKubli
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08-10-08 7:05 PM
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Oh busfush you are so right!! Christ died for All the world..He wants to Redeem All men not just the rightous but all us sinners too. And trust when I say my husband knows Christs love very well. Enough said.
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MichelleKubli
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08-10-08 1:48 PM
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My Dear bukfush I would like to offer my apoligies if my posting offened you or anyone else in this forum. It was not my intention to disrespect or dishonor this brave young man or his family. He died servicing not just us but all mankind. And as he sits at the feet of the Father he knows the value of love and friendship as I'm sure he did in life. So please forgive me. But you may want to ask Mr Wilsons forgiveness for your comments on his faith. You see I have been married to a Pastor for 20+ plus and have study the Word in deepth and I don't remember anywhere in there where GOD turned over the reigns of judgement to you or anyone else. But if I'm wrong and He has then you let me know how that goes for you. Because I sure wouldn't want the job. This was just two old friend saying HI after 35 years. So again I ask your forgiveness. Peace to you.
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Robertwilson
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08-08-08 12:56 AM
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MichelleKubli.. I sure am glad to here all is well with you and your Husband. When I saw your name posted here I was amazed. I thought now there's a person from our old neighbor hood that I haven't seen in year's. It is alway's nice to here from people that you haven't heard from in year's. I'm sure glad like I said that thing's are great for the two of you. They are here for us as well. Life can be pretty hard on us all sometime's, but it's our fath that will carry us thru when there is nothing else. You two stay in touch. As I will as well. God Bless you both in every step you take in life.
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MichelleKubli
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08-07-08 9:43 PM
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Robertwilson I'm awesome. I'm DM now married to an awesome man, He reminds me of you. Same special heart. Miss that smiling face.
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Robertwilson
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08-07-08 6:04 PM
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MichelleKubli..God has indeed Blessed me as I'm sure you. I remember you from so many year's ago from the Old Neighbor hood. So how are you doing and what have you been up to all these year's ?
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kaleidoscope
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08-07-08 6:02 PM
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What a joke!! The Messenger deletes my post and leaves the disgusting attacks written by bukfush. They must share his opinions.
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kaleidoscope
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08-07-08 12:06 AM
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My deepest condolences to the Bonnell/Rork families as they face this difficult milestone. Please know you are not alone in your grief, this entire community feels your loss and honors your son as a hero. We appreciate the ultimate sacrifice he made to assure the freedoms we enjoy. God Bless you all!
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MichelleKubli
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08-06-08 6:35 PM
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Bobby Wilson you are man of my heart. I hope God has Blessed you well.
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jordansmama
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08-06-08 5:36 PM
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J.J. was and always will be a true hero! His family is like my family and it still saddens me to this day that he is no longer with us. Each and everytime I see the billboard around Fort Dodge I get a smile on my face to have the privelage of knowing such an inspirational person. May you R.I.P. JJ!!
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yougonow
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08-06-08 2:13 PM
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JJ Bonnell is a true hero and his family are kept in my prayers. I had the honor of meeting them at an event and it is so evident that a huge piece of their lives is missing. I am so greatful, yet so sad for them all.
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MovedfromDodge
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08-06-08 1:34 PM
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bukfush, there is a time and place for everything and this is not the place to do what you are doing. This young Marine did what he was train to do and his actions probably saved hundreds of lives as that truck could have been used to enter a market. It seems everyone is done with this, as you should be. How lucky you are to live in a country where you can rant your sickness into an article like this. In other countries you would be tracked down and silence. I sure SGT Bonnell would tell you, he served so you can speak freely and he obeyed his orders and the President, the same man you seem to hate. Rest in the arms of God SGT Bonnell and stand proud on judgment day for you have already served your tour in hell.
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Robertwilson
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08-06-08 12:37 PM
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bukfush.. Thank You for shaming yourself right here in front of all to see. Your anti war protest is well noted. Your Blind View's are also well noted. Now do you wish to cause this Family more grief with your rambling's? Or are you smart enough to leave this page and not dishonor their Feeling any more? The choice is yours. Will you do them Honor, or disgrace the choice is yours.
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CommonSense
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08-06-08 12:18 PM
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Out of respect for this family, I will not debate any issues with you. Rest in peace JJ. Thank you for what you did for our country.
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CommonSense
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08-06-08 12:08 PM
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How disrespectful to this family to do this here. Have you no shame?
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armyguyfd
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08-06-08 11:58 AM
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bukfush: Out of respect please leave your political ramblings out of here
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CommonSense
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08-06-08 11:00 AM
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God bless the family of JJ. He died so we have the freedom to do what we are doing right here. Expressing our beliefs and opinions. I have 2 family members on tour right now. One in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. I have talked to both of them and they both truly believe we need to be there and what we are doing as a country is right. I'll take their word for it long before I listen to Bukfush. I had the pleasure of meeting JJ's mom and sister and personally thanking them for what they have sacrificed for my freedom. They were very gracious, as was there son. I hope the community of FD continues to show support for these families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I think that we should have a memorial statue somewhere in this town in his honor. Semper Fi JJ! Semper Fi
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nottotell
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08-06-08 7:08 AM
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My brother spent almost 30 years in the army and 2 tours in Vietnam. We were very lucky he came home safe and sound. I feel so much for you not because of my brother but because it is so bad to lose a child under any circumstances. You are, if it is any comfort, at least able to know he was defending our country and our way of life. I only hope we are all smart enough now to do the same. We need to defend what is ours and make sure that people like JJ didnt die for nothing. I am so sorry for your families and hope that time will make it hurt a little less.
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Stanger
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08-06-08 2:15 AM
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I never knew your son, although I did go to school with him, and every time I see an article about him I cry. I cry every time I see the billboard as well. I feel so bad for all of the families who lose children to this war, but JJ's death has been the hardest. My brother left for boot camp in the Marines the day after JJ's funeral and I remember driving down S. 15th crying because of all the people who came out to show support. I was also afraid of what was going to happen to my brother. We just heard that he will be leaving for Iraq and probably Afghanistan in Sept. and I hope that I can be as strong as you guys have been and hope that I don't have to have go down S. 15th for my brother. My thoughts are with you.
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Robertwilson
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08-06-08 1:24 AM
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May God Bless you all and comfort you as well.. Your son was not only a Hero ,but a Fine young man and I'm sure that you all were Honored to be a part of his Life. I only wished I could have know him. I did stand the Flag line with the Patriot Guard Rider's at his Viewing, And I wished I could have done more. I have a Red wrist Band in my computer drawer .And I as well take it out of my drawer and remember Jon. I feel your lost and I do feel connected to it as well. It's so hard to explain, but I know that from what you all have said he was doing something that he wanted to do ,because he wanted to make a wonderful difference. And I think that difference resonates thru many of us as well. I know I will always remember his Honor and his Love for our Great Country. I think that is how I feel so connected. God Bless You All. And God Bless you too as well Jon. God Loves a Man with Honor and Pride for his fellow man.
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armyguyfd
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08-06-08 1:19 AM
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To the Bonnell and Rork Families: I never had the opportunity to meet your son but I will say this He was a great individual that did what he felt was the right thing in joining the Marines. I am a current member of the Armed Forces and not one day goes by that I reflect on sacrifices made by my fellow service members. I have made one trip to Afghanistan and am pending another overseas deployment in the near future. JJ served proudly for all of us and his memory is what drives me every day. I realize it is never easy to lose a loved one but please take comfort in the fact that he will NEVER be forgotten.
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