Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

There's a legend in the Coast Guard that has been retold for centuries. While the places and circumstances may be altered through time, the legend remains the same.

One cold night a freighter was disabled due to high winds and towering waves. As the ship lay broken on the rocks they did the only thing they could do....call the United States Coast Guard.

As the Coast Guard boat crew readied to launch, one excited civilian approached a grizzled surfman and told him that it was sheer madness to go out into such huge waves.

The Coast Guardsman gave a terse reply that has gone down into history. He simply said, "Regulations say that you've got to go out, but you don't have to come back."

Thanks "Boats" for keeping our nation safe. When confronted with you last call you did not waiver and bravely went out. You are a credit to all of us who have worn the Treasury Shield on our forearms. May you always have fair seas and following tides.

Semper Paratus

Paul Branaman
United States Coast Guard Retired

December 25, 2013

Shipmate, we have the watch. Honor, Respect, Devotion to Duty.

To the family, shipmates, and friends of Petty Officer Travis Obendorf please know my most sincere heartfelt condolences go out to each and everyone of you. Godspeed.
John 3:16

CDR Russell H. Zullick (Ret)
Maryland State Police - Trooper 3

December 25, 2013

Rest in peace brother! We have the watch from here, but we know you have our six.

SGT T. Rhoton
United States Army Military Police

December 25, 2013

Rest in Peace!

Semper Fi

PJ Thompson
Deputy Sheriff
Gysgt USMC (Ret)

Deputy PJ Thompson
Fairfax County Sheriff Office, Fairfax, VA

December 25, 2013

Rest in Peace, Brother. Thank you for your service.

Sgt. Kevin Kratz
Buena Vista Twp Police Department (Michigan)

December 25, 2013

When the life of those who's job it is to save lives gets silenced early it makes us all stop and think.......

We do what we do because we can - not because we have to. Thank you for your selfless service, Petty Officer Obendorf.

Sgt. Will Frank
Bellows Falls Police Department, VT

December 25, 2013

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch now. Thank you for your service to America in the Coast Guard. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of BM3 Obendorf during this time of tragic loss, especially at Christmas time. We are praying for all of you.

Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

December 25, 2013

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Petty Officer Travis Obendorf as well as to the United States Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement. Rest in peace Petty Officer Obendorf, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

December 25, 2013

Rest In Peace my brother Coastie. You are relieved of the watch that you stood so diligently............so that others may live. Fair Winds & Following Seas on this your last voyage home.

Strength & Honor to your loved ones in this time of indescribable grief.

Eric Norton, MST2 (RET)
US Coast Guard

December 25, 2013

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. (Ret) Billy Russo
Nassau County Police Department, NY

December 25, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas Kelly Jr., Supervisory FAM
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 25, 2013

You have been relieved of your watch – rest now rest in peace

Richard Sheriff
Old Guard - Kukui Wak186

December 25, 2013

Rest in peace Petty Officer Travis Raymond Obendorf.
Thank you for your service.

May your family & friends tell great stories about you on this sad Christmas Day.

Sgt. Randy Keenan / Ret.
City of Alameda, CA Police Dept.

December 25, 2013

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place.
As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say “it’s OK, you’re with your eternal partners.”
A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.
12-25-2010
Officer Jim Weaver (11452,) LAPD retired

Sheriff, Jim Weaver (Retired}
Jerome County, Idaho

December 25, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. RIP

SPECIAL AGENT
Homeland Security Investigations / H S I

December 25, 2013

Some Gave All
Rest In Peace Brother

Deputy Robert Ganoe Sr (USCG, DCC ret.)
Perry County Sheriff's Office Pa

December 25, 2013

I am sad to learn of the loss an American Hero in Petty Officer Travis Raymond Obendorf. May the Lord bless you and your family always.

JCOS TW Martinez
CYFD/JJS State of New Mexico

December 25, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with Petty Officer Obendorf's family and his Brothers and Sisters in Blue. Rest in peace.

Deputy Johanna Polo
Monroe County Sheriffs Dept Rochester NY

December 25, 2013

Rest In Peace Petty Officer Obendorf! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, your shipmates, and your friends during this Christmas Season.

You made the ultimate sacrifice while working that SAR Mission, "so that others may live."

You will never be forgotten!

Officer Ted Cam
Westtown-East Goshen Regional PD

December 25, 2013

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

December 25, 2013

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for your service to the Great Country in the US Coast Guard. My condolences to your Family and the USCG.

Sgt Fred Nordt Jr.
Lake Success PD, Long Island, NY

December 25, 2013

Rest, brother.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

December 25, 2013

Rest in peace Officer Obendorf!
You will not be forgotten!

Willie Bell Hopewell VA!
Friend Of All Law Enforcement Officers!

December 25, 2013

God bless the family of this hero as well as his friends and co-workers especially during this season. Men and women like Petty Officer Obendorf stand at the gate every day and night for us all.

Sgt. David Rivers (ret)
Metro-Dade Police Department

December 25, 2013

Rest in peace Brother Travis.

Ofc. Timothy M. Furlong
Nahant, MA PD

December 25, 2013