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Never Forgotten: VA Providence Honors the Rhode Island Nine

The 1st Battalion 8th Marines (1/8) Logo built into the Rhode Island Nine Memorial.
The 1st Battalion 8th Marines (1/8) Logo built into the Rhode Island Nine Memorial.

By Justyn Charon, Public Affairs Specialist

VA Providence Healthcare System staff attended the Rhode Island IX Memorial on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, to honor the nine Marines from Rhode Island who lost their lives in the Beirut Barracks Bombing of 1983.

The Rhode Island Nine—Sgt. Timothy Giblin of North Providence; Lance Cpl. Thomas Julian of Portsmouth; Cpl. James Silvia of Middletown; Cpl. Stephen Spencer of Portsmouth; Cpl. David Massa of Warren; Cpl. Edward Soares, Jr. of Tiverton; Cpl. Rick Crudale of West Warwick; Cpl. Edward Iacovino, Jr. of Warwick; and Cpl. Thomas Shipp of Woonsocket—were among the 241 U.S. service members killed when a suicide bomber struck the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

Held annually, the memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who stood watch in the face of danger. VA Providence joined families, Veterans, and community leaders in reflecting on their legacy and reaffirming our commitment to caring for those who served—and remembering those who never came home.