LCPL Steve S. Oh – June 24, 1982 – May 19, 2019 36, of Williamsburg, VA; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; passed away suddenly on May 19, 2019. Steve joined USMC and served with 3/8 Weapons Company during their deployment to Okinawa, Japan. In 2004, he deployed with 3/8 in support of Operation Secure Tomorrow in Port au Prince, Haiti. He is greatly missed by his family and friends. Burial Site: Maryland Veterans Cemetery-Crownsville Crownsville, Anne Arundel County Maryland, USA Plot: Sec C07 Level A Site 39 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialdayweekend #memorialday
Ending the day with a Bang 💥 Contact your local recruiter for information on the day to day of combat engineers. U.S. Marines conduct training during an urban breaching range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan May 9, 2024. Breaching ranges allow Marines to rehearse techniques that increase their proficiency with operations in urban terrain and enables speed and tempo. The Marines are combat engineers with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and are forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific region under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales) #8thmarineregiment #explosion #USMC #marines #usmarines #3rdmardiv #training #semperfi #combatengineer #okinawa #camphansen #breaching
LCpl. Cory Logan Sziraki – March 9, 1986 – May 14, 2012 26, of Sylvania, OH; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; passed away suddenly on May 14, 2012. Upon graduating from Sylvania Southview High School in 2004, Cory lived his dream of becoming a United States Marine. He proudly served his country with 3/8 and deployed with Lima Company to Ramadi, Iraq in 2006, on the 22nd MEU in 2007-2008, and Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2008-2009. Cory was dedicated to making a difference for the Wounded Warrior Foundation and organized fellow Marines to compete in a Tough Mudder. Cory is survived by parents, Steve and Karen of Sylvania; brother, Andy of Boca Raton, Florida; grandmother Marilyn Sziraki, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Burial Site: Cory’s remains were cremated and given to the family. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Happy Mother's Day!! #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife
Happy Mother's Day!! #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife
LCpl John T. Schmidt III – September 4, 1983 – May 11, 2005 21, of Brookfield, CT.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died May 11 of wounds sustained in an explosion on Jan. 30 while he was conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Karmah, Iraq. John was a computer whiz who loved playing ice hockey and snowboarding. He chose the Marines because of its reputation of having the most grueling and demanding boot camp training. After boot camp, John was assigned to 3/8 and deployed with them to Fallujah, Iraq, in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Schmidt was in Iraq for only two weeks when he and his platoon came under attack in an agricultural building near Fallujah on Jan. 30, 2005. A mortar shell pierced a tank of ammonia during the incident, and Schmidt suffered severe burns to his face and lungs. He was medically evacuated to an Army hospital in San Antonio, Texas, where he died from his injuries on May 11th, 2005. Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia, USA Plot: Sec 60 Site 8113 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Daniel M. “Doc” Alexander – June 8, 1983 – May 10, 2017 33, of Bergen, NY; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died suddenly on May 10th, 2017. Daniel served as a Corpsman in U.S. Navy and was assigned to 3/8. During his time with the Marines, he deployed to Fallujah in 2005 and Ramadi 2006, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He held a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from West Virginia University and was the owner of both KD’s Pub & Grille in Morgantown, WV and The Emerald Isle Club in Emerald Isle, N.C. Mr. Alexander enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing with his dad and the boys, and fishing. He was a supporter of the annual Toys for Tots holiday campaign. Burial Site: Mount Rest Cemetery Bergen, Genesee County New York, US #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Daniel M. “Doc” Alexander – June 8, 1983 – May 10, 2017 33, of Bergen, NY; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died suddenly on May 10th, 2017. Daniel served as a Corpsman in U.S. Navy and was assigned to 3/8. During his time with the Marines, he deployed to Fallujah in 2005 and Ramadi 2006, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He held a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from West Virginia University and was the owner of both KD’s Pub & Grille in Morgantown, WV and The Emerald Isle Club in Emerald Isle, N.C. Mr. Alexander enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing with his dad and the boys, and fishing. He was a supporter of the annual Toys for Tots holiday campaign. Burial Site: Mount Rest Cemetery Bergen, Genesee County New York, US #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCpl Taylor B. Prazynski – November 12, 1984 – May 9, 2005 20, of Fairfield, Ohio; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed May 9, by shrapnel from an explosion caused by a mortar attack from enemy forces on the Forward Operating Base in Karmah, Iraq. He was killed alongside LCpl. Marcus Mahdee. Taylor was born on Veterans Day in 1984 at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, the son of a staff sergeant, and lived his first four years on bases in Utah and Illinois. The family moved to Fairfield, where Taylor adopted The Army Goods Store on Dixie Highway as his favorite hangout. Since 1990 the store has hung a picture of 6-year old Taylor, in a beret and camouflage jumpsuit, on a wall behind the counter. He graduated from Fairfield High School where he volunteered in the special needs classroom and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Taylor was a 0311 Infantry Rifleman and was assigned to 3/8 Lima Company and in 2004 he deployed to Port au Prince, Haiti in support of Operation Secure Tomorrow. In January 2005, Taylor deployed a second time, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Fallujah, Iraq. Taylor called home for the last time on Friday, May 6 and informed his family that they might not hear from him for a while as 3/8 was preparing to launch an offensive to crack down on insurgent activates in and outside Fallujah. Taylor B. Prazynski is survived by his mother, Claudia Focke-Curati; his father, John F. Prazynski, and his wife Carol; a brother, Ryan Blomer; and many other loving family members. His family begun the LCPL Taylor B. Prazynski Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provided over 35 - $2,500 scholarships since 2006 to students from Fairfield High School where Taylor graduated in 2003. Every November they host the LCPL Taylor Prazynski Memorial 5k Run/Walk/Roll where they raise the money for the Fund. Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia, USA Plot: Section 60, Site 8111 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman
LCpl Marcus Mahdee – January 4, 1985 – May 9, 2005 20, of Fort Walton Beach, FL; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed May 9, by shrapnel from an explosion caused by a mortar attack from enemy forces on the Forward Operating Base in Karmah, Iraq. He was killed alongside LCpl. Taylor B. Prazynski. Marcus was an outstanding Marine, always patriotic and serving in the Marines was very important to him. He was also inspired by six of his uncles who served in the military. He was a great athlete who excelled in football and weight lifting and also a devout Christian and a leader in his church, the Church of Christ at Sylvania Heights. He joined USMC and was assigned to 3/8 Lima Company. In January 2005, Marcus deployed for the first time, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, to Fallujah, Iraq. Burial Site: Barrancas National Cemetery Pensacola Florida, USA Plot: Sec 50 Site 35 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
PFC Stephen P. Baldwyn – May 7, 1986 – May 9, 2005 19, of Saltillo, Mississippi; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed May 9, in an explosion while he was conducting combat operations in Nasser Wa Salaam, outside of Fallujah, Iraq. Stephen wanted to become a Marine so he could see the world. He wanted adventure. He earned his Eagle Scout badge before graduating from high school in 2004 and leaving for boot camp. He joined USMC and was assigned to 3/8 Weapons Company. In January 2005, Stephen deployed for the first time, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, to Fallujah, Iraq. He was killed when his Humvee was hit by an IED, flipping his vehicle. Burial Site: Eggville Cemetery Eggville, Lee County Mississippi, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
On May 9th, 2005, 3rd Battalion 8th Marines suffered one of the deadliest days on their first deployment to Fallujah, Iraq. On that day, 3 Marines from 3/8 were killed in action in two separate attacks. 3/8 Lima Company lost LCpl Taylor B. Prazynski and LCpl Marcus Mahdee when their Forward Operating Base was mortared. Later that day, 3/8 Weapons Company lost PFC Stephen P. Baldwyn when his vehicle hit an IED. Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Today is Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the official end of World War II in Europe in the Eastern Front, with the last shots fired on the 11th. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCpl Michael V. Postal – April 5, 1984 – May 7, 2005 21, Glen Oaks, N.Y.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed May 7 by enemy action while conducting combat operations in Karmah, Iraq. Michael wanted to join the Marine Corps since he was a kid and he lost 50 pounds to be in tiptop shape before leaving for basic training. He joined the Marines after graduating from high school. He had worked part time at New York police headquarters as part of a police education program, and aspired to join the force. A section of Queens sidewalk in Glen Oaks is named the Lance Cpl. Michael V. Postal Triangle. He is survived by his father and stepmother, and his sister. Michael was killed at age 21 by enemy action while conducting combat operations in Karmah, Iraq. Burial Site: Long Island National Cemetery East Farmingdale, Suffolk County New York, USA Plot: Sec R Sits 2827M #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Cpl. Stephen R. Bixler – August 17, 1985 – May 4, 2006 20, of Suffield, CT; assigned to the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; previously with 3rd Battalion 8th Marines, Lima Company. He was killed May 4, 2006, while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Al Anbar province, Iraq. Bixler was Boy Scout as a child, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Suffield High School in Hartford, Conn., where he ran cross-country and indoor and outdoor track. He graduated in 2003 and joined the Marine Corps. After School of Infantry, Stephen was assigned to 3rd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, and deployed with them in support of Operation Secure Tomorrow in Port au Prince, Haiti, 2004, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah 2005. After 3/8 returned from Fallujah, Bixler volunteered to join 2nd Recon Bn. In 2006 he deployed again to Fallujah, Iraq, this time with 2nd Recon. He was killed while conducting combat operations against the enemy. Bixler was awarded: Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (2nd award) and Purple Heart Medal. Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia, USA Plot: Sec 60 Site 8344 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
CPL. Kevin Nicholas Norris – April 12, 1993 – May 4, 2018 25, of Myrtle Beach, SC; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died in an accident on May 4, 2018 when a drunk driver struck his motorcycle. Cpl. Nick Norris served with 3rd Battalion 8th Marines, Lima Company, as a 0311 Rifleman and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan in 2012. Nick’s longtime girlfriend, Kristie Lyn Drewes, also passed away in the accident. He is survived by his loving family and friends. Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCPL Keith R. Ochsner – April 27, 1987 – May 3, 2009 22 of Tully, NY; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, India Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died suddenly while home on leave from severe pulmonary edema. Ochsner graduate from Tully High School in 2005 where he played football and lacrosse. His nickname in high school was "Ox," and he was an avid lacrosse and football player, playing in leagues since he was 5 years old. He attended Onondaga Community College and loved to hunt, fish and snowboard. He loved nature, people and wanted to serve his country, therefore, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 2006. After completing boot camp he was assigned to 3/8 India Company and deployed with them in February 2007 on the 22nd MEU. Keith deployed second time in October 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He had returned home early to Tully due to the death of his great-grandfather. He died suddenly while home on leave from severe pulmonary edema. Burial Site: Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery Syracuse, Onondaga County New York, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
PFC Tyler Cox – July 21, 2000 – April 29, 2020 19, of Dike, Iowa; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died unexpectedly in a training accident on April 29th at Camp LeJeune. Tyler attended school in Dike, Iowa and was able to graduate early from Dike-New Hartford High School to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Tyler was assigned to the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines as a 0311 Rifleman. Tyler was conducting training to prepare for a deployment that 3/8 was getting ready for and tragically his life was cut short in a training accident at Camp Lejeune. Tyler leaves behind his parents Michael & Sara Cox of Dike and Kim Knight; brother Tanner (Maureen) Cox and sister Tessa Cox, both of Dike; grandparents Galen Cox of Dike, Teresa Miller, Mary Lou Knight and Daryl Magee. Burial Site: Elmwood Cemetery Dike, Iowa USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Cpl. Hugo Arenivas Mendoza – August 21, 1995 – April 25, 2020 24 of Odessa, Texas; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, India Company, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died suddenly on April 25, 2020. Hugo was born in Denver City, TX Mercy to Mercy Arenivas and Ernesto Mendoza, Sr. After high school, Hugo enlisted with the US Marines on a five-year contract. He was part of Charlie 4 FAST Company and in 2015 he deployed to Bahrain. In 2016 he joined 3rd Battalion 8th Marines, India Company and in 2017 he deployed with them to Okinawa, Japan. After he left active duty, Hugo worked in the oilfields. Burial Site: Gaines County Cemetery Seminole, Gaines County, Texas, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
PFC Robert Allen Guy - December 29, 1978 – April 21, 2005 26, of Willards, MD; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, India Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died April 21st, in Camp Fallujah, Iraq, as a result of a non-hostile incident. Robert was proud to be a Marine and wanted to be there in Iraq. He graduated from boot camp in June 2004 and deployed with 3/8 to Fallujah in January 2005. A former Parkside High School student, he left before graduating, earning his graduate equivalency diploma while living in Arkansas. He was survived by his mother, Ann, his father, James Allen Guy Sr., and a brother, James Allen Guy Jr. Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia, USA Plot: Sec 60 Site 8110 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Second design for 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines! High-quality archival prints and stickers are available on the site now. Link to website in bio! #Dochenryart #holdfast #veteranart #vetart #veteranowned #veteranmade #madeinamerica #veteranownedbusiness #veteranlife #veteranartist #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranbusiness #marine #marines #navy #militarylife #madeintheusa #usa #usmc #usn #8thmarines #8thmarineregiment #1stbattalion8thmarines #2ndbattalion8thmarines #3rdbattalion8thmarines #camplejeune #2ndmarinedivision #2mardiv #morethanduty #americasbattalion
3/8 Lima Company - OPVA Attack, Ramadi, Iraq On April 17th, 2006, the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines, Lima Company, OPVA post in Ramadi was attacked by Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). The attack, to date, was considered the largest coordinated attacked by AQI on coalition forces and was planned and organized by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of AQI. AQI carried out a simultaneous attack on five outposts throughout Ramadi, which involved hundreds of AQI insurgents; however, the OPVA outpost took the brunt of the attack due to its central location in the city. Over 200 AQI insurgents attacked OPVA, manned by thirty 3/8 Lima Marines. Despite the size of the enemy force, none of the Marines were killed in the attacks. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCpl Justin D. Sims – November 5, 1983 – April 15, 2006 22, of Covington, KY.; 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, H&S and Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed April 15 when his Humvee struck an improvised explosive device during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. Justin was a member of Holmes County High School ROTC and wanted to become a Marine. He flew a Marine Corps Flag in his front yard, and friends remember him marching in his ROTC uniform, practicing drill. After graduating in 2003 he joined Marine Corps and was assigned to 3rd Battalion 8th Marines, Lima Company. In December 2004, just before leaving on his first tour in Iraq, he married his wife, Leah. In January 2005, Justin deployed with 3/8 to Fallujah, Iraq on his first deployment. In 2006, Justin left for his second deployment to Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to H&S Company as part of the Battalion’s PSD platoon. On April 15th, 2006, he was killed while conducting combat operations in Ramadi when his Humvee was hit by an IED. Survivors include his wife, Leah, his father, Beechie, mother Alma Jones of Covington; and six sisters. The park that he visited before he was killed in Iraq has been renamed Lance Cpl. Justin Sims Memorial Park in his honor. Burial Site: Mother Of God Cemetery Kenton Vale, Kenton County Kentucky, USA Plot: Sec 11 Lot 153A #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
3rd Battalion, 8th Marines "Fortuna Favet Fortibus" Fortune favors the brave High-quality archival prints and stickers are available on the site now. Link to website in bio! #Dochenryart #holdfast #veteranart #vetart #veteranowned #veteranmade #madeinamerica #veteranownedbusiness #veteranlife #veteranartist #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranbusiness #marine #marines #navy #militarylife #madeintheusa #usa #usmc #usn #8thmarines #8thmarineregiment #1stbattalion8thmarines #2ndbattalion8thmarines #3rdbattalion8thmarines #camplejeune #2ndmarinedivision #2mardiv #morethanduty #americasbattalion
LCpl. Blaise A. Oleski – July 31, 1986 – April 8, 2009 22, of Holland Patent, N.Y.; assigned to 3rd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), Lima Company, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force- Afghanistan, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C; died April 8 while supporting combat operations in Now Zad, Afghanistan. Lance Cpl. Blaise Oleski was a 2004 graduate of Holland Patent New York High School, where he was on the wrestling team. He joined the Marine Corps on May 16, 2006 and was assigned to 3rd Battalion 8th Marines. He deployed with 3/8 on the 26th MEU from July 2007 to January 2008. His second deployment was to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in November 2008, where he was killed while conducting combat operations in Now Zad. He is survived by his parents, Paul J. and Theresa (nee D'Angelo) Oleski; his brother, Bryce; grandmother, Bertha Oleski of Scranton, PA; many aunts, uncles, cousins and devoted friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Joseph and Anna D'Angelo and Paul E. Oleski; an uncle, Leo D'Angelo; and the infant daughter of his cousins, Gino and Jamie D'Angelo. Burial Site: Fort Stanwix Burial Grounds Rome, Oneida County New York, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
MSgt. Andrew G. “Sully” Sullivan – November 17, 1979 – April 7, 2022 42, of Syracuse, NY; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Scout Sniper Platoon, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; passed away from complications from COVID-19. “Sully” enlisted in the USMC at 17 and had a highly decorated career as a sniper and instructor serving in many operations including the Global War on Terrorism and becoming a member of the Scout Sniper Association. In 2001, as a member of 3/8 Sniper Platoon, Andrew deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 with 3/8 Lima Company to protect the US Embassy. Following 23 years of service, his retirement was held on September 11, 2021 at Camp Lejeune, NC. After he retired, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2017 and planned to get a master’s and specialize in assisting Marines and their families in coping with the psychological impacts of their service. Andy is survived by his wife, Julie Christine Sullivan and their 7 children. Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia, USA Plot: Sec 62 Site 696 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and entered the “Great War,” nearly three years after World War I started. American soldiers under General of the Armies John Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), arrived at the rate of 10,000 men a day on the Western Front in the summer of 1918. During the war, the U.S. mobilized over 4 million military personnel and suffered 110,000 deaths. The Marine Corps totaled 13,725 officers and enlisted men at the start of the war, but during the war, the Corps would expand to 75,101 Marines. U.S. Marines were the first U.S. troops that landed in France, and although they had many battle-experienced officers and NCOs, they were not trained or equipped to fight in sustained land campaigns. Despite that, Marines participated in various actions on the Western Front, most notably during the Spring Offensive, where they participated in battles of Château-Thierry, Soissons, Saint-Mihiel, and Belleau Wood. The Marines' fierceness and toughness earned them the respect of the Germans, who rated them of storm-trooper quality. Though Marines and American media reported that Germans had nicknamed them "Teufelhunden" or "Devil Dogs," there is no evidence of this in German records. Nevertheless, the name stuck in U.S. Marine lore. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
PFC Chase A. Edwards – March 26, 1987 – April 6, 2006 19, of Lake Charles, LA.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed April 6 while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. Edwards joined the Marine Corps after graduating from Barbe High School in Lake Charles, LA, on May 24, 2005. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion 8th Marines, Weapons Company, after they returned from their Fallujah deployment. He was killed while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq when his Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). This was Chase’s first combat deployment. Chase earned the Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal He is the son of Melody L. Neil Hartwell and her husband Dennis, Andrew F. Edwards, Jr., sister, Christin Edwards; and brother, Lyndon Hartwell. Burial Site: Highland Memory Gardens Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish Louisiana, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
2nd Battalion, 8th Marines. America's Battalion, Hell Yea Brother! 😎 🇺🇸 🗽🦅 🇺🇸 High-quality archival prints and stickers are available on the site now. Link to website in bio! #Dochenryart #holdfast #veteranart #vetart #veteranowned #veteranmade #madeinamerica #veteranownedbusiness #veteranlife #veteranartist #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranbusiness #marine #marines #navy #militarylife #madeintheusa #usa #usmc #usn #8thmarines #8thmarineregiment #1stbattalion8thmarines #2ndbattalion8thmarines #3rdbattalion8thmarines #camplejeune #2ndmarinedivision #2mardiv #morethanduty #americasbattalion
LCpl Kun Y. Kim – September 26, 1985 – April 2, 2006 20, of Atlanta, GA.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, Kilo Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed April 2 while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. Kun joined the Marine Corps in 2003 and was assigned to 3/8 Kilo Company. He deployed three times during his time with 3/8. His first deployment was in support of Operation Secure Tomorrow in Port au Prince, Haiti, 2004. In January 2005, Kun deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Fallujah. After a short time back, 3/8, including Kun, deployed to Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. LCpl Kun Y. Kim was among four Marines and Corpsman killed when their truck was hit by an IED while they were conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. Others killed were Staff Sergeant Eric McIntosh, Cpl Scott J. Procopio, HM Geovani Rafael Padilla Aleman. This was one of the deadliest days that 3/8 suffered during their deployments. Burial Site: Arlington Memorial Park Sandy Springs, Fulton County Georgia, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
SSgt Eric A. McIntosh – March 9, 1977 – April 2, 2006 29, of Trafford, PA.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Kilo Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed April 2 while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. Staff Sgt. McIntosh joined the Marine Corps in September 1996, after graduating from Penn Trafford High School, and planned to continue his military career. He leaves his wife, Cynthia, of North Carolina. The couple married on Sept. 10, 2001, the day before the terrorist attacks that ultimately led to U.S. troops being deployed to Afghanistan. He received numerous medals and awards, including the Combat Action Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal and four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. Staff Sergeant Eric McIntosh was among four Marines and Corpsman killed when their truck was hit by an IED while they were conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. Others killed were Cpl Scott J. Procopio, LCpl Kun Y. Kim, HM Geovani Rafael Padilla Aleman. This was one of the deadliest days that 3/8 suffered during their deployments. Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia, USA Plot: Sec 60 Site 8323 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
On April 2, 2006, the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Kilo Company suffered one of the deadliest days on their Ramadi deployment. As Kilo Company was conducting a presence patrol around the city, one of their vehicles was struck by an IED, destroying the vehicle and killing the three Marines and one Navy Corpsman inside. 3/8 lost Staff Sergeant Eric McIntosh, Cpl Scott J. Procopio, LCpl Kun Y. Kim, and HM Geovani Rafael Padilla Aleman. During the 2006 Ramadi deployment, 3/8 lost 17 Marines and Sailors and suffered hundreds of casualties, making it one of the deadliest deployments for a Marine infantry battalion during the Iraqi War. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
On 2 April 2005, the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines took part in repelling an attack on Abu Ghraib Prison. Army and Marine units, including the 3/8 Kilo Company, were stationed at the prison. At 7:06 PM, Al-Qaeda insurgents launched a surprise attack on the prison, which consisted of heavy mortar and rocket fire, followed by two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs). The VBIEDs tried to create a breach in the prison’s defenses, which would allow a coordinated assault of estimated 80 to 120 insurgents armed with grenades and small arms to enter the prison and free the Al-Qaeda prisoners held there. 3/8 Kilo Company, which was stationed at the prison, played an essential role in helping to repel the attack and making sure that the VBIEDs never reached the defenses. After over two hours of fighting, the ammunition on the American side was running low. An order was given to fix bayonets and prepare for hand-to-hand combat as the insurgents prepared to breach the prison. As the attack was ongoing, 3/8 Weapons Company, station miles down the road from the prison, arrived and acted as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) for the prison. With 3/8 Kilo and Weapons Company assistance, the insurgents were forced to retreat, and the attack ended. The battle resulted in a total American victory, with over 40 U.S. service members wounded but none killed. Al Qaeda suffered over 70 insurgents killed during the attack and unknown wounded. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
3/8 Ramadi Hell Week – March 31, 2006 to April 6, 2006 On March 28th, 2006, the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines took control of the Area of Operations (AO) in Ramadi, Iraq, from the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines. Before the Ramadi deployment, 3/8 studied 3/7’s After Action Reports (AAR) and knew that Ramadi would be a deadly city as 3/7 suffered numerous casualties. 3/8 didn’t have to wait long for our perceptions to be proven right. The first week of fighting, known to 3/8 Ramadi veterans as Hell Week, was a baptism by fire, even to 3/8’s Fallujah veterans. From March 31 to April 6, 2006, 3/8 lost 5 Marines and 1 Navy Corpsman. Hell Week set a pace of fighting that did not subside for the remainder of the deployment as 3/8 lost 17 Marines and Sailors in Ramadi, not to mention suffered hundreds of casualties. To all of us who deployed to Ramadi, we can say it was one of the hardest things we have ever experienced, yet at the same time, we would go back there in a heartbeat. This is in honor of all of the 3/8 Marines and Sailors lost in Ramadi, Iraq. Semper Fi 3/8 Ramadi Hell Week KIAs: LCpl Jacob W. Beisel – March 31, 2006 SSgt Eric A. McIntosh – April 2, 2006 Cpl Scott J. Procopio – April 2, 2006 LCpl Kun Y. Kim – April 2, 2006 HM Geovani Rafael “Doc” Padilla Aleman – April 2, 2006 PFC Chase A. Edwards – April 6, 2006 3/8 Ramadi KIAs: LCpl Justin D. Sims – April 15, 2006 LCpl Richard Z. James – May 13, 2006 LCpl Kevin A. Lucas – May 26, 2006 LCpl Nicholas J. Whyte – June 21, 2006 Cpl Riley E. Baker – June 22, 2006 Cpl Julian A. Ramon – July 20, 2006 Cpl Timothy D. Roos – July 27, 2006 LCpl Adam R. Murray – July 27, 2006 PFC Enrique C. Sanchez – July 27, 2006 Cpl Joseph A. Tomci – August 2, 2006 Cpl Christopher T. Warndorf – August 29, 2006 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCpl Jacob W. Beisel – September 27, 1984 – March 31, 2006 21, of Lackawaxen, PA.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died March 31 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. Jacob joined the Marines in September of 2003, a few months after graduating from Wallenpaupack Area High School and served as a 0341 Infantry Mortarman with 3/8 Weapons Company. He was a fun-loving and a goof ball who got along with everybody. It didn't matter what clique you were in, Jacob got along with everyone. He had planned to attend college after leaving the military. During winters, Jacob hunted in the woods surrounding his home, and during summers he would dive into a river with a spear and resurface with a fish. He was a straight-A student, but family members say they never saw him crack a book. From his childhood he wanted to be a Marine. After joining USMC, Jacob deployed three times; Operation Secure Tomorrow in Port au Prince, Haiti, 2004, Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah 2005 and Ramadi 2006. He was the first KIA sustained by 3/8 during the Ramadi 2006 deployment. He is survived by his parents, Albert and Mary, a younger sister, Amanda, and left behind many family and friends who have missed him deeply. Burial Site: Lackawaxen and Union Cemetery Lackawaxen, Pike County Pennsylvania, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Happy 0331 Day!!! Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialdayweekend #memorialday
2nd Battalion, 8th Marines. Tag a Marine or Sailor from America's Battalion! High-quality archival prints and stickers are available on the site now. Link to website in bio! #Dochenryart #holdfast #veteranart #vetart #veteranowned #veteranmade #madeinamerica #veteranownedbusiness #veteranlife #veteranartist #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranbusiness #marine #marines #navy #militarylife #madeintheusa #usa #usmc #usn #8thmarines #8thmarineregiment #1stbattalion8thmarines #2ndbattalion8thmarines #3rdbattalion8thmarines #camplejeune #2ndmarinedivision #2mardiv #eigthmarines #americasbattalion
March 29th is the National Vietnam Veterans Day. March 29 was chosen as National Vietnam War Veterans Day because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. On this day, 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans Foundation wants to thank all of Vietnam Veterans for their service and sacrifice. Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. It is awarded for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.” The medal is generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress. The first Medal of Honor was presented to U.S. Army Private Jacob Parrott on March 25, 1863. Since then, there have been 3,515 recipients of the MOH, with 64 living recipients and 19 double recipients. To its Recipients, the Medal of Honor represents more than recognition of combat actions. Instead, it symbolizes the sacrifices of those we served alongside and those who came before us. Each year on this day, Medal of Honor Recipients lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The “unknowns” buried here are each Medal of Honor Recipients. Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCPL Michael Justin “Zip” Zipse – December 17, 1984 – March 25, 2009 24; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died March 25 in a car accident. Michael served with 3/8 Lima Company and deployed 3/8 during Operation Secure Tomorrow in Port au Prince, Haiti, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah 2005 and Ramadi 2006. After he left USMC, Michael started to attend school to get his bachelor’s degree. He died in a car accident on March 25, 2009. Burial Site: Georgia National Cemetery Canton, Cherokee County Georgia, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
SGT Hunter Wayne Taskey – October 11, 1995 – March 24, 2019 23, of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, India Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died suddenly on March 24, 2019. Hunter was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts and grew up in Citrus County, Florida. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 2014 and served as a 0351 Infantry Assaultman. In 2015 he deployed with 3/8 to Romania as part of the Black Sea Rotational Force (BSRF) and to Okinawa, Japan in 2017. Hunter was awarded the Sea Deployment Ribbon, Korean Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal. He is survived by his wife Jessica Taskey, parents, Jeffrey and Denise Taskey, and his sister Allison Taskey. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Second design for The Beirut Battalion! High-quality archival prints and stickers are available on the site now. Link to website in bio! #Dochenryart #holdfast #veteranart #vetart #veteranowned #veteranmade #madeinamerica #veteranownedbusiness #veteranlife #veteranartist #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranbusiness #marine #marines #navy #militarylife #madeintheusa #usa #usmc #usn #thebeirutbattalion #8thmarines #8thmarineregiment #1stbattalion8thmarines #2ndbattalion8thmarines #3rdbattalion8thmarines #camplejeune #2ndmarinedivision #2mardiv #eigthmarines
Cpl. Anthony L. Williams – April 19, 1987 - March 22, 2009 21, of Oxford, Pa.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died March 22 in Now Zad, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. Also killed was Cpl. Michael W. Ouellette. Anthony was a 2006 graduate of Oxford Area High School. He joined the Marine Corps on June 12, 2006, and was trained as a combat engineer at Parris Island, South Carolina. He deployed to Iraq from August 2007 to February 2008, and deployed to Afghanistan in February 2009, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. He died March 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. His awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal. Anthony is survived by his mother, Kathryn E Cleckler of Clanton, AL; father, Willie Lee Williams, Jr. of Oxford; step-mother, Lisa; one brother, Alex M. Williams and one sister, Amanda M. Williams, both of Newport, TN; half-sister Kalynne E Scott of Clanton, AL; half brother John-Kenneth C Scott of Clanton, AL; one step-sister, Brittany Onslager of Boothwyn; his paternal grandparents, Willie Lee Williams, Sr. and Dorothy Marie Williams of Newport; and his paternal great-grandparents, Lewis and Dortha McMichael of Oxford. Burial Site: Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery Russellville, Chester County Pennsylvania, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Happy 0321 Day!!! Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialdayweekend #memorialday
Today marks the 21st anniversary of the U.S.'s invasion of Iraq and the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On March 20, 2003, U.S. forces crossed into Iraq and begun combat operations against the Iraqi military. Most of the Iraqi military was quickly defeated and the coalition occupied Baghdad on April 9th. Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and the central leadership went into hiding and on May 1st President George W. Bush declared an end to major combat operations. However, the Iraqi War was just starting. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 3rd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment deployed to Iraq twice, Fallujah in 2005 and Ramadi in 2006. During these deployments, 3/8 suffered 25 Marines and Sailors Killed in Action and hundreds of casualties. 3/8 and it's Marines and Sailors became a highly decorated unit, earning a Presidential Unit Citation among its many honors. Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCpl. Daniel J. Geary – September 12, 1986 – March 20, 2009 22, of Rome, N.Y.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died March 20 while supporting combat operations in Deleram, Afghanistan. He was born in Rome, a son of Michael A., Sr. and Agnes Squadrito Geary, and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 2006. He was a member of the AFJROTC program at Rome Free Academy. Daniel proudly joined the U. S. Marines in 2006. It was Daniel Geary's second tour of duty, and he was going to sign on for a third, his father said. The first tour was in Iraq. Daniel is survived by his parents, Michael and Agnes; his grandmother, Gloria Geary; his fiancée, Rachel Patterson; four sisters, Sherry Connelly, Naomi Geary, Elise Geary and Amber Geary, all of Rome; two brothers, Michael A. Geary, Jr., of Boonville, and Dillan P. Geary of Rome; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Burial Site: Evergreen Cemetery Lee, Oneida County New York, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Happy 0317 Day!!! Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialdayweekend #memorialday
Happy 0317 Day!!! Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialdayweekend #memorialday
1st Battalion, 8th Marines. Tag a Marine or Sailor from The Beirut Battalion! High-quality archival prints and stickers are available on the site now. Link to website in bio! #Dochenryart #holdfast #veteranart #vetart #veteranowned #veteranmade #madeinamerica #veteranownedbusiness #veteranlife #veteranartist #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranbusiness #marine #marines #navy #militarylife #madeintheusa #usa #usmc #usn #thebeirutbattalion #8thmarines #8thmarineregiment #1stbattalion8thmarines #2ndbattalion8thmarines #3rdbattalion8thmarines #camplejeune #2ndmarinedivision #2mardiv #eigthmarines
Happy 0311 - Grunt Day!!! Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialdayweekend #memorialday
Happy 0311 Day!!! Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialdayweekend #memorialday
Happy 0311 - Grunt Day!!! Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialdayweekend #memorialday
#3rdbattalion8thmarines #59fifty #5k #5krun #5kwalk #5thgenfighter #8thmarineregiment #adventure #afa #afsa #ai #aiart #aiforcememes #aircraftcareer #aircraftcarriers #airforcespecialtactics #airjordan #airmail #airman #airmax #airmen #airplane #airplanespotting #alpha #alwaysgotafittedonmyhead #american #antique #armylife #armystrong #ascotraces
#3rdbattalion8thmarines #59fifty #5k #5krun #5kwalk #5thgenfighter #8thmarineregiment #adventure #afa #afsa #ai #aiart #aiforcememes #aircraftcareer #aircraftcarriers #airforcespecialtactics #airjordan #airmail #airman #airmax #airmen #airplane #airplanespotting #alpha #alwaysgotafittedonmyhead #american #antique #armylife #armystrong #ascotraces
Finally time to put some art out there for 8th Marines! Over the coming weeks, we will drop two designs for each of the Battalions! Please tag everyone you know from 8th Marines to let them know! High-quality archival prints and stickers are available on the site now. Link to website in bio! #Dochenryart #holdfast #veteranart #vetart #veteranowned #veteranmade #madeinamerica #veteranownedbusiness #veteranlife #veteranartist #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranbusiness #marine #marines #navy #militarylife #madeintheusa #usa #usmc #usn #usn 8thmarines #8thmarineregiment #1stbattalion8thmarines #2ndbattalion8thmarines #3rdbattalion8thmarines #camplejeune #2ndmarinedivision #2mardiv #morethanduty #eigthmarines
Happy 3/8 Day!!! Semper Fi #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialdayweekend #memorialday
Sgt. Yordan A. Labrada – June 13, 1980 – March 6, 2021 40, of North Port, FL; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company and Scout Sniper Platoon, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; passed away in an accident. Yordan joined US Marine Corps in 2004 and served as a 0311 Infantry Rifleman, assigned to 3/8 Lima Company. In 2005 he deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, and then again Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After he returned from Ramadi, Yordan joined the Scout Sniper Platoon and deployed on the 22nd MEU. In 2011, Yordan deployed for the 4th time to Helmand, Afghanistan where he received a Purple Heart. After 8 years of service, he left active duty in 2012. Yordan passed away on March 6, 2021 in an accident. He is survived by his wife Barbara and their two kids. Burial Site: Sarasota National Cemetery Sarasota, Sarasota County Florida, USA Plot: Sec 4 Site: 567 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Today marks the 79th anniversary of Joe Rosenthal's Associated Press iconic photograph of raising the U.S. flag on top of Mount Suribachi by six U.S. Marines during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. Three of the six Marines were killed in action during the battle. The picture became an embodiment of the American war effort in the Pacific and was the only photograph to win the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in the same year as its publication. The image was later used to construct the Marine Corps War Memorial in 1954, which was dedicated to honor all Marines who died in service since 1775. The photograph has come to be regarded in the United States as one of the most significant and recognizable images of World War II. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Cpl John Thomas Olson – April 22, 1983 – February 21, 2005 21, of Elk Grove Village, IL.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, India Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed Feb. 21 by hostile action in Karmah, Iraq. John was a 2001 graduate of Elk Grove Village High School and a former student at Harper College. As a kid John wanted to join the Marines and after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Olson's desire to join the military reignited. He signed up and left for boot camp in May 2002. Not long after arriving at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Olson was sent to Kuwait to prepare for the invasion of Iraq. Olson, who was assigned to the Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, was among the first U.S. service members to enter Iraq. His company faced fierce fighting in the first days of the war in the southern city of Nasiriyah. John spent a second deployment to Iraq stationed in western city of Rutbah and returned in October 2004. He then volunteered for a third deployment to Iraq and was reassigned to 3/8 who were deploying to Fallujah, Iraq in January 2005. In February 2005, 3/8 started an offensive to crack down on insurgent activates in and outside Fallujah. John was killed when his 7-ton hit a roadside bomb in Karmah, Iraq, outside of Fallujah. John Olson was 3/8’s first KIA during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Burial Site: Memory Gardens Cemetery Arlington Heights, Cook County Illinois, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCpl. Kevin T. Preach – July 9, 1987 – February 7, 2009 21, of Bridgewater, Mass.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Feb. 7 from wounds he received Jan. 24 while supporting combat operations in Bakwa, Afghanistan. Kevin was born in Miami, Florida. In 2007 he graduated Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Fearless, mature, big-hearted, with an unforgettable smile, he dreamed from the time he was a youngster of joining the Marine Corps, following his father’s footsteps. He enlisted in October 2007, and graduated Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. in January 2008 before he transferred to Camp Lejeune, NC in February. On November 12, 2008, he deployed to Farah Province, Afghanistan as a 0331 Machine Gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. On January 24, the Humvee in which he was a gunner was hit by an improvised explosive device and he was severely injured. He was transported to a medical site in Germany for care where he was stabilized and transferred to Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he was in a medically induced coma until his death. Kevin’s younger brother Dan had decided to join the Marine Reserves, and Kevin tried to talk him out of it, not wanting their mother to have 2 sons at war. But Dan admired his brother too much. Dan finished boot camp the day before Kevin arrived at Brooks Army Center. Kevin was kept on life-support until Dan had the opportunity to say good-bye to his much admired older brother. Burial Site: Massachusetts National Cemetery Bourne, Barnstable County Massachusetts, USA Plot: SECTION 38, SITE 221 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCpl. Andrew Paul Carpenter – September 28, 1983 – February 19, 2011 27, of Columbia, TN; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, India Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Feb. 19 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds received Feb. 14 while conducting combat operations. Andrew deployed with 3/8 as part of Battalion Landing Team 3/8 (BLT 3/8) who served as the Ground Combat Element of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Deployment started in August of 2010 with 3/8 conducting training in Jordan, Kenya, Djibouti and other countries. In January 2011, BLT 3/8 detached from the 26th MEU to deploy to Afghanistan to establish and maintain security in portions of Helmand province not previously permanently held by the International Security Assistance Force. Attached to Regimental Combat Team 8 as part of the International Security Assistance Force, the Marines from 3/8 provided security in portions of the Upper Gareshk Valley in order to allow the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to foster socio-economic development in the area. Andrew was wounded on February 14th, 2011, conducting combat operations in Helmand Province. He was the only 3/8 KIA during that deployment. Burial Site: Polk Memorial Gardens Columbia, Maury County Tennessee, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
CPL James N. Wansley – March 13, 1986 – February 18, 2016 29, of Sylacauga, AL; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, India Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on February 18, 2016. James was a veteran of Afghanistan and served on two deployments with 3/8; the 22nd MEU 2007-2008 and Afghanistan 2009. After he got out of U.S. Marines he worked as a Corrections Officer for Talladega County Sheriff's Office. He was killed when a drunk driver struck his motorcycle. He is survived by wife, Leah Marie Burchman Wansley of Sylacauga, his daughter, Jersey Nicole Wansley, his mother, Juana Ann Morgan Wansley of Tuscaloosa, his sisters, Shannon Marie VanHoven husband Seth and Breianna Nicole Johnson of MI, his brother, William Andrew Wansley of Tuscaloosa, a niece, Scout VanHoven and a nephew, Cadin VanHoven. Burial Site: Alabama National Cemetery Montevallo, Alabama, USA Plot: Sec 1 Site: 236 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
CPL Ryan Christopher Spriggs – 1984 – February 7, 2017 32, of Jamestown, NY; assigned to assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, India Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Ryan died unexpectedly on February 7, 2017. Ryan was a graduate of Southwestern Central High School and attended Jamestown Community College and Erie Community College, where he completed an associate's degree. Ryan served in the U.S. Marine Corps, 3/8 India Co. from 2004-2008, and deployed to Al-Karmah, Iraq (2005), Ramadi, Iraq (2006), and on the 22nd MEU on the USS Kearsarge in 2007. Ryan also served in Quantico (2008-09) prior to discharge. Ryan is pre-deceased by his father, William Spriggs and survived by his mother, Christine (Bradley) Rolfe; brother William Spriggs, sister Andrea Spriggs, step-grandmother Rachael Spieler, and aunt Shaina (Craig) Ferguson. Burial Site: Ryan's remains were cremated and given to the family. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCpl. Kevin T. Preach – July 9, 1987 – February 7, 2009 21, of Bridgewater, Mass.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Feb. 7 from wounds he received Jan. 24 while supporting combat operations in Bakwa, Afghanistan. Kevin was born in Miami, Florida. In 2007 he graduated Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Fearless, mature, big-hearted, with an unforgettable smile, he dreamed from the time he was a youngster of joining the Marine Corps, following his father’s footsteps. He enlisted in October 2007, and graduated Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. in January 2008 before he transferred to Camp Lejeune, NC in February. On November 12, 2008, he deployed to Farah Province, Afghanistan as a 0331 Machine Gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. On January 24, the Humvee in which he was a gunner was hit by an improvised explosive device and he was severely injured. He was transported to a medical site in Germany for care where he was stabilized and transferred to Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he was in a medically induced coma until his death. Kevin's younger brother Dan had decided to join the Marine Reserves, and Kevin tried to talk him out of it, not wanting their mother to have 2 sons at war. But Dan admired his brother too much. Dan finished boot camp the day before Kevin arrived at Brooks Army Center. Kevin was kept on life-support until Dan had the opportunity to say good-bye to his much admired older brother. Burial Site: Massachusetts National Cemetery Bourne, Barnstable County Massachusetts, USA Plot: SECTION 38, SITE 221 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Cpl. Peter R. Reed – May 1989 – February 2, 2023 33, of Bordentown, NJ; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, India Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; was killed during heavy fighting in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, where he served as a volunteer frontline medic. Pete joined the Marine Corps in 2007 and was assigned to 3/8 India Company, where he deployed on the 22nd MEU and to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After he got out in 2011, he worked as a ski instructor and camp counselor in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In 2012, Pete started humanitarian work for Team Rubicon when Hurricane Sandy hit his home state of New Jersey. In 2015, Pete volunteered to work for Global Outreach Doctors and deployed to Iraq. He was part of medical teams with the Kurdish Peshmerga and the Iraqi Special Forces for the duration of the Battle of Mosul, treating over 10,000 trauma patients. While still operating frontline clinics during the battle, Reed worked with others to found and serve as the president of Global Response Management. When the war in Ukraine started, Reed deployed with Global Outreach Doctors to Eastern Ukraine, where his work centered around evacuating and treating civilians. On February 2nd, 2023, Pete's ambulance was caught in heavy fighting around the city of Bakhmut, and Reed was killed by Russian artillery. Burial Site: Pete's remains were cremated and given to the family. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife
Sgt. Trevor J. Johnson – February 8, 1985 - January 27, 2009 23, of Forsyth, MT.; assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, deployed with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Jan. 27 while supporting combat operations in Now Zad, Afghanistan. Trevor grew up on the family ranch in southeastern Montana, the fifth generation of his family to do so. At an early age, Trevor decided he would follow in the footsteps of both his grandfathers and serve in the military. He joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school in 2003. He served his first tour of duty in Afghanistan from June 2005 to January 2006, his second tour of duty was in Iraq from October 2006 to May 2007. His military awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon with a gold star in lieu of a second award, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three bronze stars in lieu of a fourth award, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was leading a foot patrol charged with clearing the road and was killed by a blast from an IED, alongside of Sgt. David W. Wallace III. Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington County, Virginia, USA Plot: SECTION 60, SITE 8752 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Sgt. David W. Wallace III – June 5, 1983 - January 27, 2009 25, of Sharpsville, PA.; assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, deployed with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Lima Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Jan. 27 while supporting combat operations in Now Zad, Afghanistan. David was a 2002 graduate of Sharpsville High School in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania where he was a lineman on the football team. He joined the Marines on September 23, 2002. David was deployed twice to Iraq (2004 and 2005), again in 2007 and 2008, and then to Afghanistan in November 2008. He also served in Bangladesh, Dubai and other parts of the world. He was involved in building an air base and helped construct a training village in Iraq, but his main duties were identifying, removing and exploding IEDs, conducting searches, working on vehicles and construction projects. His awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with a bronze star in lieu of a second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with a bronze star in lieu of a second award, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was killed by a blast from an IED, alongside of Sgt. Trevor J. Johnson. Burial Site: Onslow Memorial Park Jacksonville, Onslow County North Carolina, USA #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
LCpl. Julian “Jules” T. Brennan – June 22, 1983 – January 24, 2009 25, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Jan. 24 while supporting combat operations in Bakwa, Afghanistan. Julian graduated in 2002 from Barrie High School in Silver Springs, Maryland and went on to graduate from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2005 in New York. He had briefly considered joining the military after September 11, but instead he followed his passion for theater and became an actor, also working as a carpenter on Martha Stewart’s show. Jules decided to join the US Marine Corps after death of his grandfather, Lt. Col. James Brennan who earned the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima. Jules became a 0331 Machine-Gunner, and was killed when his Humvee was hit by a roadside bomb. Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington County Virginia, USA Plot: Section 60 Site 8757 #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife #memorialday
Today is the 56th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War. The battle lasted from January 21 and July 9, 1968; however, the Siege of Khe Sanh, which pinned down the Marines stationed there, ended on March 31, after 77-days. The former French outpost of Khe Sanh, an operating post used as a staging area for recon patrols, was seized by Marines a year earlier. It soon became a prime target for North Vietnamese troops due to its proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Beginning on January 21, thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers slammed into the village of Khe Sanh near the outpost, overrunning it. The Vietnamese then proceeded to lay siege to the Marine base there, unleashing a constant barrage of artillery at the Marines. Pinned down in trenches, the Marines called in massive airstrikes and barrages of their own, with a total of 5,000 bombs being dropped each day. Finally, after a 77-day siege, Khe Sanh was relieved by the men of the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division, who linked up with the Marines and pushed the North Vietnamese back. Both sides claimed victory in the battle. The North Vietnamese insisted they won because they had pinned down a large amount of American military resources, while the U.S. insisted on victory because they had held their position against the massive North Vietnamese attack. #3rdbattalion8thmarines #38oifoef #8thmarineregiment #2ndmarinedivision #followme #gwot #gwote #oef #oif #22MEU #26MEU #usmc #marines #usmarines #marinecorps #usmcvet #navycorpsman #infantry #semperfi #veterans #military #supportourtroops #grunts #warriors #brotherhood #gruntlife