Regimental Combat Team 1
Capt. Michael W. Manocchio, commanding officer for Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, touches the helmet of Lance Cpl. Michael E. Geary, a rifleman with Fox Company, 2/9, Dec. 17, during a memorial service at Camp Hanson in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan. Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
12.20.2010 Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston CAMP HANSON, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, gathered to honor Lance Cpl. Michael E. Geary, a rifleman with Fox Company, 2/9, Dec. 17, during a memorial service at Camp Hanson in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan. Geary made the ultimate sacrifice while conducting combat operations in northern Marjah, Dec. 8.
“That afternoon was supposed to be just another local contact patrol,” said Lance Cpl. Ross C. Carter, a team leader for Fox, 2/9. “It serves as a constant reminder of how fragile life is and the responsibility of the U.S. Marines.”
Sgt. Maj. Douglas B. Schaefer, sergeant major for 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, salutes a memorial display honoring Lance Cpl. Michael E. Geary Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
“Geary was a devoted catholic,” said Carter. “He always carried rosary beads and a Saint Michaels charm on every patrol. He was a loving son who had a close bond with his mother.” Geary was the kind of guy everyone looked to when they were down explained Carter. He said he was the type of Marine that could take even the worst circumstances and turn them into a comical situation.
Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
“Lance Cpl. Geary had the power to find humor in the most difficult situations,” said Lt. Col. James R. Fullwood, commanding officer for 2/9. “He was always ready with a joke to lighten the mood, even if that joke was at his own expense. He was known as a Marine who took care of his buddies without any concern for himself and the type of man who would give the shirt off his back without thinking twice of it.” Lance Cpl. Jason D. Earnest, a rifleman with Fox, 2/9, said he met Geary at the School of Infantry and quickly became friends. They both checked into 2/9 and from there, their ongoing razzing of favorite hockey teams and pride for their home towns continued all of the way to Afghanistan where they both landed in the same squad.
First Sgt. Nicholas G. Fox, company first sergeant for Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
“Michael and I never fought, but we did have our childish arguments over hockey and whose team was better,” said Earnest. “Michael and I were together fighting side by side here in Afghanistan. We helped each other in every fire fight. We even slept with our bug-net-tents next to each other. He was always there for me when I needed guidance or someone to talk to. He became the big brother I wish I had when I was a kid.” Carter said Geary’s disciplined upbringing showed when it counted most. He said Geary never gave up at anything and was always trying to find new ways to improve the squad and every Marine around him.
“Growing up in south Boston made him tough,” said Carter. “He showed us his mental and physical toughness in combat. As his team leader, Geary and I constantly worked on our communication in attempts to proficiently navigate our squad together.”
First Sgt. Dennis M. Bradley, non-kinetic fire support chief for 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
“The entire platoon and I are honored to have known him as a Marine,” said Carter. “He will be missed and never forgotten. His memory will give us the strength and motivation to push through this deployment and beyond.”
The song Amazing Grace resounded over a steady breeze, bringing the memorial service to an end. Close by, a group of Marines stood at attention waiting for the command to perform a 21-gun salute. The detail raised their rifles and fired 21 times, giving the fallen warrior a final and honorable farewell.
Geary is survived by his mother, Nancy M. Geary. His awards include the Purple Heart (posthumously), Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Cpl. Wyatt K. Smith, a Marine with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
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