Michael E Geary, of Derry NH, was born August 6, 1990 in Malden, Massachusetts and graduated in 2009 from Pinkerton Academy.
He enjoyed running and working out at the gym with his father.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2009 and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Camp LeJeune, NC.
“Since he was 14, it was all he talked about.’’ Tim Geary, father.
“He just knew exactly what he wanted in his life, and there was no room for skepticism. For a person of such a young age to articulate that, and to have such a clear sense of direction, is just amazing to me.’’ Shannon Brandano, aunt.
He inspired at least two classmates to join the Marines as well: Jeremy Levesque and Robert Gladysz.
"He was motivated. I wanted to be like that." Robert Gladysz, Marine Recruit & classmate.
"He was the most caring guy I've ever met; the most kindhearted. He'd do anything for anyone." Jeremy Levesque, Marine & co-worker.
"He would volunteer to take point so married guys and guys with children wouldn't have to. I can't think of a braver, more courageous thing to do." Beckie Smith, wife of fellow Marine.
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. Excerpts follow:
LCpl Ross C Carter said Geary’s main concern was the wellbeing of everyone around him. He said Geary was especially reverent and prayed daily for his mother battling cancer in the states. “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.
“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. “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. 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.”
His awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Geary is survived by his mother, Nancy M. Buiting Geary, his father Timothy Geary, grandmother Beverly, and grandfather, Robert Antle. He was remembered at the St Thomas Aquinas Church on Dec 17, 2010 in Derry and laid to rest at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetary in Boscawen, NH.
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