The Goal of Project Honor is memorialize the lives of Our Fallen Warriors, individually, in the words of those that knew them. There is no deadline for "completion" and updates to each are likely.
Our Fallen deserve to be remembered for their Victories and Character in life, not only the moment the enemy got lucky. They are not mere names nor numbers to be used in a political campaign.
Ace Of Spades: Why Language Matters In this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser, 30, of Mason, Texas, died April 22 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be rememberd. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brothers”. (W.Shakespeare)
Rest in peace my Brother, you have not been forgotten.
Lucas Christopher Scott of Peebles, Ohio was born in Cincinati on November 30, 1990 and graduated from Peebles High School in 2009.
Luke played soccer, track, and cross country. And he attended Ohio Valley Career & Technical Center during his Junior and Senior years.
He graduated from Boot Camp, Parris Island, in September 2009. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on March 1, 2010, to Corporal in December 2010, and deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2010. Despite previous wounds, he refused to stay behind for more than his birthday.
"I can't imagine there ever being a better man, friend, or Marine." Jimmie Whitley, friend.
He was "a fine marine and an even better friend." Marine Tyler Caudill
His Awards and Decorations include: the Purple Heart(2), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrrorism Service Medal, and NATO Medal.
When one researches and reads about the lives of Our Individual Warriors, you learn not only a little about what drives them to serve individually, but also about the characteristics that produces these Great Men, willing to sacrifice greatly while risking all to protect others. Too often, we don't know what we have until its gone.
One interesting trend I've noted is the above average propensity of Our Troops to have played sports in High School. It shouldn't be surprising as it instills teamwork and I also played sports in school. Another is the number of stories of helping others. Our Troops seem more likely than not to have lived a life of going out of their way to help those weaker, poorer, or in any way less fortunate. Quite often, they are the popular kid in School that befriends the geeks, the nerds, and other outcasts of school society, while leading the football team and volunteering for a local Non-Profit.
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.
Colton W Rusk, of Orange Grove, TX, was born September 23, 1990 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He graduated in 2009 from the Orange Grove High School, where he played baseball and football and was an All-District offensive lineman.
“Don’t be afraid to go after your hopes and dreams, but don’t be afraid to be willing to pay the price.” Colton Rusk, 2009, HS Yearbook.
“If I had a son, he is what I hope my son would be." Anna Garza, Spanish Teacher
“It’s not a single thing. It’s not that he was a great athlete or a great student. It’s that he was a great young man. He was everything." Tommy Moses, principal.
Nicholas "Sure" J. Aleman, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y. grew up on Manhattan Avenue and graduated from Midwood HS. He had studied politics briefly at Fordham University in Manhattan.
" 'Sure' was born and bred in Brooklyn and recognized for his exceptional handstyle which brought together elements of classic New York graffiti with ornamental calligraphy. His script signatures could be found throughout the city and were a major influence on myself and countless others...He was my partner-in-crime and my best friend. I am grateful for the time we had and that everywhere I go in New York City I see his name and know that his presence will be felt by many long after his passing” "Faust," fellow street graffitti artist.
"The guy was very smart. He liked what he was doing." Alex Aleman, cousin
Matthew Abbate of Honolulu, Hawaii was born September 10, 1984 in San Francisco, CA. He attended Buchanan High School in Clovis, CA and graduated in 2002 from Sierra Charter High School in Fresno, CA.
His love of life "exceeded the tolerance of others, including parents and teachers." Eric Busse, friend.
"Matt easily sparked all of us with lots of energy and charisma that would sweeten anyone's heart that knew him." Susan Rosendo, friend.
He was "like a brother and a great friend to me. We hold great memories of you in our hearts." Stacey, friend.
Chad Stafford Wade of Bentonville, Arkansas was born May 25, 1988 in Memphis, TN. He graduated from Rogers High school in 2007.
He enjoyed hunting, golf, fishing, football, and baseball. He was a fan of the Tennessee Volunteers and Indianapolis Colts. He loved his dog, Remi, named after Remington Rifles.
"When Chad was in it was like everything stopped, it was like the king had arrived." John Gough, uncle.
He enlisted in the Marines on October 16, 2007. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.
1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV, 27, of Picayune, Mississippi, was a Homeschool graduate. He attended the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY and was commissioned on June 16, 2008.
He enjoyed both Country and Alternative music, watching NCIS, maintaining firearms skills, and working on engines.
He is remembered as a devoted husband, outstanding Marine, and his caring Generosity. If you needed help, no matter when or where, he would be there for you.
He had previously worked at the Avondale Shipyard.
“He was the best husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend anyone could have. He was respected by all who knew him and loved by everyone, and will be missed by so many. He lived to serve his country, and he refused to just sit on the sidelines.” Melissa Donnelly-Weed, sister.
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