Memorial Service for fallen Marine

Photo By Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank | Family, friends and fellow service members gathered at the Marine Memorial Chapel to mourn the death of a fallen Marine, May 15. Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wojciechowski, 25, from Dayton, Ohio, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 1st Ordnance Disposal Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was killed during combat operations while serving in Al Anbar Province, Iraq on April 30 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the memorial, fellow service members spoke about how Wojciechowski was a great Marine and friend. They also mentioned he was a dedicated EOD technician, spending his off-duty time studying the latest tactics, techniques, and procedures and practicing with the EOD robot.  

FAMILY, UNITED STATES

05.15.2009

Story by Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank 

1st Marine Logistics Group

Family, friends and fellow service members gathered at the Marine Memorial Chapel to remember a fallen Marine, May 15.

Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wojciechowski, 25, from Cincinnati, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 1st Ordnance Disposal Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was killed during combat operations while serving in Al Anbar province, Iraq on April 30 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"We are here today to pay our respects to a Marine who gave his life in defense of our nation," said Lt. Col. Matthew N. Hess, commanding officer of 7th ESB, 1st MLG. "We are also here to celebrate memories from the all too brief time he spent with us."

During the memorial, fellow service members spoke of Wojciechowski's merit as a Marine and his qualities as a friend.

"He was always out and about making the most of his life," said Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Carter, 26, Des Moines, Iowa, EOD technician, EOD Detachment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Carter described Wojciechowski as an outgoing Marine who would always be there to get his Marines involved with activities that would get them out and enjoy the world.

"I can't put into words or express to you what kind of a man Tony was," said Sgt. Matthew T. Jackson, EOD technician with EOD Company, 7th ESB. "Tony enjoyed every fire of life and wanted all those around him to do the same. He will surely be missed by us all," said Jackson, 29, Calabasas, Calif.

They also mentioned his dedication as an EOD technician, spending his off-duty time studying the latest tactics, techniques, and procedures and practicing with the EOD robot.

While serving as an EOD technician in Iraq, Wojciechowski constantly put himself in harm's way while responding to calls from units who located improvised explosive devices. His job then required him to render safe those roadside bombs, and destroy or recover them to learn from them, said Hess, 39, from York, Pa.

"His work in support of this vital mission not only reduced the hazards to coalition units and local populace, it also yielded intelligence about how the weapons were constructed, which enabled coalition forces to better defend against them in the future," Hess said.

Because of Wojciechowski's bravery and dedication to his job and the Marine Corps, the Iraqi roadways are now safer.

"We stand in awe of their bravery, and vow to carry on our own responsibilities, fueled by their resolve," Hess said. "We want Staff Sgt. Wojciechowski here with us today — but we learn to accept that he is not, and re-dedicate our efforts to fighting the nation's enemies in his place."

Hess stated that Wojciechowski was a determined and patriotic man, and his example will continue to serve as an inspiration for us all.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2009
• Date Posted: 05.18.2009 16:40
• Story ID: 33764
• Location: FAMILY, US