Marines gather to remember fallen EOD technican

Photo By Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | Staff Sgt. Sherry D. Willams sings during a memorial service for Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder and Gunnery Sgt. Floyd E. Holley at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 4. The two explosive ordnance disposal technicians died in late August while conducting counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

09.07.2010

Story by Cpl. Kenneth Jasik 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) gathered to pay final respects to their fallen comrade, Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, who died, Aug. 27, while conducting counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province. He was 34 years old.

Fedder, an EOD technician with 1st EOD Company, 1st MLG (FWD), loved his job as an EOD technician and as a Marine.

“Fedder was the ultimate jarhead” said Master Sgt. Alonza I. MendozaValencia, EOD chief for 1st EOD Company, 1st MLG (FWD). “He was always squared away. He was the model Marine, and he took care of his men.”

Fedder, from Pine City, Minn., had an eye for details that many others would miss, said co-workers.

“Nothing escaped Fedder; he was a master at planning the smallest things,” said Capt. James N. Shelstad, company commander for 1st EOD Company, 1st MLG (FWD).

When it came to dedication, Fedder couldn’t be matched, because he enjoyed protecting lives even if it meant risking his own.

“Every time they risked themselves, it saved others,” said MendozaValencia, 42, Flagstaff, Ariz., of the dangerous job of EOD technicians.

Fedder was very dedicated, and he loved that he was making a difference for all the Marines and civilians he kept out of harm’s way, said Shelstad, 42, from Canby, Ore.

Fedder will be missed by his fellow Marines. He made a huge impact on his comrades and left a lasting impression.

“He was a great part of the EOD family,” said MendozaValencia.

Fedder is survived by his wife, Diana, daughter, Danielle, and son, Storm.

• Date Taken: 09.07.2010
• Date Posted: 09.07.2010 08:43
• Story ID: 55827
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF