Photo By Cpl. Andrew Johnston | 1st Sgt. Nicholas G. Fox, company first sergeant for Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th...... read more read more
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MARJAH, Afghanistan - Sgt. Garrett A. Misener was known as a man of few words. To his fellow Marines, his actions spoke louder than anything he ever said.
The squad leader from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment was honored during a memorial service at Camp Hanson in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 5.
Misener made the ultimate sacrifice Dec. 27, while conducting combat operations in northern Marjah.
Sgt. Jared D. King, a rifleman with Fox Company, 2/9, said he wasn’t sure what to make of Misener when they first met.
“When we first met, I was talking to him trying to get to know him, but he just kept giving me one or two word answers,” said King. “Come to find out, he was collecting on us, trying to figure out who we were and where he fit in.”
After three years, King and Misener became close friends.
Underneath Misener’s quiet demeanor was a selfless man who was a father figure to those around him and a leader who left no one behind, King said.
“If you were persistent enough in engaging him in conversation through his short, to the point answers, you would find out he was deeply religious and family oriented,” said Capt. Michael W. Manocchio, commanding officer for Fox Company, 2/9. “He was an extremely well-rounded person, with aspirations for great things, kept in check by his modesty.”
Manocchio said Misener had a unique leadership style that made his Marines look up to him and seek him for guidance. Misener’s determination to seek self-improvement made him stand out amongst his peers. He was constantly reading books and gaining knowledge on Marine Corps tactics and leadership principles, he said.
“He was one hell of a squad leader and probably one of the best I have ever seen,” said Manocchio. “He was tactically proficient, aggressive, and determined to win no matter how much the odds were stacked against him and his squad.”
“For me, I am extremely blessed and fortunate to have had the privilege of just knowing Sgt. Misener, let alone given the opportunity to serve alongside him in combat,” said Manocchio.
Misener was the epitome of a combat Marine whose extensive knowledge of warfare and strong leadership traits came from four combat deployments between Iraq and Afghanistan, said Lt. Col. James R. Fullwood, commanding officer of 2/9.
“You’ll be hard-pressed to find Marines of senior rank with as much combat experience as Sgt. Misener,” said Fullwood.
“He was often referred to as the best squad leader or completely dedicated to the Marine Corps,” said Fullwood. “He stood out to the point that he was recommended for NCO of the quarter by his chain of command. He led Marines physically, emotionally, and mentally. He exuded confidence and competence and he instilled the same in the Marines he led.”
Lance Cpl. Jonathan J. McKenzie, a rifleman with Fox Company 2/9, said that Misener’s confidence carried his squad through many battles that will never be forgotten.
“Sgt. Misener was an outstanding squad lead who always had your back in any situation,” said McKenzie. “We all felt safer when he was with us out there, calling the shots. He always knew what to do. He was more than our squad leader, but a role model for all of us. We will never forget the things he taught us or the way he led us in combat.”
“We will take what we have learned from him and continue on with the fight because we believe this is what he would have wanted,” said McKenzie. “This is not a goodbye. We will see each other again someday. But until that day comes, we will love and miss you brother.”
Misener is survived by his mother, Jannette Zaccagnino and his father, Gary Misener.
His awards include the Purple Heart Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a combat distinguishing device, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, three Iraq Campaign Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global war on Terrorism Service Medal and five Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
| Date Taken: | 01.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.09.2011 02:59 |
| Story ID: | 63244 |
| Location: | MARJAH, AF |
| Web Views: | 1,037 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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