Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    3/9 Marines honor fallen warrior

    3/9 Marines honor fallen warrior

    Photo By Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1,...... read more read more

    MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN

    02.11.2011

    Story by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy 

    1st Marine Division

    FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, paused to honor Cpl. Joseph C. Whitehead, a combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Bn., Feb. 11.

    Whitehead was killed in action, Jan. 17, while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

    Marines at Forward Operating Base Marjah paid their respects to their fallen brother in arms.

    The short, quiet ceremony was marked by Bible verses and prayers honoring the fallen hero. Final Roll was called three times for Whitehead, only to be answered by silence. Taps followed as a final farewell.

    “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Corporal Whitehead ever since we met at engineer’s school,” said Sgt. Jesse Pickrell, Whitehead’s squad leader with 3rd Bn., 9th Marines. “He took great pride in being a Marine and acted with great honor, on and off duty.”

    Whitehead was killed by an improvised explosive device blast during Operation Goliath. During the mission the Marines found more than 50 IEDs and more than 10 weapons caches.

    “I remember the roads and FOBs you helped build, and how you just never took a day off,” said Lt. Col. David Hudspeth, commanding officer, 3rd Bn., 9th Marines. “You brought freedom to people who had never had it before, and laid your life down for people you never knew.”

    Whitehead from Anix, Ala., joined the Marines after graduating from Sassuma High School in 2007. His personal decorations include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal.

    Whitehead is survived by his mother, Melanie Miller; father, Mark Goodhue; stepfather, Keith Miller; sister, Jessica Whitehead; and brothers, Destin Goodhue and Jeffery Miller.

    “The world was and is a better place because of his optimistic personality,” said Pickerill. “He will be missed by all who have known him. Rest in peace my friend. We all love you and we won’t forget what you sacrificed to ensure the freedom of future generations.”

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.11.2011
    Date Posted: 02.12.2011 11:38
    Story ID: 65326
    Location: MARJAH, AF

    Web Views: 2,084
    Downloads: 6

    PUBLIC DOMAIN