Memorial service honors fallen Marine

Courtesy Photo | A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment-15, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Fwd) renders a final salute to fallen comrade Pfc. Vincent M. Frassetto, a fire-direction controlman with Military Police Company, CLR-15. Frassetto was fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device attack while on a vehicle patrol to Al Asad, Iraq. Frassetto, a 21-year old from Toms River, N.J., is remembered most for his upbeat personality and contagious smile. "Looking back, there isn't a time I can remember that he wasn't smiling... He picked us up, he helped us," said Lance Cpl. Christopher P. Manuel, an artillery specialist with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. Frassetto's awards include the National Defense Service and Global War on Terrorism medals. Military Police Company, CLR-15 with I MEF (FWD) is in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq (MNF-W) to develop the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms, and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi Reconstruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan B. Busse)  

AL TAQADDUM, IRAQ

09.13.2006

Story by Sgt. Ben Eberle 

1st Marine Logistics Group

by Lance Cpl. Ben Eberle
I Marine Logistic Group PAO

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq – A somber gathering of U.S. service members paid final respects to one of their own in a memorial service here Sept. 13.

Pfc. Vincent M. Frassetto, a fire direction controlman with 2nd Marine Division and augmented to Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment -15, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Fwd) was fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device attack Sept. 7 on a vehicle patrol to Al Asad, Iraq.

"While we come to this theater knowing it's a risky business... there's no way to prepare for this outcome," said Lt. Col. Joseph P. Granata, commanding officer of CLR-15. " Frassetto will be greatly missed."

Frassetto, 21, is from Toms River, N.J., and was participating in his second vehicle patrol with the unit.

Capt. Gerardo D. Gaje, commander of Military Police Company, was overcome with emotion as he read Frassetto's biography and shared his impression of the young Marine.

"I am proud to have known Pfc. Frassetto," said Gaje. "For the brief time that he crossed our paths and our respective journeys in life, he has certainly had a (profound) impact on us."

Following the remarks from his command, Marines who lived and worked alongside Frassetto made their way to the podium.

"He had a smile that everybody loved," said Cpl. Brian P. Trish, a cannoneer with 1st Battalion, 10th Marines. After a long reflective pause, he looked down: "Everybody would smile with him."

That smile was Frassetto's trademark. Those who knew him best testified to his all-season, upbeat demeanor, as well as the grin on his military ID.

"Looking back, there isn't a time I can remember that he wasn't smiling," said Lance Cpl. Christopher P. Manuel, cannoneer with 1st Battalion, 10th Marines. "He accepted everyone for who they were."

"Just for the brief time he was here, he had an influence on all of us," added Manuel. "He picked us up; he helped us."

Frassetto's awards include the National Defense Service and Global War on Terrorism medals.

• Date Taken: 09.13.2006
• Date Posted: 09.22.2006 08:47
• Story ID: 7802
• Location: AL TAQADDUM, IQ