Fallen Marines inspire their military brethren

1st Marine Logistics Group
Story by Cpl. Geoffrey Ingersoll

Date: 12.14.2006
Posted: 12.22.2006 08:40
News ID: 8643
Fallen Marines inspire their military brethren

by Lance Cpl. Geoffrey P. Ingersoll
I Marine Logistic Group PAO

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq—"On December eleventh, two thousand six, the Marine Corps lost three good Marines," said Cpl. Marco A. Lucero, 22, from San Diego.

On Dec. 14, Marines and sailors from around Camp Taqaddum and surounding areas paid respect to a few men who sacrificed their lives while engaged in combat operations in the Al Anbar Province.

Lance Cpl. Budd M. Cote, 21, from Marana, Ariz., Lance Cpl. Clinton J. Miller, 23, from Greenfield, Iowa, and Cpl. Matthew V. Dillon, 25, from Aiken, S.C., all fell in the line of duty. The Marines were each memorialized with a rifle, identification tags, flak jacket, Kevlar helmet and portrait.

A massive crowd of service members passed through the chapel's doors to attend the memorial, many already wiping tears from their eyes. Despite their tears, the Marines could not help but laugh together as they shared memories of the three.

"(Miller) was an outgoing and fun-loving guy, who always seemed to find the good side in everything," said Cpl. Kevin E. Byrnes, 23, from Crystal Lake, Ill., and a military policeman with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Wing Support Group 37 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Air Wing (Forward).

"I remember the good times," said Lance Cpl. Erik T. Franke, 22 from Tillamook, Ore., an MP with MWSS-373.

"I remember, I walked back into the comfort trailer one night to see (Cote) screaming Kelly Clarkson's 'Since you've been gone' like it was cool," said Franke, drawing a few nostalgic laughs from the group.

The Marines were remembered for their humor and work ethic during the memorial. But most of all, these Marines were remembered for their bravery and dedication.

"I am truly amazed by these men," said Lt. Col. Dan P. Ermer, the commanding officer of MWSS-373. "I am amazed because these men are among the best and brightest in America. These men, these brave men, have the moral character, the courage, to take action."

"Despite knowing the possible consequences ... each of these Marines would rather have been mounted up in their humvees, locked and loaded, ready to face the enemy, than to be left behind when the rest of their team went outside the wire," continued Ermer, 41, from Rockwell, Iowa.

"(Dillon) was so determined to be successful, even in the most mundane of things," said Lucero, an MP with MWSS-373. "He was a great Marine, because he was a great man. He will be forever remembered in our hearts, and his memory will live on with us."

"Cote wasn't afraid of dying," said Franke. "He loved the Marine Corps. It was who he was. For some of us, it was just a job ... for him, it was his life."

"(Miller) served his country and his Marines vigilantly during his tour, and I know that God saw him as a shining star and called him to serve in his corps of angels in heaven,