Photo By Sgt. Lucas Hopkins | Chaplain Mack stands behind a photograph of Lance Cpl. Steven M. Hancock during a...... read more read more
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NEW RIVER, N.C. - More than 350 Marines and sailors with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron gathered at the chapel aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River June 20 for a memorial service to honor the life of Lance Cpl. Steven M. Hancock.
Hancock, an air crewman with VMMT-204, was killed during an MV-22 Osprey training exercise in May.
With his mother, father, and sisters in attendance, Marines reflected on Hancock’s life and remembered him as genuine, compassionate, and devoted Marine.
“He was selfless, he was caring— but even more than that, he was the embodiment of moral courage,” said Lt. Col. Brett Hart, the commanding officer of VMMT-204.
In his remarks, Hart encouraged Marines within the squadron to emulate Hancock’s compassion towards both his family and fellow Marines and carry that compassion with them in the future.
During the ceremony, Marines with VMMT-204 recalled serving alongside Hancock. Each Marine praised Hancock for his character, both as a Marine and as a friend.
“If I had three words to describe him, they would be genuine, innocent and pure,” said Lance Cpl. Damian Flowers, an aviation technician with VMMT-204.
In his eulogy, Flowers said Hancock’s death still feels surreal and he has yet come to terms with the loss. Flowers said Hancock was always pushing him to be a better person, both personally and professionally.
“Whether we were in the gym or at work, Hancock was always forcing me to be a better person, a better Marine,” said Flowers. “I will always remember Hancock as a great friend, but more importantly, I will remember him as a brother. “
Lance Cpl. Kyle Katschke, an air crewman who served alongside Hancock, also remembered him as a great friend. Katschke said Hancock had an incredibly strong heart and was loved by everyone in the unit.
During his refection, Commander Leroy G. Mack III, the command chaplain for Marine Air Group 26, spoke about Hancock’s life and reminded those in attendance to continue to honor him by never forgetting his service.
“All of us assembled have shared in the sorrow of the loss,” said Mack. “But we too can share in the history of the life of a son, a brother, and a United States Marine.”
To end the ceremony, Marines and sailors filed single file through the chapel and hugged each member of Hancock’s family.
| Date Taken: | 06.20.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.24.2014 14:43 |
| Story ID: | 134217 |
| Location: | NEW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 798 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
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