Sgt. Kristin S. Jochums
Public Affairs Office, 2d Force Service Support Group
Combat Correspondent
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (May 30, 2005) -- Memorial Day is a day to honor the thousands who have lost their lives in the name of freedom, and that is just what the service members here did May 30.
"Memorial Day means taking time out of our day, and lives, to honor those who have gone before us," said Maj. Michael J. Murchison, the operation officer for the Supply Management Unit, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2d Force Service Support Group (Forward).
As a way to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, CLR-25, 2d FSSG (Fwd), had a road dedication service and 5 kilometer memorial run to celebrate the life of Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Zapp.
Before the run started, a ceremony was held to name the road next to the Supply Management Unit. It was named after Zapp, so his memory will live on at Camp Taqaddum and among the Marines.
"The run was especially important because it was a memorial to the first, and hopefully only, Second Supply Battalion Marine to be killed in action in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom," said Murchison, a Detroit native.
"His life is a precious sacrifice for this land that faces tyranny," said Lt. Cmdr. Timothy D. Hogan, the chaplain for CLR-25.
Zapp, a supply Marine, joined the Marine Corps June 2003. After completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, he was assigned to the Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools at Camp Johnson, N.C.
"I'm incredibly thankful for the sacrifices of [all who have gone before] and that of their families," said Murchison. "It is truly a privilege to be able to serve in the Armed Forces and to be able to carry on their legacy and honor their memory."
In August 2004, Zapp deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with Combat Service Support Battalion 1, Combat Service Support Group 11, 1st FSSG out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
"He was motivated to make a difference," said Sgt. Nathaniel J. Collier, a Marine with the SMU, CLR-25, 2d FSSG (Fwd).
While aboard a convoy, Nov. 8, conducting security and stabilization operations in Fallujah, Zapp, a 20-year-old Houston native, died from injuries sustained as a result of an improvised explosive device detonating near his vehicle.
"He represents all those [service members], their actions, honor and their willingness to sacrifice," said Maj. Michael Lepson, officer in charge of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Distribution Center, Supply Detachment, CLR-25. "As you go out to run today, remember Lance Corporal Zapp and all those who have sacrificed so much for us."
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 06.08.2005 12:33 |
| Story ID: | 2066 |
| Location: | AL TAQADDUM, IQ |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 10 |
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