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Marines, sailors and families gathered at the Camp Hansen Theater Oct. 8 to remember the three Marines and sailor killed in combat Sept. 8 in eastern Kunar Province, Afghanistan.
1st Lt. Michael Johnson with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Johnson, Gunnery Sgt. Aaron Kenefick and Petty Officer 3rd Class James Layton with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, were deployed to Afghanistan as part of Embedded Training Team 2-8 when they were killed.
All four service members' families and more than 150 Marines and sailors attended the memorial to pay respect and commemorate the Marines' and sailor's achievements.
"They were husbands, brothers, friends, sons and heroes. Never doubt they are special to us, as both leaders and friends," Lt. Col. Joseph Matos, commanding officer for 7th Communications Bn., told the gathering.
"They will continue to live on in our hearts and minds," Matos added.
"As professionals, they embraced the call of duty," said Lt. Col. Daniel Yaroslaski, CAB's commanding officer. "Let us take comfort that in our greatest sorrow, we are not alone. We have each other to help us through."
A slide show pictured the Marines and sailor with families and friends during happier times.
Fellow Marines characterized the lieutenant as a born leader with a reputation for hard work.
"He had an old Marine's soul," explained Master Sgt. Russell Normandin, with B Co., Headquarters and Service Bn., Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Emiliano DeLeon, Jr., CAB's outgoing S-4 officer, described Gunnery Sgt. Johnson as an outstanding Marine with a smile that could light the darkest of rooms.
"This is not a time to grieve, but a time to celebrate his life," said DeLeon.
"Kenefick loved the Corps," said Cpl. Lyle Reyos, an administrative clerk with CAB.
"He was everything a Marine should be," Reyos said. "He was a Marine's Marine in every sense of the word."
Layton was remembered by Petty Officer 3rd Class Renny Vitug, a hospital corpsman with 3rd MarDiv, III MEF, as a good friend who always did his part.
"Let us always remember his sacrifice, and let it not be in vain" Vitug said. "We must continue on to complete the mission."
The memorial ended with a roll call for 7th Communications Bn. and CAB. Silence hung heavy in the air of the theater after each fallen service member's name was called.
| Date Taken: | 10.23.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.01.2009 03:41 |
| Story ID: | 40919 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 409 |
| Downloads: | 230 |
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