2/1 honors fallen brother

PATROL BASE HERNANDEZ, AFGHANISTAN

12.22.2010

Story by Cpl. Skyler Tooker 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

PATROL BASE HERNANDEZ, Afghanistan – Cpl. Chad S. Wade was remembered by his fellow Marines during a memorial service at Patrol Base Hernandez, Dec. 13.

Wade, the platoon radio operator, 1st platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, was killed in action Dec. 1, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was 22-years-old.

Wade was assigned a team leader position during his first deployment to Iraq until his platoon found out he was a good radio operator. He was the radio operator for his platoon ever since.

Wade was from Memphis, Tenn., and entered the Marine Corps, July 2007. Wade leaves behind his wife Katie M. Wade, father, Terry L. Wade and mother, Tami A. Boyett.

According to Wade’s fellow Marines, Wade was a big family man. He was a good husband, loved by his wife and a good Marine. He always looked after his junior Marines and the Marines in his platoon.

Marines from 2/1 gathered at Patrol Base Hernandez for the memorial, shared a few memories and paid their respects to their fallen brother.

“The night we left for Afghanistan, all the Marines were looking in their bags for their Ka-bars, when Wade bit down on his flashlight and chipped his tooth,” said Sgt. Albert Tippetto, an infantryman with 2/1. “We all gave him hell until he got it fixed, when we reached Camp Dwyer.”

The short, quiet ceremony was marked by Bible verses and prayers honoring Wade.

Final roll was called; three times for Cpl. Chad S. Wade. Wade’s name was called only to be answered by silence. Taps followed in a final farewell.

Marines from Wade’s platoon stated, Wade was a very loyal man. He was loyal to all his Marines, and he was loyal to his wife and family. Wade was right smack in the middle, he would keep everyone in check, but he also knew how to have a good time and joke around.

Wade’s awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and the NATO ISAF Medal.

• Date Taken: 12.22.2010
• Date Posted: 12.22.2010 10:45
• Story ID: 62483
• Location: PATROL BASE HERNANDEZ, AF