CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- When it was all said and done, the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment had a significant role in the progress made in Marjah the past seven months. From school and shop openings, to a concrete relationship with the local nationals; from a defining partnership with the local security forces to the neighborhood watch program, 2/6 was the backbone in making all this possible.
As they gathered here Tuesday, Dec. 28, to honor a fallen brother, Lance Cpl. Lucas Scott, 2/6 Weapons Company of Peebles, Ohio, Lt. Col. Kyle Ellison, the battalion commander for 2/6 opened his speech with the request made by Scott prior to his death.
“It is fitting that we do this here in Camp Dwyer because that is what he wanted,” said Ellison. “He wanted the memorial to be done when Weapons Company was all together.“
Though it was a memorial, 2/6 also took time to reflect back on the seven-month deployment that brought them joy, pain, and a sense of accomplishment.
Ellison continued by describing the contents of a recent letter he wrote to the family and friends of the battalion. “It [letter] attempted to answer the question, ‘was it worth it.’ Was losing Lance Cpl Scott and 16 others worth it?”
He went on to list their accomplishments in Marjah, commended the fighting spirit of the Marines, described the unbreakable bond that made the Marines so successful and made closing remarks on the fallen hero.
“Lance Cpl. Scott will be remembered as a man who made a difference; a patriot who selflessly gave his life for people less fortunate.” Ellison continued, “So mourn him now in private as brothers in 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, but when we are united with our loved ones, we need to share his courage with the world.”
Although the question went unanswered as to whether or not the progress in Marjah was worth the loss of 17 Marines, the Marines standing before their battalion commander knew the answer was “yes.”
As Ellison looked to his battalion once more before walking away from the podium, the sound of medical helicopters departing for another mission could be heard.