Posted on 07/29/2005 5:16:11 PM PDT by SandRat
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (July 29, 2005) -- The average day of a Marine deployed to a combat zone is filled with dangerous situations. Marines prepare on a daily basis to ensure that each situation is handled skillfully and diligently. Today’s Marines face tough and unexpected situations on a daily basis in combat zones throughout the world in the Global War on Terrorism.
Staff Sgt. John M. Kennedy of Junction City, Ohio, was awarded the Purple Heart medal here, July 25, for wounds received while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.
On June 8, Kennedy and several Marines acting as a reaction force were escorting a small explosive ordinance disposal team to a potential Improvised Explosive Device site in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. While the convoy moved through the city an IED exploded beneath their vehicle.
“Our platoon was the reaction force for the battalion,” Kennedy explained. “We were escorting the EOD team in a convoy to another site when an explosion went off. Our vehicle was in flames and shrapnel from the IED flew everywhere.”
The reaction force, meant as a safe escort for the EOD team traveling to prevent an IED from taking lives, suffered from the very threat they were out to prevent.
Unfortunately, one Marine gave his life and another was severely injured. Kennedy received shrapnel wounds and suffered burns to the right side of his face, right arm and a finger on his left hand.
The Corps spoke to Kennedy at a young age when he was looking for a sense of purpose and excitement.
Kennedy graduated from New Lexington High School in 1993 where he dreamed of an adventurous life where he could see the world.
He joined the Marine Corps 12 years ago for the exciting life of a Marine and now plans on seeing where the Corps takes him next.
Kennedy is still recovering, but despite his injuries he is planning for his future.
“I’m making the Marine Corps a career,” Kennedy explained. “I hope to make it to the rank of sergeant major someday.”
Marine & Purple Heart Ping
One of our boys!
(I have not served. My tagline honors my son and my cousin.)
and each one is your son. Puff your chest out; be rightfully proud of every son.
"and each one is your son. Puff your chest out; be rightfully proud of every son."
Always brings tears to my eyesto do so. My cousin came home missing much of his leg muscles and was on life support for two days during the second battle of Fallujah.
The Marines have told him he is not deployable. So what do you think he's been doing for six months? He's trying to rehab himself enough to go out again with the Thundering Third when they deploy in September. Our family is scared to death to see him go, but we're just real proud of him.
OMG. Please tell your cousin thank you for his service (though that seems so inadequate).
I am overwhelmed by his bravery.
He and his fellow Marines do the U.S.A. so very proud.
OMG. Please tell your cousin thank you for his service (though that seems so inadequate).
I am overwhelmed by his bravery.
He and his fellow Marines do the U.S.A. so very proud.
Sorry for the double post--I kept refreshing the thread and it wasn't showing up, so I resent it.
"Please tell your cousin thank you for his service (though that seems so inadequate)."
Thank you for your words. I'll tell him.
ping
On June 8, Kennedy and several Marines acting as a reaction force were escorting a small explosive ordinance disposal team to a potential Improvised Explosive Device site in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. While the convoy moved through the city an IED exploded beneath their vehicle.
I often wonder how do the Iraqis training to protect their own country see men like these. I have to think that it gives you something to aspire to. Doggone, it just brings tears to my eyes.
He wants to deploy..its cause hes a Marine.
see my tagline
Thanks for the ping!
"see my tagline"
Great tagline. Thank you for your words.
I will tell my son and cousin about them.
Free Republic folks are the best.
(Does your name refer to the coming
Daybreak of the Son?)
"He wants to deploy..its cause hes a Marine."
Thanks for your understanding. Is he ever!
Yes, you are the 2nd FReeper to catch that. :o)
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