Family angered by Marine's overdose death at naval hospital
By Bill Sizemore
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 29, 2010
PORTSMOUTH
Lance Cpl. Ezequiel Freire got out of Afghanistan alive, but a stateside hospital stay proved fatal.
The 20-year-old Marine's death from a prescription drug overdose at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center has left his family reeling, outraged and frustrated by what they see as an absence of accountability for those charged with his care.
Freire died of a toxic cocktail of powerful narcotics and sedatives as he was awaiting chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The case underscores the dangers inherent in the many potent painkillers on the market today, which have helped drive an alarming rise in overdoses.
Overdose deaths from prescription drugs now exceed those from illegal drugs.
The Freire case also leaves unanswered the question of what, if any, consequences there were for the doctors involved in his care.
There were ample warnings available on the drug labels and in the medical literature about the risks of the multidrug therapy that was used in Freire's case.
But there is no record of any public disciplinary action against any of the doctors by the Virginia Board of Medicine.
A hospital official said the case has prompted several ongoing investigations that have resulted in corrective actions.
The final insult, in the eyes of Freire's family members, is that they have no legal recourse against his caregivers. That's because of a 60-year-old legal precedent known as the Feres Doctrine, which prohibits lawsuits when military service members are injured or killed by negligence.
"We trusted them, and they killed him," said Federico Freire, the dead man's older brother and a fellow Marine. "It just sickens me."
The Freire family moved to Bradenton, Fla., from their native Argentina when Federico was 10 and Ezequiel was 4.
Back at Camp Lejeune, N.C., he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
There was something else wrong, too. Increasingly, he was troubled by chest pains.
His sister had noticed it over Christmas. When she joked with him, he'd say "Julie, stop making me laugh. My heart hurts."
X-rays at the base clinic revealed a large mass in his chest. He was taken by ambulance to the Portsmouth naval hospital, where a biopsy led doctors to suspect Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer.
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Family angered by Marine's overdose death at naval hospital
Showing posts with label US Marines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Marines. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Lance Cpl. Ezequiel Freire got out of Afghanistan alive but died of overdose at Portsmouth Naval
A 20 year old Marine faces combat, survives, returns home with PTSD and cancer, then dies of an overdose while in the hospital. There is not much this story lacks. Feres Doctrine will keep the family from filling a malpractice suit. There won't really be accountability for the fact he was in the hospital when this happened. Cancer in a 20 year old Marine and the fact that there are toxic exposures reported for years leading to cancer including the burn pits. Contaminated water and soil add to this. Their stories have been told but more are hidden. Their families suffer without justice, without answers but above all, without change for the sake of those who come after their loved one. They have prepared for the fact a bullet or bomb could end their lives but who can prepare for the government to finish what the enemy could not do?
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Marine home on leave, wife attacked by teens after showing of "Little Fockers"
UPDATE to this story
Attack on Marine at Florida Theater Comes Months After Brother's Death at Navy Hospital
By Cristina Corbin
Published December 30, 2010
FoxNews.com
The recent attack on a Marine and his wife outside a Florida movie theater is the latest indignity suffered by a family still reeling over the accidental death this year of a brother at a U.S. naval hospital.
Federico Freire, a 28-year-old Marine, and his wife, Kalyn, were attacked Saturday by a mob of unruly teenagers after the couple asked the group to be quiet during a movie at a Bradenton, Fla., cinema, as FoxNews.com reported Wednesday.
Police found Freire and his wife "battered" in the theater parking lot, and they arrested four juveniles and one adult in the violent altercation.
For Freire, who had just returned from Iraq, the melee that knocked his wife to the ground was the latest woe for a family still devastated by the death of his brother, Lance Cpl. Ezequiel Freire.
Ezequiel Freire, a 20-year-old Marine who spent eight months in Afghanistan, died Feb. 13 after doctors served him a deadly cocktail of narcotics and sedatives as he awaited cancer treatment at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in Virginia, his family said.
"I was the one who found him dead," Federico Freire said in an interview Thursday. "He was my brother, my best friend."
Read more: Attack on Marine at Florida Theater
Marine, wife attacked by teens after showing of "Little Fockers"
MANATEE, Fla. (AP) — A group of unruly teenagers attacked a 27-year-old Marine and his wife who had asked them to be quiet during a Christmas night showing of "Little Fockers."
The attack happened as the couple left the theater near Bradenton Saturday night. Authorities say the fight attracted about 300 bystanders.
Federico Freire, home on leave from Afghanistan, says they left the theater shortly after the teens were asked to leave.
read more here
Marine, wife attacked by teens
Attack on Marine at Florida Theater Comes Months After Brother's Death at Navy Hospital
By Cristina Corbin
Published December 30, 2010
FoxNews.com
The recent attack on a Marine and his wife outside a Florida movie theater is the latest indignity suffered by a family still reeling over the accidental death this year of a brother at a U.S. naval hospital.
Federico Freire, a 28-year-old Marine, and his wife, Kalyn, were attacked Saturday by a mob of unruly teenagers after the couple asked the group to be quiet during a movie at a Bradenton, Fla., cinema, as FoxNews.com reported Wednesday.
Police found Freire and his wife "battered" in the theater parking lot, and they arrested four juveniles and one adult in the violent altercation.
For Freire, who had just returned from Iraq, the melee that knocked his wife to the ground was the latest woe for a family still devastated by the death of his brother, Lance Cpl. Ezequiel Freire.
Ezequiel Freire, a 20-year-old Marine who spent eight months in Afghanistan, died Feb. 13 after doctors served him a deadly cocktail of narcotics and sedatives as he awaited cancer treatment at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in Virginia, his family said.
"I was the one who found him dead," Federico Freire said in an interview Thursday. "He was my brother, my best friend."
Read more: Attack on Marine at Florida Theater
Marine, wife attacked by teens after showing of "Little Fockers"
MANATEE, Fla. (AP) — A group of unruly teenagers attacked a 27-year-old Marine and his wife who had asked them to be quiet during a Christmas night showing of "Little Fockers."
The attack happened as the couple left the theater near Bradenton Saturday night. Authorities say the fight attracted about 300 bystanders.
Federico Freire, home on leave from Afghanistan, says they left the theater shortly after the teens were asked to leave.
read more here
Marine, wife attacked by teens
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Firefighters, Santa bring Somersworth Marine home for Christmas
Firefighters, Santa bring Somersworth Marine home for Christmas
BY AIMEE LOCKHARDT
alockhardt@fosters.com
Sunday, December 26, 2010
SOMERSWORTH — Four-year-old Anthony Griffin's eyes lit up when he saw the fire engine climb the hill toward his apartment on Winter Street.
Then suddenly a grin stretched across his face when he noticed who was inside. Right in the front was Santa Claus, waving at him.
As Santa stepped from the engine, Anthony rushed over and into his arms, and that's when he noticed the figure who had followed Santa out of the fire engine. The man knelt on the ground, trying to hold back tears, as Anthony then flew into his arms.
This would be the first Christmas he'd spend with his uncle since 2008.
The Somersworth Fire Department, with help from Santa and an elf, made a special trip on Christmas Eve day to deliver 22-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Sanborn home after he was away for two and a half years.
"I'm supposed to be the toughest of the tough, and I'm about to cry," Sanborn said about seeing his family again.
A couple of weeks ago, firefighter James Drakopoulos was on duty when he received a phone call from Sanborn asking for help surprising his nephew with his homecoming.
"A lot of the guys (on the fire department) are veterans," Drakopoulos said, adding that he didn't hesitate to assist. "And we usually try to help whoever we can with what they need ... Everyone was willing to do whatever they could. These guys are serving our country."
Sanford spent his first year away from home in training, and then during his second year, he was deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He spent time in Haiti after the earthquake hit, and then wen to Djibouti, Africa, and Jordan. He returned to the states in August, where he was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
"Not a day goes by when I don't think about them or what they're doing," the lance corporal said.
read more here
Firefighters, Santa bring Somersworth Marine home for Christmas
BY AIMEE LOCKHARDT
alockhardt@fosters.com
Sunday, December 26, 2010
SOMERSWORTH — Four-year-old Anthony Griffin's eyes lit up when he saw the fire engine climb the hill toward his apartment on Winter Street.
Then suddenly a grin stretched across his face when he noticed who was inside. Right in the front was Santa Claus, waving at him.
As Santa stepped from the engine, Anthony rushed over and into his arms, and that's when he noticed the figure who had followed Santa out of the fire engine. The man knelt on the ground, trying to hold back tears, as Anthony then flew into his arms.
This would be the first Christmas he'd spend with his uncle since 2008.
The Somersworth Fire Department, with help from Santa and an elf, made a special trip on Christmas Eve day to deliver 22-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Sanborn home after he was away for two and a half years.
"I'm supposed to be the toughest of the tough, and I'm about to cry," Sanborn said about seeing his family again.
A couple of weeks ago, firefighter James Drakopoulos was on duty when he received a phone call from Sanborn asking for help surprising his nephew with his homecoming.
"A lot of the guys (on the fire department) are veterans," Drakopoulos said, adding that he didn't hesitate to assist. "And we usually try to help whoever we can with what they need ... Everyone was willing to do whatever they could. These guys are serving our country."
Sanford spent his first year away from home in training, and then during his second year, he was deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He spent time in Haiti after the earthquake hit, and then wen to Djibouti, Africa, and Jordan. He returned to the states in August, where he was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
"Not a day goes by when I don't think about them or what they're doing," the lance corporal said.
read more here
Firefighters, Santa bring Somersworth Marine home for Christmas
Friday, December 24, 2010
Marine on leave dies in metro-east crash
Friday, Dec. 24, 2010 1 Comment
Marine on leave dies in metro-east crash
BY KEVIN BERSETT - News-Democrat
A U.S. Marine on leave from his North Carolina base was killed in three-vehicle crash Thursday evening just east of the Poplar Street Bridge in East St. Louis, Illinois State Police Trooper Chad Thompson said.
The victim's 2006 Nissan Altima struck the rear of a tractor-trailer while they were driving in the westbound lanes of Interstate 64-55-70 in the wider, three-lane approach to the bridge. Police were withholding the identity of the victim until his family had been notified of his death.
A third vehicle bumped the rear of the Altima, but suffered no major damage and no injuries, Thompson said. The tractor-trailer had to be towed, but the driver was not hurt, he said.
Read more: Marine on leave dies in metro-east crash
Marine on leave dies in metro-east crash
BY KEVIN BERSETT - News-Democrat
A U.S. Marine on leave from his North Carolina base was killed in three-vehicle crash Thursday evening just east of the Poplar Street Bridge in East St. Louis, Illinois State Police Trooper Chad Thompson said.
The victim's 2006 Nissan Altima struck the rear of a tractor-trailer while they were driving in the westbound lanes of Interstate 64-55-70 in the wider, three-lane approach to the bridge. Police were withholding the identity of the victim until his family had been notified of his death.
A third vehicle bumped the rear of the Altima, but suffered no major damage and no injuries, Thompson said. The tractor-trailer had to be towed, but the driver was not hurt, he said.
Read more: Marine on leave dies in metro-east crash
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
2010 is highest of U.S. Marine Suicide Attempts
More bad numbers hidden in spin: 2010 is highest of U.S. Marine Suicide Attempts
December 11, 2010 posted by Chaplain Kathie ·
This sounded too good to be true because it is. The Marines have been changing their attitude on PTSD and depression so deeply felt they want to end their own lives, but they have a long way to go. More Marines tried to kill themselves this year with 14 attempts last month.
These numbers are bad but at least they do show some of the efforts made have been working. We’ve seen these numbers go down before only to be followed by an increase the following month. Let’s hope they are finally getting it right.
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More bad numbers hidden in spin
December 11, 2010 posted by Chaplain Kathie ·
This sounded too good to be true because it is. The Marines have been changing their attitude on PTSD and depression so deeply felt they want to end their own lives, but they have a long way to go. More Marines tried to kill themselves this year with 14 attempts last month.
These numbers are bad but at least they do show some of the efforts made have been working. We’ve seen these numbers go down before only to be followed by an increase the following month. Let’s hope they are finally getting it right.
While there were no suicides in November, the Marine Corps’ monthly suicide report, issued this week, showed that the number of troops who attempted suicide in 2010 now exceeds the total for any previous year. Fourteen troops tried to kill themselves in November, the report said, raising that number for the year to 165, one more than the record 164 attempted suicides in all of 2009.
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More bad numbers hidden in spin
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Marine stabbing arrests attributed to 'gumshoe police work'
Marine stabbing arrests attributed to 'gumshoe police work'
Published: Friday, December 10, 2010
Kari Dequine, Times Picayune
Two suspects were arrested late Thursday in connection to the brutal stabbing death of 23-year-old Marine Corps sergeant Ryan Lekosky, who was killed in the French Quarter following a fight with a man who made derogatory comments about Lekosky's wife.
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Marine stabbing arrests attributed to gumshoe police work
Published: Friday, December 10, 2010
Kari Dequine, Times Picayune
Two suspects were arrested late Thursday in connection to the brutal stabbing death of 23-year-old Marine Corps sergeant Ryan Lekosky, who was killed in the French Quarter following a fight with a man who made derogatory comments about Lekosky's wife.
The murder dates back to Oct. 31. After leaving the Marine Corps Ball with his wife around 3:30 a.m., Lekosky was stabbed several times when he allegedly got into an altercation with Clay, who police say was yelling inappropriate comments from his vehicle at Lekosky's wife Kristen.
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Marine stabbing arrests attributed to gumshoe police work
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Marine and Deputy Sheriff Brandon Coates killed in the line of duty
Slain Deputy Brandon Coates laid to rest
By Kelli Cook and Jacqueline Fell, Team Coverage
ORLANDO
Thousands from all over the country gathered to say goodbye to fallen Orange County Deputy Brandon Coates Tuesday.
Coates, 27, was killed Dec. 8 during a traffic stop near Orange Blossom Trail.
Friends, family, and a huge law enforcement turnout packed the First Baptist Church of Orlando.
Hundreds of people in the Orange County community and beyond showed up Tuesday to pay tribute to Coates at a public viewing, also at First Baptist Orlando.
Coates was also a war veteran, and those in the community said his death is a loss for all of Central Florida.
"I myself have three young boys at home,” said Cpl. Scott Jenny from the Orange County Sheriff's Office. “I hope and pray they grow to be just like Brandon one day."
"Brandon was a warrior," said Deputy Robert Ricks.
Those who gathered to say goodbye said Coates was among the best law enforcement has to offer.
Having survived two tours in Iraq as a Marine, it was a local criminal who took his life in a traffic stop.
Friends and family celebrated his life, and his love for his wife Virginia.
"There never before seen such unfaltering love and there's no doubt in my mind they belonged to each other," said Deputy Brian Hummel, Coates’ best friend.
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Slain Deputy Brandon Coates laid to rest
By Bianca Prieto and Walter Pacheco, Orlando Sentinel
1:23 p.m. EST, December 9, 2010
Deputy Brandon Coates, who served as a U.S. Marine, was shot and killed while patrolling one of Orange County's most dangerous areas — a neighborhood near South Orange Blossom Trail known for violent crimes, drugs, prostitution and murder.
"Deputy Sheriff Brandon Coates was indeed a hero and one of the best deputies we have here in this agency," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said today.
Officials said accused gunman Brandon Lyals shot the 27-year-old deputy in the head twice after Coates pulled over Lyals' white truck near Nashville Avenue and 45th Street at about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"What we now know is that there was some kind of struggle, or circumstance that caused Deputy Coates to fire his Taser," Demings said. "At some point, Deputy Sheriff Coates was shot in the head twice and succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where the trauma team worked on him diligently."
Orange County Deputy Shot and Killed
By Kelli Cook and Jacqueline Fell, Team Coverage
ORLANDO
Thousands from all over the country gathered to say goodbye to fallen Orange County Deputy Brandon Coates Tuesday.
Coates, 27, was killed Dec. 8 during a traffic stop near Orange Blossom Trail.
Friends, family, and a huge law enforcement turnout packed the First Baptist Church of Orlando.
Hundreds of people in the Orange County community and beyond showed up Tuesday to pay tribute to Coates at a public viewing, also at First Baptist Orlando.
Coates was also a war veteran, and those in the community said his death is a loss for all of Central Florida.
"I myself have three young boys at home,” said Cpl. Scott Jenny from the Orange County Sheriff's Office. “I hope and pray they grow to be just like Brandon one day."
"Brandon was a warrior," said Deputy Robert Ricks.
Those who gathered to say goodbye said Coates was among the best law enforcement has to offer.
Having survived two tours in Iraq as a Marine, it was a local criminal who took his life in a traffic stop.
Friends and family celebrated his life, and his love for his wife Virginia.
"There never before seen such unfaltering love and there's no doubt in my mind they belonged to each other," said Deputy Brian Hummel, Coates’ best friend.
read more here
Slain Deputy Brandon Coates laid to rest
Orange County Deputy Shot and KilledOrange County Deputy Sheriff Susan Soto holds a picture of Deputy Brandon Coates, who was shot and killed Wednesday. (Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel)
By Bianca Prieto and Walter Pacheco, Orlando Sentinel
1:23 p.m. EST, December 9, 2010
Deputy Brandon Coates, who served as a U.S. Marine, was shot and killed while patrolling one of Orange County's most dangerous areas — a neighborhood near South Orange Blossom Trail known for violent crimes, drugs, prostitution and murder.
"Deputy Sheriff Brandon Coates was indeed a hero and one of the best deputies we have here in this agency," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said today.
Officials said accused gunman Brandon Lyals shot the 27-year-old deputy in the head twice after Coates pulled over Lyals' white truck near Nashville Avenue and 45th Street at about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"What we now know is that there was some kind of struggle, or circumstance that caused Deputy Coates to fire his Taser," Demings said. "At some point, Deputy Sheriff Coates was shot in the head twice and succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where the trauma team worked on him diligently."
Orange County Deputy Shot and Killed
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Accused shoplifter stabbed Marine while collecting Toys for Tots
UPDATE
Stabbed Marine released from hospital
By Kyle Martin
Staff Writer
Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010 3:29 PM
Last updated 11:01 PM
Marine Cpl. Phillip Duggan is out of the hospital and made a toy donation Saturday, friends said, 24 hours after he was attacked by a suspected shoplifter outside Augusta's Best Buy.
read the rest here
Stabbed Marine released from hospital
Marine stabbed by shoplifting suspect on Black Friday
by Terry Graham
Posted: 11.27.2010 at 5:24 AM
AUGUSTA, GA -- A Marine collecting donations for Toys for Tots at Best Buy in Augusta was stabbed in the back Friday afternoon while helping to catch a shoplifting suspect.
Police have identified the injured Marine as 24-year-old Cpl. Phillip Duggan.
read more here
Marine stabbed by shoplifting suspect on Black Friday
Special
Marine Cpl. Phillip Duggan
Stabbed Marine released from hospital
By Kyle Martin
Staff Writer
Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010 3:29 PM
Last updated 11:01 PM
Marine Cpl. Phillip Duggan is out of the hospital and made a toy donation Saturday, friends said, 24 hours after he was attacked by a suspected shoplifter outside Augusta's Best Buy.
read the rest here
Stabbed Marine released from hospital
Marine stabbed by shoplifting suspect on Black Friday
by Terry Graham
Posted: 11.27.2010 at 5:24 AM
AUGUSTA, GA -- A Marine collecting donations for Toys for Tots at Best Buy in Augusta was stabbed in the back Friday afternoon while helping to catch a shoplifting suspect.
Police have identified the injured Marine as 24-year-old Cpl. Phillip Duggan.
Duggan and three other Marines were outside collecting donations for Toys for Tots.
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Marine stabbed by shoplifting suspect on Black Friday
Friday, November 26, 2010
Marines try to make the most of Thanksgiving in Afghanistan
Marines try to make the most of Thanksgiving in Afghanistan
By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 25, 2010
ADRASKAN NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Afghanistan — If he were back home Thursday, Marine Lance Cpl. Chad Berry would have eaten turkey and ham at the home of one of his sets of grandparents in Tennessee. If it was his father’s side of the family, they’d go deer hunting after dinner, then come home and eat some more.
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Marines try to make the most of Thanksgiving in Afghanistan
By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 25, 2010
ADRASKAN NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Afghanistan — If he were back home Thursday, Marine Lance Cpl. Chad Berry would have eaten turkey and ham at the home of one of his sets of grandparents in Tennessee. If it was his father’s side of the family, they’d go deer hunting after dinner, then come home and eat some more.
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Marines try to make the most of Thanksgiving in Afghanistan
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Another Medal of Honor nominee says he does not feel like a hero
MoH nominee says he does not feel like a hero
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 23, 2010 15:50:35 EST
He’s not a hero. Over and over, that’s what former Cpl. Dakota Meyer tells people who ask him about the ambush last year in eastern Afghanistan that led to the death of three Marines, a Navy corpsman and a U.S. soldier.
He didn’t respond any differently than many other Marines would have, the scout sniper says. He simply did his job.
The Marine Corps doesn’t see it that way. In an exclusive, Marine sources told Marine Corps Times that the service has made a formal recommendation that Meyer receive the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor. Gen. James Conway pushed the recommendation up to the Navy Department shortly before retiring as commandant Oct. 22, a source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the Pentagon does not allow officials to discuss military awards before decisions are finalized. Marine Corps Times first broke the story online Nov. 8.
The award still must be approved by the Navy Department, the Defense Department and the White House. If it makes it that far, Meyer, 22, would become the first Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor during the war in Afghanistan. No living Marine has received the award since 1970, during the Vietnam War.
Meyer, a 5-foot-11, 225-pound former high school linebacker with a soft Kentucky twang, sandy-brown hair and a quick wit, still struggles with what happened during the ambush. He left the Corps in June, and now wears a bracelet on each wrist, each engraved with the names of two friends who didn’t make it out of the firefight alive.
On Sept. 8, 2009, he charged into a kill zone on foot and alone near the remote, Taliban-controlled village of Ganjgal, in Kunar province, to find four fellow members of Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, who had gone missing in a fierce firefight, according to military documents obtained by Marine Corps Times earlier this year. They were attacked in an early-morning ambush by about 150 well-fortified insurgents armed with machine guns, AK47s and rocket-propelled grenades.
read more here
MOH nominee says he does not feel like a hero/
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 23, 2010 15:50:35 EST
He’s not a hero. Over and over, that’s what former Cpl. Dakota Meyer tells people who ask him about the ambush last year in eastern Afghanistan that led to the death of three Marines, a Navy corpsman and a U.S. soldier.
He didn’t respond any differently than many other Marines would have, the scout sniper says. He simply did his job.
The Marine Corps doesn’t see it that way. In an exclusive, Marine sources told Marine Corps Times that the service has made a formal recommendation that Meyer receive the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor. Gen. James Conway pushed the recommendation up to the Navy Department shortly before retiring as commandant Oct. 22, a source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the Pentagon does not allow officials to discuss military awards before decisions are finalized. Marine Corps Times first broke the story online Nov. 8.
The award still must be approved by the Navy Department, the Defense Department and the White House. If it makes it that far, Meyer, 22, would become the first Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor during the war in Afghanistan. No living Marine has received the award since 1970, during the Vietnam War.
Meyer, a 5-foot-11, 225-pound former high school linebacker with a soft Kentucky twang, sandy-brown hair and a quick wit, still struggles with what happened during the ambush. He left the Corps in June, and now wears a bracelet on each wrist, each engraved with the names of two friends who didn’t make it out of the firefight alive.
On Sept. 8, 2009, he charged into a kill zone on foot and alone near the remote, Taliban-controlled village of Ganjgal, in Kunar province, to find four fellow members of Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, who had gone missing in a fierce firefight, according to military documents obtained by Marine Corps Times earlier this year. They were attacked in an early-morning ambush by about 150 well-fortified insurgents armed with machine guns, AK47s and rocket-propelled grenades.
read more here
MOH nominee says he does not feel like a hero/
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Marine's Mom sent home from Walmart for Marine T-shirt on Veteran's Day?
Walmart said it was not "up to dress code" but it was under her smock, so who would have see it? The other part that should bother all of us is why wouldn't a t-shirt supporting the military be up to Walmart's dress code standards? Don't they support the troops? Don't they support our veterans to have done this on Veteran's Day? This is not about supporting or opposing war but about a simple act of showing support for her son on a day that belongs to him and others as part of the minority of people willing to serve. Why would anyone complain at all about this or have a problem with this Marine's mom honoring her son?
Walmart employee sent home for wearing US Marine t-shirt on Veterans Day
Walmart says management only wanted to have a conversation about a dress code violation
Henry Rosoff
FOX6 Reporter
10:15 p.m. CST, November 11, 2010
WITI-TV, MT. PLEASANT —
People all over the country are honoring the veterans with patriotic clothing. One Walmart employee says when she tried to honor her son, a Marine who served in Iraq, she was told what she was wearing wasn't appropriate.
Charyl Effle's son Stg. Aaron Nelson was a Marine deployed in Iraq for more than a year. During that time Effle worked where she still does at Walmart in Mount Pleasant, WI. The employee of 12 years says what happened this Veterans Day inside Walmart is no laughing matter. She said, "The Assistant Manager came up to me, and said 'You are not in work apparel. You need to go home.'"
Fighting back tears, and clasping a picture Effle told FOX6 how she was sent home five hours into her shift for wearing a black Marine t-shirt under her blue uniform.
In a statement a Walmart Spokesman says the Associate Manager simply approached Effle about a dress code violation.
read more here
Walmart employee sent home for wearing US Marine t shirt
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Former Marine Cpl. Dakota Meyer nominated for Medal of Honor
Ambush survivor up for Medal of Honor
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 9, 2010 8:40:53 EST
The Marine Corps has recommended that a former corporal receive the Medal of Honor for braving a hail of enemy fire in September 2009 to pull the bodies of four U.S. troops from a kill zone in eastern Afghanistan, Marine Corps Times has learned.
Dakota Meyer, 22, of Greensburg, Ky., was recommended for the nation’s highest award for valor, according to a source with knowledge of the process, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Meyer could become the first living Marine recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. Only one Marine, Cpl. Jason Dunham, has received the award for actions in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he was honored posthumously after throwing himself on a grenade in Karabilah, Iraq, in 2004 to save the lives of fellow Marines.
read more here
Ambush survivor up for Medal of Honor
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 9, 2010 8:40:53 EST
The Marine Corps has recommended that a former corporal receive the Medal of Honor for braving a hail of enemy fire in September 2009 to pull the bodies of four U.S. troops from a kill zone in eastern Afghanistan, Marine Corps Times has learned.
Dakota Meyer, 22, of Greensburg, Ky., was recommended for the nation’s highest award for valor, according to a source with knowledge of the process, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Meyer could become the first living Marine recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. Only one Marine, Cpl. Jason Dunham, has received the award for actions in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he was honored posthumously after throwing himself on a grenade in Karabilah, Iraq, in 2004 to save the lives of fellow Marines.
read more here
Ambush survivor up for Medal of Honor
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Camp Pendleton, 19 year old Marine loses leg after freeway crash
Marine loses leg after freeway crash
By ALEJANDRA MOLINA
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A 19-year-old Marine lost his left leg after he crashed into a guardrail Thursday on the southbound I-5 as he was headed to Camp Pendleton for his morning assignment.
It was about 5:07 a.m. on Thursday when Lance Cpl. Jordon Sickinger veered to the right, crashed into a metal guardrail and rolled over near El Toro Road, the California Highway Patrol said.
A passenger, who is also a Marine, pulled Sickinger out of the car and administered first aid to his wounds, said Donya Larson, who is Sickinger's mom.
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Marine loses leg after freeway crash
By ALEJANDRA MOLINA
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A 19-year-old Marine lost his left leg after he crashed into a guardrail Thursday on the southbound I-5 as he was headed to Camp Pendleton for his morning assignment.
It was about 5:07 a.m. on Thursday when Lance Cpl. Jordon Sickinger veered to the right, crashed into a metal guardrail and rolled over near El Toro Road, the California Highway Patrol said.
A passenger, who is also a Marine, pulled Sickinger out of the car and administered first aid to his wounds, said Donya Larson, who is Sickinger's mom.
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Marine loses leg after freeway crash
Friday, October 29, 2010
NC Marine commander relieved of duty
NC Marine commander relieved of duty
Charged with drunk driving on Monday
Updated: Thursday, 28 Oct 2010, 11:14 AM EDT
Published : Thursday, 28 Oct 2010, 10:00 AM EDT
NC Marine commander relieved of duty
MCAS CHERRY POINT, N.C. (AP) - The colonel in charge of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point has been removed from his command after he was charged with speeding and drunken driving earlier in the week, a Marine Corps spokesman said Thursday.
Col. Douglas Denn was removed by order of Maj. Gen. Carl Jensen "due to loss of confidence in Denn's ability to command," said Maj. Bradley Gordon, spokesman for the Marine Corps Installations East located at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville.
"The relief occurred as a result of an investigation into allegations of Denn driving under the influence that eroded good order and discipline," Gordon said.
Jensen is in charge of Marine Corps Installations East, which covers six Marine Corps bases in the mid-Atlantic region.
Col. Robert Clinton, the executive officer at Cherry Point, has assumed command, Gordon said. Clinton is a CH-46E helicopter pilot and graduate of the Naval War College, Gordon said.
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NC Marine commander relieved of duty
Charged with drunk driving on Monday
Updated: Thursday, 28 Oct 2010, 11:14 AM EDT
Published : Thursday, 28 Oct 2010, 10:00 AM EDT
NC Marine commander relieved of duty
MCAS CHERRY POINT, N.C. (AP) - The colonel in charge of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point has been removed from his command after he was charged with speeding and drunken driving earlier in the week, a Marine Corps spokesman said Thursday.
Col. Douglas Denn was removed by order of Maj. Gen. Carl Jensen "due to loss of confidence in Denn's ability to command," said Maj. Bradley Gordon, spokesman for the Marine Corps Installations East located at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville.
"The relief occurred as a result of an investigation into allegations of Denn driving under the influence that eroded good order and discipline," Gordon said.
Jensen is in charge of Marine Corps Installations East, which covers six Marine Corps bases in the mid-Atlantic region.
Col. Robert Clinton, the executive officer at Cherry Point, has assumed command, Gordon said. Clinton is a CH-46E helicopter pilot and graduate of the Naval War College, Gordon said.
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NC Marine commander relieved of duty
Friday, October 8, 2010
Sgt. Eric Walker, Marine of the Year
Lexington Marine Receives Top Award
WTVQ
WRITTEN BY JACQUELINE SPRAGUE
THURSDAY, 07 OCTOBER 2010 23:44
Sergeant Eric Walker put his life on the line to save an injured fellow Marine. The 30-year-old was honored for those brave actions tonight in the nation's capitol. His parents went with him to Washington DC, the rest of his family back stayed here in Lexington but were still able to watch the ceremony live online. They say now the entire nation can see that he's a hero. Sgt. Walker was named USO Marine of the Year.
WTVQ
WRITTEN BY JACQUELINE SPRAGUE
THURSDAY, 07 OCTOBER 2010 23:44
Sergeant Eric Walker put his life on the line to save an injured fellow Marine. The 30-year-old was honored for those brave actions tonight in the nation's capitol. His parents went with him to Washington DC, the rest of his family back stayed here in Lexington but were still able to watch the ceremony live online. They say now the entire nation can see that he's a hero. Sgt. Walker was named USO Marine of the Year.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Marine Found Dead on Base in Yuma Arizona
MCAS Yuma Marine Found Dead on Base
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- United States Marine Corps Air Station Yuma officials confirmed a marine died on base early Friday morning.
MCAS public affairs officials said Sgt. Martin Servando Cienfuegos, originally from Phoenix, was found dead at 5:13 a.m. Friday in base housing. He was just 24 years old. He is survived by a wife and two children.
Few details have been released about how Cienfuegos died, because the cause of his death is still under investigation.
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MCAS Yuma Marine Found Dead on Base
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- United States Marine Corps Air Station Yuma officials confirmed a marine died on base early Friday morning.
MCAS public affairs officials said Sgt. Martin Servando Cienfuegos, originally from Phoenix, was found dead at 5:13 a.m. Friday in base housing. He was just 24 years old. He is survived by a wife and two children.
Few details have been released about how Cienfuegos died, because the cause of his death is still under investigation.
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MCAS Yuma Marine Found Dead on Base
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Despair turns to hope as Marines and civilians help a family
Despair turns to hope when Marines, civilians join to help family
September 19, 2010 9:43 AM
HOPE HODGE
Marines are fond of the self-description “no better friend; no worse enemy.”
A Jacksonville Marine said he has experienced both sides of that dichotomy with military and veterans healthcare in his battle to get treatment for severe post-traumatic stress disorder and recurring seizures caused by a traumatic brain injury.
During his first deployment to Iraq, from Oct. 2006 to Feb. 2007, Lance Cpl. David Brown, now 23, earned the nickname “mortar magnet” for his knack of being in the wrong place at the right time. After a few close encounters with the blasts, one mortar blew up in his face, rattling his brain, knocking him out and blanking his memory of the time surrounding the incident.
Later in the deployment, a Marine buddy, fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device, died in his arms, making the injuries he would carry with him back to the states emotional as well as physical.
Brown’s wife Brooke said her husband returned home displaying classic symptoms of PTSD: anger, increased use of tobacco and alcohol and depression. He also suffered from head-splitting migraines and a sensitivity to light that forced him to wear sunglasses even indoors, although he seemed physically healthy otherwise.
Brown deployed to Iraq again from late 2007 to May 2008. In September, Brooke said, she witnessed David’s first grand mal seizure during an evening at home: He foamed at the mouth, lost control of his bowels and could not speak. The couple rushed to the Naval Hospital where they said medical personnel ran tests, did a spinal tap and finally released him with light duty orders.
read more here
Despair turns to hope
September 19, 2010 9:43 AM
HOPE HODGE
Marines are fond of the self-description “no better friend; no worse enemy.”
A Jacksonville Marine said he has experienced both sides of that dichotomy with military and veterans healthcare in his battle to get treatment for severe post-traumatic stress disorder and recurring seizures caused by a traumatic brain injury.
During his first deployment to Iraq, from Oct. 2006 to Feb. 2007, Lance Cpl. David Brown, now 23, earned the nickname “mortar magnet” for his knack of being in the wrong place at the right time. After a few close encounters with the blasts, one mortar blew up in his face, rattling his brain, knocking him out and blanking his memory of the time surrounding the incident.
Later in the deployment, a Marine buddy, fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device, died in his arms, making the injuries he would carry with him back to the states emotional as well as physical.
Brown’s wife Brooke said her husband returned home displaying classic symptoms of PTSD: anger, increased use of tobacco and alcohol and depression. He also suffered from head-splitting migraines and a sensitivity to light that forced him to wear sunglasses even indoors, although he seemed physically healthy otherwise.
Brown deployed to Iraq again from late 2007 to May 2008. In September, Brooke said, she witnessed David’s first grand mal seizure during an evening at home: He foamed at the mouth, lost control of his bowels and could not speak. The couple rushed to the Naval Hospital where they said medical personnel ran tests, did a spinal tap and finally released him with light duty orders.
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Despair turns to hope
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Wife of N.C. Marine copes with husband's suicide
Wife of N.C. Marine copes with husband's suicide
By LINDELL KAY, The Daily News of Jacksonville
Jacksonville, N.C. — Katie Bagosy had been a Marine wife long enough to know when two men in uniform showed up at her front door it meant her husband wasn’t coming home again.
But she expected the visit while he was on one of his deployments, not after he went for a mental health session.
Sgt. Tom Bagosy, 25, died May 10 after shooting himself during a confrontation with base police on McHugh Boulevard.
His wife saw it coming a long time before it happened, she said, but felt helpless to stop the self-destruction of the man she loved.
Bagosy joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and married Katie in 2005. They have two children.
He was deployed to Iraq in 2006 and promoted to sergeant in 2007. He joined Marine Corps Force Special Operations Command in October 2008 and was deployed to Afghanistan. During his tours, he earned several medals, including two Combat Action Ribbons and a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, according to information from MarSOC.
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Wife of NC Marine copes with husband suicide
By LINDELL KAY, The Daily News of Jacksonville
Jacksonville, N.C. — Katie Bagosy had been a Marine wife long enough to know when two men in uniform showed up at her front door it meant her husband wasn’t coming home again.
But she expected the visit while he was on one of his deployments, not after he went for a mental health session.
Sgt. Tom Bagosy, 25, died May 10 after shooting himself during a confrontation with base police on McHugh Boulevard.
His wife saw it coming a long time before it happened, she said, but felt helpless to stop the self-destruction of the man she loved.
Bagosy joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and married Katie in 2005. They have two children.
He was deployed to Iraq in 2006 and promoted to sergeant in 2007. He joined Marine Corps Force Special Operations Command in October 2008 and was deployed to Afghanistan. During his tours, he earned several medals, including two Combat Action Ribbons and a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, according to information from MarSOC.
read more here
Wife of NC Marine copes with husband suicide
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Marine who died on U.S. soil body returns to St. Louis
Marine who died on U.S. soil body returns to St. Louis
by KMOV Web Producer
KMOV.com
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 9:36 PM
(KMOV) -- A marine who died last Sunday on U.S. soil had his body return home today.
Authorities said 25-year-old Sgt. Steven Anderson died while stationed at Quantico Virginia. Foul play is not suspected in Anderson's death.
Anderson leaves behind wife Kathryn Donohoe-Anderson, his parents, twin sister and half-sister. Anderson was a part of the Marine Corps. Band.
His funeral will be held at Stygar Mid Rivers Funeral Home Monday.
Marine who died on US soil body returns to St Louis
by KMOV Web Producer
KMOV.com
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 9:36 PM
(KMOV) -- A marine who died last Sunday on U.S. soil had his body return home today.
Authorities said 25-year-old Sgt. Steven Anderson died while stationed at Quantico Virginia. Foul play is not suspected in Anderson's death.
Anderson leaves behind wife Kathryn Donohoe-Anderson, his parents, twin sister and half-sister. Anderson was a part of the Marine Corps. Band.
His funeral will be held at Stygar Mid Rivers Funeral Home Monday.
Marine who died on US soil body returns to St Louis
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Camp Pendleton combat veteran Marines stopped pirates
Marines from Camp Pendleton who stormed pirate-held ship were combat veterans
September 10, 2010
The Marines from Camp Pendleton who stormed a pirate-held ship in the Gulf of Aden were combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, where they learned the skills necessary to disarm and arrest the nine Somalis without firing a shot, their officers said Friday.
"This was not their first rodeo," said Capt. Alexander Martin, commander of the Force Reconnaissance Platoon of the maritime assault team. Martin has served three tours in Iraq.
Lt. Col. Joseph Clearfield, commander of Battalion Landing Team of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, which includes the maritime team, called the mission "a 10 out of 10 on any scale."
Clearfield is a veteran of the Marine assault on Fallouja in early 2004.
Launching Thursday morning from the amphibious transport ship Dubuque, the Marines assaulted in two inflatable boats while a helicopter hovered overhead. Despite resistance, the Marines used ladders to quickly scale the side of the freighter.
Although the pirates had threatened to open fire with their AK-47s, most surrendered quickly when the Marines boarded the German-owned ship. Two were found sitting in the captain's chairs on the bridge of the 436-foot freighter, the Magellan Star.
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Marines from Camp Pendleton who stormed pirate held ship
September 10, 2010
The Marines from Camp Pendleton who stormed a pirate-held ship in the Gulf of Aden were combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, where they learned the skills necessary to disarm and arrest the nine Somalis without firing a shot, their officers said Friday.
"This was not their first rodeo," said Capt. Alexander Martin, commander of the Force Reconnaissance Platoon of the maritime assault team. Martin has served three tours in Iraq.
Lt. Col. Joseph Clearfield, commander of Battalion Landing Team of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, which includes the maritime team, called the mission "a 10 out of 10 on any scale."
Clearfield is a veteran of the Marine assault on Fallouja in early 2004.
Launching Thursday morning from the amphibious transport ship Dubuque, the Marines assaulted in two inflatable boats while a helicopter hovered overhead. Despite resistance, the Marines used ladders to quickly scale the side of the freighter.
Although the pirates had threatened to open fire with their AK-47s, most surrendered quickly when the Marines boarded the German-owned ship. Two were found sitting in the captain's chairs on the bridge of the 436-foot freighter, the Magellan Star.
go here for more
Marines from Camp Pendleton who stormed pirate held ship
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