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2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, Honor Fallen Brother
(November 3, 2010) |
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 MARJAH,
Afghanistan - Throughout history, Marines have been called upon to
fight enemies who oppress people and endanger our country's freedom.
Thousands of Marines have unselfishly stepped into harm's way and
answered that call with their lives. The legacy of past battles,
fallen comrades, and sacrifices for country and Corps has
permanently imprinted their names into history for generations to
come.
Second Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment gathered to honor the life of
Sgt. Frank R. Zaehringer, an assaultman with Weapons Company, 2/9,
during a memorial service here, Oct. 19. Zaehringer made the
ultimate sacrifice, Oct. 11, while conducting combat operations in
Northern Marjah.
A somber silence fell over the crowd as they stood with their heads
bowed in remembrance of their fallen brother.
Lt. Col. James R. Fullwood, the commanding officer of 2/9, took the
podium to memorialize Zaehringer as a man and a Marine.
“Frank was known as a Marine's Marine, a man who was passionate
about his profession but who was also passionate about his friends
and brothers,” said Fullwood. “Frank was also dedicated to his
family and unselfishly wanted nothing but the best for those around
him. He was passionate about life and gave 100 percent of himself to
the mission at hand. Whether that mission was being a Marine, a
husband or a friend, he never held back.”
During the memorial service, Marines who served alongside Zaehringer
were given a chance to pay their respects.
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Sgt. Michael Porter, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2/9,
spoke as if Zaehringer was beside him, overlooking the crowd.
“You, my dear Frankie are a good boy; we are all proud,” said
Porter. “Your mom and dad could never have raised you better and
could never have asked for anything more; none of us could.
You are my friend and my brother in every possible sense of the
word.”
The song, “Amazing Grace,” resounded over the steady breeze,
bringing the memorial service to an end. Close by, a group of
Marines stood at attention, waiting for the command to perform a
21-gun salute.
The detail raised their rifles and fired rounds into the
sky, giving the fallen warrior a final and honorable
farewell.
“I wish that none of our nation's most |
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Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, mourn in front of a battlefield memorial cross rifle display honoring Sgt. Frank R. Zaehringer, an anti-tank missile-man with Weapons Company, 2/9, Oct. 19, 2010 during a memorial service at Forward Operating Base Camp Hanson, Helmand province, Afghanistan. Zaehringer's life was tragically ended Oct. 11, 2010 while conducting combat operations in Northern Marjah.
Photo by USMC LCpl. Andrew Johnston |
precious resource, men like
Sgt. Zaehringer, were lost in this manner,” said Capt. Ronald
Diefenbach, commanding officer for Weapons Company, 2/9. “Men who
struggle for righteousness on foreign soil deserve the honors of our
great nation. Frank's sacrifice was not in vain. One day we shall
look back at our struggle here, and the greatest honor for Sgt.
Zaehringer will come when Afghanistan is free from the bonds of
oppression.”
Sgt. Zaehringer is survived by his wife, Mrs. Cassie L. Zaehringer;
his mother, Sharon K. Zaehringer; and his father, Frank R.
Zaehringer. His awards include the Purple Heart Medal, Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps
Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan
Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. |
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By USMC LCpl. Andrew Johnston
Regimental Combat Team 1
Copyright 2010 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
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