Semper Fidelis
More than a motto, a way of life that distinguishes the Marine Corps bond from any other. It goes beyond teamwork – it is a brotherhood and lasts for life.
Latin for "always faithful," Semper Fidelis became the Marine Corps motto in 1883. It guides Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what.
Becoming a Marine is a transformation that cannot be undone, and Semper Fi reminds us of that. Once made, a Marine will forever live by the ethics and values of the Corps.
There is no such thing as an ex-Marine.
"For 221 years our Corps has done two things for this great Nation. We make Marines and we win battles."
~ Gen. Chalres C. Krulak, USMC (CMC): 5 May 1977
Lance Cpl Christopher O. Grant
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I Got The News Today (IGTNT) , which is the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The IGTNT title is a reminder that nearly every day the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
Since 2001 we have lost 2289 American troops in Afghanistan and a total of 3393 American and coalition forces.
DoD Identifies Marine Corps Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Christopher O. Grant, 20, of Richwood, La., died Oct. 20, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
~ DoD News Release
Lance Cpl. Christopher O. Grant, 20, of Richwood, Louisiana
Christopher "Chris" Grant grew up in the small town of Richwood which has less than 3,000 residents and was a 2012 graduate of Richwood High School where he was described as a bright student with much potential. Chris was involved in numerous school activities, including choir, football and track. He was also an esteemed member of the JROTC program. The school flew its flag at half staff last week in his honor.
According to Richwood High School Principal Sharilynn Loche:
His real love was the JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) program here at Richwood High School. He was very active in the program and showed a lot of leadership skills.
Loche went on to add this:
Chris was a really good student, he was very pleasant, he had a positive attitude and was very respectful to everyone on this campus. He was the kind of student you’d want all of your students to model.
He could have gone on to college and been very successful, but he chose to serve his country, which I think is very admirable.
After graduation Grant enlisted in the Marines with Camp Lejeune as his first duty station. Grant was promoted to Lance Corporal on June 1st and on September 21st he left for a seven-month deployment in Afghanistan, his first and only deployment.
Just prior to deployment, Chris posted this video of himself singing on his facebook page.
Fellow Marine Seth Mcleod posted this on Grant's facebook page:
Rest in Peace brother. You were a great friend an an even better Marine. Its been an honor serving with you. I know God will be honored to have such a noble hero guarding the gates of Heaven. Semper Fidelis
Fellow Marine Johnny Hash posted this tribute to his friend on his
facebook page
I really do appreciate all the post and pictures and recognition that people have been giving Grant. Even though he is gone his name lives through all of us in second platoon. He will be missed dearly but I know in my heart that he is in a better place and feels no pain. I will love you always brother and know that unroll my day comes you will be beside me watching over and helping me out with the struggles that I face. And even though I know you can't read this. I know you can see it and so I will say it to help me come to peace. No matter how many more days I have left I will live them in remembrance of you and will do all the things that we had planned and think of you every day. I love you brother and dolt worry I got your family from here on out. I'll take care of them as I had promised to take care of you!
Lance Cpl. Grant showed wisdom beyond his years when he posted this observation months before he graduated:
There are people in my life that will not allow me to fail even if i mess up and want to quit. They push me and tell me that i have to be successful. They push me harder then my parent(s) do. (These) are the people that you need.
Lance Cpl Christopher O. Grant's awards include the Global War on Terror Service Medal and the National Defense Medal.
Lance Cpl Christopher O. Grant's family have not shared any information with the media. Our hearts go out to them in their time of grief.
~ Source ~ Source ~ Source
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About the IGTNT series:
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifice of our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin, TheFatLadySings, Joy of Fishes, and me, JaxDem.
These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but are an important service to those who have died, and show our community’s respect for them. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
Sgt Bowe R. Bergdahl
The only known current Prisoner of War is Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl, 26 who was captured by the Taliban in June of 2009. Five propaganda videos featuring Bergdahl have been released by the Taliban. A website has been established with the most up-to-date information on Sgt. Bergdahl.
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Please keep good thoughts and prayers for Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.