MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines and sailors from 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion solemnly gathered to mourn the loss of their fellow Marines killed in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2d LAR recently returned from a seven-month deployment in Iraq. While there, the Marines performed various duties to aid the country in reconstruction. From patrolling in light armored vehicles looking for anti-Iraqi activity to helping rebuild critical structures in nearby towns, 2d LAR did their part to help the people of Iraq.
A few Marines gave all they had.
The memorial service was held for Pfc. Nathan Clemons, Lance Cpl. Tenzin Dengkhim, Lance Cpl. John Mattek Jr., Cpl. Clifton Mounce, Sgt. Bryan Opskar and Cpl. Christoper Winchester Oct. 28.
During the emotional ceremony some of the Marines closest to the fallen warriors spoke about the good times they shared and the personalities of their lost friends.
Cpl. Winchester is someone that I will never forget. He is the kind of person that you meet once in a lifetime, a Marine close to Winchester said.
Cpl. Mounce was so easy to get along with. Every night before we would go to sleep he would find a way to make me laugh, the Marines continued.
John Mattek was truly one of a kind. He was an outstanding Marine. He was my best friend and he will be missed, a close friend of Mattek explained.
While we were in Iraq, Dengkhim did his best to make sure that the Marine beside him was safe. He always had a smile on his face.
“Sgt. Opskar had a very infectious personality. He laughed out loud when he needed to and he was very stubborn and hard-nosed when he had to be,” Gunnery Sgt. L. Carter, Company C, stated. “I’ll miss the little things the most. He was a great guy. He was respected and trusted by his peers and admired by his juniors.”
Clemons was born on September 27, 1984 in Jacksonville, Fla. Dengkhim was born on July 18, 1985 in Dharamshala, India. Mattek was born on September 12, 1980 in Antigo, Wis. Mounce was born July 28, 1982 in Tupelo, Miss. Winchester was born on November 13, 1981 in Milton, Fla. and Opskar was born on February 14, 1973 in Princeton, Minn.
The Marines’ company commanders also spoke on their behalf.
Sergeant Maj. A. Johnson, battalion Sgt. Maj., recited the Marine’s prayer and roll call of remembrance followed by the benediction given by Lt. R. S. Clarke, battalion chaplain.
After the playing of TAPS and the retiring of the colors the Marines consoled the fallen Marine’s family members.
Some Marines make the ultimate sacrifice in order to serve their country and that was the case with the brave Marines of 2d LAR who died defending freedom.