Photo Information

060205-M-2607O-001 – A Marine from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, places dog tags on the memorial of Sgt. Sean H. Miles during the memorial service on Feb. 5.

Photo by Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen

Fallen Midlothian, Va., native remembered by his unit

5 Feb 2006 | Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen 2nd Marine Division

He had many good qualities that he shared with his fellow Marines, one of the most important was the love he gave to his family.

Second Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, said goodbye to an excellent Marines who was lost in the line of duty, Sgt. Sean H. Miles, a 28-year-old Midlothian, Va., native.

Upon learning of Miles’ passing, the Marines of Company E were left speechless.  Despite the tragic loss of a good Marine, all that knew him agree that he has moved on to a better place.

The Marines from the company gathered in a tent city along with friends and guests from other units aboard Camp Fallujah.

In the assigned area, emblems were placed in memory of Miles.  As the “Marines’ Hymn” played, an M16-A4 service rifle with bayonet was inserted by one Marine into a small pile of sand bags.  A second Marine placed a Kevlar helmet on the butt stock of the down-turned rifle and hung a set of dog tags from the pistol grip.  The last emblem placed was a pair of boots at the base of the sandbags.

Following the invocation by Navy Lt. Teddy L. Williams, battalion chaplain, Lt. Col. James J. Minick, the battalion commanding officer, continued with comments about Miles.

“We honor these men who answered their country’s call and selflessly gave their lives so others may live in peace,” said Minick.  “In our society, we hear the term hero thrown around entirely too loosely.  Athletes and movie stars are often dubbed with this powerful label.  However when a true hero comes along my only hope is that the American people will notice and recognize their achievement, sacrifice, and selflessness.  Sean Miles, without a doubt, is a true hero. ”

“He was a Marine that embodied the spirit of selflessness, service, and dedication to his Marines and his unit,” continued Capt. Timothy S. Brady, Miles’ company commander.  “He was a man of values and integrity.  He cared for the Marines under his own charge as he did for his own family.”

As the Brady’s words lingered with the Marines, Sgt. Myles G. Lockard, friend and fellow member of the company, stepped up to the podium to say goodbye to his comrade in arms.

“Sergeant Miles was the embodiment of what a true family man should be,” Lockard stated.  “He is a great hero and a true friend and I will never forget him.”

Following Lockard’s kind words, Company E first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Dalton V. Pinnock, called role with three Marines answering ‘present!’ Then he called Miles’ name.

“Sergeant Miles … Sgt. Sean Miles … Sgt. Sean H. Miles!”

There was no reply.

“Present Arms!” commanded Brady to the company.

The Marines and sailors in attendance saluted as “Taps” was played to honor their fallen comrade.

“Dismissed!” commanded Brady.

The Marines quickly formed a line to say a personal farewell to Miles before the emblems at his memorial.  Many of the Marines snapped a salute and touched his Kevlar helmet to show their respect.

“At the moment of his death he responded as only true heroes do, without hesitation thrusting himself between the enemy and his fellow Marine,” Brady stated.