Eleven years ago today, I had the honor of listening to Gold Star dad John Wroblewski perform a memorial service on Rt Gypsum in Ramadi, Iraq for his son, 2nd Lt. J.T. Wroblewski and the other 12 men of 2/4 Marines that were KIA in an ambush there on 6 April 2004. Accompanying John was (then) USMC LtGen John Kelly, PSD Company Marines, and Cpl Angel of 2/8 Marines who shot video of the memorial service while I took still photos.
Despite the nearly 15 years since these brave warriors paid the ultimate sacrifice, not a day goes by that they are not missed by their families, friends, and Marine brothers. I have had the honor of meeting some of these fellow Marines who have been kind enough to share stories of their Fallen brothers. 13 men of 2/4 died on 6 April 2004, but 2/4 Marines lost 34 men during this 2004 deployment. If we remember them and share their stories, then these heroes and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Here are the names of these Fallen Warriors and the dates they fell in combat from a list provided by Sean Schickel:
Lcpl Andrew S. Dang 3/22/2004
Lcpl William J. Wiscowiche 3/30/2004
Pfc Geoffery S. Morris 4/3/2004
2Lt John T. Wroblewski 4/6/2004
Ssgt Allan K. Walker 4/6/2004
Hm3 Fernando Mendez-Aceves 4/6/2004
Lcpl Benjamin R Carman 4/6/2004
Lcpl Marcus M. Cherry 4/6/2004
Lcpl Travis J. Layfield 4/6/2004
Lcpl Anthony P Roberts 4/6/2004
Pfc Christopher R. Cobb 4/6/2004
Lcpl Kyle D Crowley 4/6/2004
Pfc Ryan M. Jerabek 4/6/2004
Pfc Deryk L. Hallal 4/6/2004
Pfc Moises A. Langhorst 4/6/2004
Pfc Christopher D. Mabry 4/6/2004
Pfc Eric A. Ayon 4/9/2004
Lcpl John T. Sims 4/10/2004
Cpl Jeffery G. Green 5/3/2004
Cpl Dustin H. Schrage 5/3/2004
Lcpl Jeremiah E. Savage 5/12/2004
Lcpl Benjamin R. Gonzales 5/29/2004
Lcpl Rafael Reynosasuarez 5/29/2004
Pfc Cody S. Calavan 5/29/2004
Cpl Bum R. Lee 6/2/2004
Lcpl Todd J. Bolding 6/3/2004
Cpl Tommy L. Parker 6/21/2004
Lcpl Pedro Contreras 6/21/2004
Lcpl Juan Lopez 6/21/2004
Lcpl Deshon E. Otey 6/21/2004
Sgt Kenneth Conde Jr. 7/1/2004
Lcpl Jonathan W. Collins 8/8/2004
Lcpl Caleb J. Powers 8/17/2004
Lcpl Nick N. Aldrich 8/27/2004
