Posted on 03/07/2009 1:04:06 AM PST by ShadowDancer
Former Marine Killed in Iraq
Last Edited: Friday, 06 Mar 2009, 10:38 PM EST
Created On: Friday, 06 Mar 2009, 10:37 PM EST
Ron Savage
RIVERVIEW, Mich. - A former Marine from metropolitan Detroit is killed in Iraq. 25-year-old Justin Pope was working for a U.S. contractor. Friday night, he was remembered as a kind and brave man who wanted to serve his country.
A crowd of more than 100 people gathered to celebrate his life. The Riverview police and fire departments also joined the vigil. It was an evening of prayers, candles and crying.
Pope served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning to the region to work as a contractor. The married father of a seven-year-old boy was protecting U.S. diplomats and dignitaries as a sniper with DynCorp.
"Ever since he was twelve years old, his dream was to become a Marine and serve his country and he did complete his dream," said brother Kevin Pope.
The former Marine was working as a sniper when he was killed by enemy sniper fire. He had been assigned to protect U.S. diplomats in Kirkuk. No one else was injured when Pope was killed.
"Everybody loved Justin. A lot of people idolized him and we're going to miss him. He's a fighter for freedom and a fighter for God. Now, he's a fighter with God," Pope said.
At the vigil, family members and friends shared stories about Justin Pope. They called him a spontaneous jokester who could crack up an entire room with laughter. His brother and father shared an emotional moment. Justin told them his group found a special needs child chained to a wall. He said they freed the child and then re-united him with his family.
Justin also told his family many Americans would not believe what terrorists are doing to innocent people in Iraq.
Pope's body has not been returned to the United States. Funeral arrangements are still pending.
This young man was the brother of one of my youngest daughter's best friends. Their parents are some of the most genuinely decent and kind human beings I have ever met, it goes without saying they are devastated. If anyone would like to leave any words, I thought I might give this to them. I'm hoping it might help, even if only ever so slightly, ease their pain. Thank you.
Sometimes it is indescribable to put into words how reading one short story of someones life and a picture really touches your heart. This one did that to me. God blessed his family with a wonderful human being who's spirit will live in so many others for a lifetime, a true fighter for God. Wishing all who loved him the peace which passes all human understanding.
It says a lot to me that he served two tours, and went back of his own free will.
We live sheltered existences here. We don’t have the wonderful experience of going out to start our car in the morning, only to find the headless bodies of three policemen lying on bloodstained ground.
Yes. He was right when he said we cannot imagine what the terrorist do over there.
ping
God’s blessings on this young man’s soul and may He grant peace and comfort to his loved ones.
God Bless him and his family! It’s sad when we lose some of our best, like this young man, while those leftists who would destroy our country are given a free pass.
My deepest condolences to the family for the loss of this fine young man.
As a Marine, he accepted his final duty station guarding the streets of Heaven.
God Bless this American Family and give them the comfort knowing their valiant son lost his life as a warrior protecting the nation that he loved.
Thank you so much.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
RIP soldier hero.
Isaiah 40:31
Prayers for a fine man.
Marine
Please express to his family the gratitude of my family. I hope that they find some solace in the indebtedness that the rest of us feel we owe to him.
I will, thank you so much.
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