Fallen Marine honored

Marine Link ^ | March 31, 2004 | Staff Sgt. A.C. Mink

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

 
Fallen Marine honored
Submitted by: 3d Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification Number: 2004325155833
Story by Staff Sgt. A.C. Mink



AL ASAD, Iraq (March 25, 2004) -- Inside the hollow walls of an abandoned aircraft bunker, Marines and Sailors gathered Thursday, to pay tribute to Cpl. Andrew Brownfield, killed in action here March 18 in the Al Anbar Province of Western Iraq.

"Andy lived to make other people smile," said Cpl. Stephen S. O'Rourke, Brownfield's friend and fellow aviation ordnance systems technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37, during his tearful memorial.

Brownfield arrived in country approximately one month ago. His unit was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. MWSS-374 is based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

"Corporal Brownfield was an outstanding ordnanceman and truly a professional Marine," said Lt. Col. Peter L. Bowling, MALS-16 commanding officer of the 24-year-old Summit, Ohio, native."He always knew the right thing to do and never faltered in his morals to make the right decision. He always volunteered for the tough assignments and was totally dedicated to his fellow ordnance Marines and the Corps."

Col. Stuart Knoll, MAG-16 commanding officer and honored guest, said in an earlier interview, "I know these things happen, but it is never easy for fellow Marines and Sailors."

Many in the group had tears in their eyes and nodded in agreement as Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, commanding general, 3rd MAW, addressed the group and said in closing, "None of us joined to give our lives ... but there are some things that are more important than life itself."

"Corporal Brownfield volunteered to come to Iraq ... This Marine deserves a lasting place in your memory," said Amos. "I thank God for him and Marines like him."

-30-

Photos included with story:

	Marines and Sailors gathered March 25, to pay tribute to Cpl. Andrew Brownfield, killed in action here March 18 in the Al Anbar Province of Western Iraq. Photo by:
	Cpl. Stephen S. O'Rourke of Fort Wayne, Ind., bows his head and observes a moment of silence for his fellow co-worker and friend, Cpl. Andrew D. Brownfield of Summit, Ohio. O'Rourke spoke to the Marines who gathered at the memorial service March 25, in honor of Brownfield who was killed as a result of enemy action March 18. Photo by: Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte
	Marines gathered March 25 at an aircraft bunker at Al Asad, Iraq, for a memorial service for Cpl. Andrew D. Brownfield of Summit, Ohio, who was killed in action March 18. In attendance were Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general; Col. Stuart Knoll, commanding officer, Marine Aircraft Group 16; and Lt. Col. Peter L. Bowling, commanding officer, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16. Photo by: Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte
	A group of staff non-commissioned officers gathered with other Marines for the sole purpose of honoring a fallen comrade. Killed March 18, Cpl. Andrew D. Brownfield of Summit, Ohio, was the first Marine Aircraft Group 16 Marine killed in action in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His memorial service was held March 25 in an empty aircraft bunker at Al Asad, Iraq. Photo by: Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte
	Cpl. Stephen S. O'Rourke, Fort Wayne, Ind. native, and close friend to the late Cpl. Andrew D. Brownfield of Summit, Ohio, gives an emotional speech about the fallen Marine who was killed in action March 18. Cmdr. An Nguyen, Marine Aircraft Group 16 chaplain, held a microphone for the Marine as he gave an account of his time with Brownfield to the gathered audience. The memorial service was held March 25 in an empty aircraft bunker at Al Asad, Iraq. Photo by: Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte
	Cpl. Michael Cook of Fort Worth, Texas, looks over the memorial created for Cpl. Andrew D. Brownfield, Summit, Ohio native, who was killed in action March 18 at Al Asad, Iraq. While Cook perfected the memorial for the service, Lance Cpl. Mark Hupp, San Diego native, solemnly holds a photo of his fallen comrade. All the Marines worked together as aviation ordnance technicians with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16. The memorial was held March 25 in an empty aircraft bunker on the air station. Photo by: Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte
	Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, delivers words of remembrance and encouragement to a gathered group of Marines. The Marines gathered at an aircraft bunker located at Al Asad, Iraq, March 25, to remember one of their fallen comrades. Cpl. Andrew D. Brownfield, a Summit, Ohio native, was killed in action March 18. Photo by: Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Funeral service held for Akron soldier killed in Iraq

http://www.wkyc.com/akron/akron_fullstory.asp?id=17568

 

Reported by John Kosich
POSTED: Monday, March 29, 2004 4:50:23 PM
UPDATED: Monday, March 29, 2004 8:07:05 PM

AKRON -- Funeral services were held in Summit County on Monday for the Akron marine killed in Iraq.

Twenty-four-year-old Andrew Brownfield died in a mortar attack a week and a half ago. In a moving tribute to the fallen soldier, people from all over came out to line the funeral route in an overwhelming show of support.

Shannon Novoselich of Springfield Township didn't know Brownfield. In fact, he never even heard of the marine corporal before he learned last week of his death in Iraq. Nevertheless, it's a loss he feels deeply.

"The man gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could be free," said Novoselich. "So we had to show our respects to him in any way we can."

He wasn't alone. All along the four-mile route to Holy Cross Cemetery, people lined the streets with flags and signs of support. People like Ginny Derhammer of Clinton who has three grandchildren in the service, one stationed in Baghdad.

"Every time you hear the news, you know you're scared to death it's one of yours," said Derhammer.

Vietnam veteran Dick Meredith of Akron came out a few hours early to make sure the route was lined with American flags.

"We thought this would be good idea to help his grieving family plus help have the community show their support for his family," said Meredith.

Denise Barauskas was there representing her comrades in the 1484th Transportation Company, currently serving in Iraq.

"Even though I'm not over there, I kind of felt like I should be here," said Barauskas.

At Lakeview Elementary, firefighters draped an American flag over Main Street. When the procession finally approached, the crowd grew eerily silent as Lakeview students learned how the privileges and freedoms we all enjoy come at a very real price.

"Hold their flags and stand very proudly, not only for corporal Brownfield, but also for his family," said principal Paul Liikala.

The show of support was born out of a grassroots effort by a Barberton woman who pushed hard to encourage people to come out. She says the turnout was far beyond even what she was hoping for.

 
~ Cpl. Andrew Brownfield ~

 Some gave all. 
 

[Miss Marple]

I believe you were one standing along the route. You probably have seen this story, but I am glad to see it posted on Free Republic.

[McGavin999]

Thank you for your service Andrew, we will not forget.

[Molly Pitcher]

Yes, there were hundreds of people along the 4+ mile route to honor this young Marine on Monday afternoon. Am so glad I was able to participate.

Thanks for the extra info from Iraq, RC.

[DollyCali]

Ping: Ohio fallen Hero...

Corporal Andrew Brownfield

May God give strength and peace to the family as a grateful nation thanks them for Andrew's service & sacrifice.

[blackie]

Fallen Hero ~ You Will Not Be Forgotten ~ Bump!

We are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!

~~ Bush/Cheney 2004 ~~

[Pontiac]

Semper Fi to a friend I never met.

[TrueBeliever9]

"Corporal Brownfield was an outstanding ordnanceman and truly a professional Marine," said Lt. Col. Peter L. Bowling, MALS-16 commanding officer of the 24-year-old Summit, Ohio, native. "He always knew the right thing to do and never faltered in his morals to make the right decision. He always volunteered for the tough assignments and was totally dedicated to his fellow ordnance Marines and the Corps."

"Corporal Brownfield volunteered to come to Iraq ... This Marine deserves a lasting place in your memory," said Amos. "I thank God for him and Marines like him."

I thank God for Corporal Brownfield too! And, I salute you brave Marine, may you rest in peace, and may the Lord comfort your loved ones.

Mom of a Marine

[TrueBeliever9]

Thought you would like to pay a tribute to one of our fallen warriors.

[Fawnn]

May Cpl. Andrew D. Brownfield rest in God's peace. Prayers and condolences for his friends, family, and fellow service members.

[in the Arena]

Never Forget...

[xzins]

May God grant him eternal rest. May his family find comfort in that he gave his life for others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

[flutters]

RIP, Cpl. Andrew Brownfield.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank God for our hero and his family!