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Posted on 07/08/2003 6:28:31 AM PDT by RedBloodedAmerican
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) - A Marine who was part of the unit that helped rescue Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch died in a car crash on his first weekend back home since returning from Iraq. Josh Speer, 21, who was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., veered off an Upstate road, overturned several times and struck some trees as he was heading to see his fiancee. Kent Dill, a Greenville County deputy coroner said Speer, 21, died on the scene about 8 a.m.
Capt. Shawn Turner, a Marine Corps spokesman, said Speer served with the Marine unit that aided in Lynch's rescue. Turner said details of what Speer's unit did to help Lynch, the Army private captured to Iraqis, were unavailable.
Speer had only recently returned to the United States. His family said he was back home in Marietta for the first time Thursday.
Holly Coupe, his fiancee, said Speer wrote her from Iraq, promising that, "The first thing I do when I get back is put a ring on your finger."
The couple went to a local amusement park this past weekend, but she expected Speer to give her the ring when they were to go hiking next week.
"I lost him, but it's the Lord's will," Coupe said. "It's hard to accept, but I have to. He has bigger plans for him."
Family and friends fondly remembered Speer.
"He loved God, his family and his country," said his mother, Shirley Speer.
John Speer, the Marine's father, said he was proud of his son's service, which he recalled was brought on by the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"We trained our children to be patriotic and God-honoring people," John Speer said.
Dan Eshleman, the pastor of Faith Independent Church, said the young man asked him if should enlist. Eshleman counseled Speer to do the will of God. Speer joined the Marines by November 2001.
"This was his way of doing something to counteract what they had done," Eshleman said. "He gave it his all."
Speer was wearing his seat belt when he ran off the right side of State Highway 11 and overturned several times, state Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Dan Marsceau said.
Speer was the youngest of seven children. His family said he planned to make the Marine Corps his career.
William Coupe, Holly's father, said he was proud of Josh Speer.
"Out of everybody, you want your daughter to marry, he's the guy," he said. "I loved him like a son."
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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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Rest in peace, Marine. Your service will not be forgotten.
11. Unlike other servicemen and women who have been allowed to speak freely about their experiences in Iraq, none of the personnel who were involved in the March 23 ambush and subsequent rescue have been permitted to discuss their specific role in those operations. The families of those who died have a right to know the circumstances of their death. Those who survived or performed heroically also deserve recognition and the opportunity to tell their stories in more than limited “welcome home” stories. One serviceman currently fears for his career because he identified himself as a member of the April 1 rescue team.
Hmmmm....
Thanks, Hillary's Lovely Legs for giving me the link.
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