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 Lance Cpl. Jonathan L. Smith, 22 years old from Eva, Alabama. Jonathan grew up in Sandhill, Ga. and then moved with his family to Cullman in 1998. His father, Gary Smith said his son decided to join the military after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He enlisted in the Marine Corps immediately after his graduation from A.P. Brewer High School in May of 2002. He was assigned to the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. He was based there before being deployed to Iraq. Staff Sgt. Smith was killed on June 6, 2005 of wounds sustained in an explosion while conducting combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq. His father said family members had received few details about his son's death. "We were all just so proud of him." Gary Smith said. "I think we were more proud of him than he was of himself. We all thought what he was doing was just so brave, and I don't think he saw it that way. He was really a hero." Family friend Craig Johnson said during the hour-long ceremony, "He was exceptional. The 9/11 attacks became personal for him, and he decided to join the Marines. He decided to join because he was willing to sacrafice." "Jonathan realized after the terrorist attacks that he needed to do his part." Camp Lejeune Chaplain Emory Lussi said. "We have the ability to drive to Texas or vote at the polls or put our kids in any school we want. It's great to have that kind of freedom, but that freedom comes with a price. You're looking at that price here today." Ronnie Pugh, a coworker of the fallen Marine's father said "This really hits home for us." Pugh's own son had returned from a tour in Iraq with the Marines. "I just can't imagine what it must be like for a parent to go through something like this." Lawrence Larry Sepanski, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the state of Alabama had this to say, "I'm here honoring one of our fallen comrades. We try to make it to as many services for fallen Alabama comrades as we can. Attending these services seems like the least we can do." Staff Sgt. Smith was buried with full military honors at Cullman Heritage Cemetery, and his parents were presented with a Purple Heart and American Flag. |
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�2007 Fallen Heroes/NASCAR World
