Articles 5.29.2005

The Tampa Tribune has an article on the funeral services for Sgt Antawn Walker, of the 2nd FSB, who was killed in Ramadi on 5.18.2005. His funeral on 5.28.2005 occured the day before what would have been his 23rd birthday (he was also scheduled to return home on R&R today). More than 200 people attended the service. A letter was read at the funeral from Sgt Walker's commander. The letter "stated he was exactly the kind of a soldier any commander would want. He was strong, confident, competent and a caring leader. "He was full of life and lived life to the fullest," Risher read. "He was a loving father and devoted friend. He was a valuable member of the team."
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The Baltimore Sun has an article on a wounded 2nd BCT soldier. Cpt William Jones was a Company in the 1-506th before he was wounded by small-arms fire in November. He is speaking today at a Unitarian Universalist service, giving a talk entitled "Remembering Iraq: A Soldier's Journey." In the article, Cpt Jones describes specific firefights in Khalidiyah, including the one in which he was injured.
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The Billings Gazette, MT, has an article on a 2nd BCT Soldier home on leave. Capt. Travis Norby, of the 1-9th, returned home on Saturday. The article describes "a bit of romance" as Cpt Norby "came home for a two-week leave to meet the woman he's only known by e-mail and phone."
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The North County Times, CA, has an article on a support group for spouses of Marines in the 1/5 Marines. The group, called the Key-Volunteers, appears to be the Marine equivalent of the FRGs. In the article, several wives describe the group and its benefits.
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A Marine Corp news article reports on a promotion ceremony for 4 Marines of the 1/5 Marines. Adam W. Burch, Declan J. Lynch, Douglas R. Orr and Eldon W. Beck were all promoted to 1st Lieutenant.