Local Marine Killed In Iraq Helicopter Crash

DAYTON, Ohio -- A Miami Valley family is mourning the loss of the their son, a Marine corporal who was killed in Iraq. Cpl. Richard Gilbert Jr. died in Wednesday's helicopter crash in western Iraq, which killed 30 Marines and one sailor.

Gilbert was a Dayton native who loved serving his country. His family said he joined the Marines Corps just after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 and wanted to help protect America.

Gilbert's mother, Helen, told NewsCenter 7's Jim Otte that she wants everyone to remember her son as a patriotic and caring person.

Gilbert attended Patterson Co-op and Sinclair Community College, prior to joining the Marines Corps. His mother said that her son was interested in politics and wanted to run for office some day.

She also said her son had been in Iraq since last summer and called her on the phone just a few days ago.

The family first thought Gilbert was safe after the crash, but later learned that his unit had been involved. Gilbert's mother said her son died with some of his best friends -- fellow Marines -- on a mission to support the upcoming Iraqi elections