In Memoriam

Home

LCpl Ryan Kovaciecek

(reprinted from TheReminder.com, July 10, 2005)

 

Lt. Col. Lionel B. Urquhart delivered the following remarks during the memorial ceremony:

Task Force 3/25,

This morning we remember Staff Sergeant Joseph Goodrich, United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal Ryan Kovacicek, United States Marine Corps and Hospital Corpsman Third Class Travis Youngblood, United States Navy.

These warriors were killed while conducting joint security operations with the Iraqi Army against insurgents in the City of Hit, Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Goodrich and Lance Corporal Kovacicek were killed on July 10, 2005. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Youngblood died on July 21, 2005.

Staff Sergeant Goodrich and Lance Corporal Kovacicek believed freedom is precious and worth protecting. Both of their fathers served in the Marine Corps during previous wars. I'm sure their upbringing had a lot to do with their strong sense of duty, honor and commitment. Both men will be remembered for their courage and outgoing personalities.

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Youngblood was an important part of Weapons Platoon, L Company 3/25. He was respected for his medical expertise and commitment to the Marines with whom he served. He was liked because of his sense of humor and sincerity. He was a devoted husband and father.

Last week I was given a copy of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. In his article, Michael Hasch quoted from a letter Staff Sergeant Goodrich wrote. Staff Sergeant Goodrich was trying to explain to his wife Amy why being a Marine was so important to him and how he felt about the veterans of previous wars, "Looking at all the headstones with flags in front of them, I started thinking about who they were, how they lived, how they died and what they did for me. I swore to myself that I would never let them down. They sacrificed and gave to me something that I could never repay, freedom."

I believe I speak for everyone in Task Force 3/25 when I say; Staff Sergeant Goodrich, Lance Corporal Kovacicek and Hospital Corpsman Third Class Youngblood did not let those veterans down. They did not let us or their fellow Americans down, they made the ultimate sacrifice like the hallowed veterans Staff Sergeant Goodrich so admired, that our generation and future generations can continue to enjoy the freedom, we so often take for granted.

It is appropriate that we pay our respects today, but we must also move forward. We must continue to protect the innocent and eliminate the terrorists. We must accomplish our mission; because when all is said and done, our actions will be our most enduring memorial to these brave warriors.

Staff Sergeant Goodrich, Lance Corporal Kovacicek and Hospital Corpsman Third Class Youngblood: May you rest in peace; may God bring comfort to those who mourn you; and may you never be forgotten.

Semper Fidelis.