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GySgt Edward Reeder (KIA)
(reprinted from The Jacksonville Daily News, September 5, 2004)
War always takes some of our best
The late author, Lois McMaster Bujold, once said, "Any community's arm of force - military, police, security - needs people in it who can do necessary evil, and yet not be made evil by it."
Undoubtedly, Edward "Pete" Reeder was such a person.
Reeder, a gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, died last month as a result of a vehicle accident while stationed in Iraq.
Although he died in a country beset by war, Reeder lived his life not for conflict but as a true humanitarian.
A family man who donated his time and effort to the community in which he lived, Pete Reeder flourished as a member of the Swansboro Rescue Squad.
Well-liked and admired, he is remembered by fellow squad members as dedicated, hard-working, and a good and loyal friend. Professionally, he journeyed well beyond what was expected of him, and in turn used that acumen to give aid where it was most needed.
Reeder played an important role on the squad. He was skilled at vehicle extrications and certified as a member of the SIRT, the squad's special rescue team. There is no doubt that people are alive today due to Reeder's skills and devotion to duty.
His death leaves the squad scrambling to replace a valuable member with important skills - but there are some things can never be replaced, such as the quality Reeder brought to his volunteer activities, his dedication in maintaining his skills and the compassion he gave to those to whom he ministered.
Sadly, Reeder isn't the only Marine or sailor with connections deep in the community to perish in this latest war in Iraq. The community has lost many of its best citizens. Marines such as Reeder, trained as warriors, also possess an uncommon sense of duty. That duty leads them to apply their high principles to every corner of their lives, including their free time.
As a result, the civilian communities where they live are gifted with men and women who bring with them the rare ability to be both fierce and humane, tough and yet gentle.
As a group of professionals, they make liars of those who see the military as a breeding ground for thugs.
It is this seeming contradiction that Reeder personified - a man trained to fight in defense of his country but also one who willingly sacrificed his time to preserve the lives of others.
This is what Marines are made of. This is what they do.
Camp Lejeune already has lost more than 40 service members in the war in Iraq. Because of the special qualities of each one, Onslow County mourns every time an individual is lost, no matter what the cause, no matter where the place.
When the Pete Reeders of this world leave us, the whole community feels the pain.