In Memoriam

Saying goodbye to a Marine

Post staff report
 

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Tyler Swisher, a native of Mariemont, was eulogized Tuesday as an "American hero" who believed the war in Iraq is essential to preserving freedom.

Swisher, 35, was killed Oct. 21 by a roadside bomb in Iraq during his third tour of duty there.

"Today, we say farewell to a fallen warrior, an extraordinary leader, one who died for freedom, one whose memory we all need to honor forever," U.S. Army Brig. Gen Jeff Foley, also a native of Mariemont, told about 400 people at a memorial service for Swisher.

"He is an American hero that gave everything so that others he loved, and his fellow Americans, can continue to live free from fear. Tyler did something wonderful and significant for so many of us."

Swisher also was recalled as a devoted family man. He leaves his wife, Stephanie, and three children, Ashleigh, 15; Madison, 7, and Jacob, 5.

He will be buried Thursday at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

Swisher was accorded military honors at Tuesday's memorial service at Crossroads Community Church in Oakley.

A black hearse bearing his body was followed by a rider-less horse with a boot turned backward in the stirrup.

Marines fired a 21-gun salute, a bugler played Taps and two bagpipe players in kilts played the Marine Hymn.

As a backdrop, two fire trucks formed an arch with aerial ladders and a huge American flag was draped from the arch.

Swisher family spokesman Jack Buckholz of Madeira said Tyler Swisher was committed to winning the war in Iraq.

"When he was killed he was leading 200 men in his company in Iraq," said Buckholz. "It was his third tour over there, and he loved it.

"He absolutely believed in what his country was doing. He said the media back here doesn't portray the real picture of the good that we're doing there.

"Unfortunately, a roadside bomb is indiscriminate. Losing his life for his country like that was a tragedy for all of us."

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Gary McCullar, who served with Swisher, said most people have many acquaintances but often only have one true friend and he described Swisher as "my one true friend."

"Tyler died doing what all Marine officers aspire to do - lead Marines in combat," said McCullar. "Tyler never faltered. Tyler did it right."

Friends who grew up with Swisher recalled the fun times they had in childhood.

"I remember sitting in the Mariemont Theater all day, watching 'The Empire Strikes Back' all day long," said Todd "Smiley" Smith, who stood near Swisher's casket and spoke directly to his boyhood buddy.

"You were always there for me more than I was there for you," said Smith. "I could count on you to tell me right from wrong. I could count on you to stick up for me, and you taught me to stick up for myself.

"I've always looked up to you and can't begin to say how proud I am of you. You made the ultimate sacrifice for your country, and you are truly a hero. I am lucky and blessed you were part of my life."

Julia Mace, another childhood friend of Swisher's, fought back tears as she recalled their good times together.

"Tyler leaves behind a lot of broken hearts. I know mine is," she said.

Dr. R. Carter Bobbitt Jr., Swisher's cousin, said the death of Swisher prompted an array of emotions - "love for Tyler, unspeakable sadness at his loss, confusion, perhaps even anger."

Bobbitt said Swisher "was a hero in every sense of the word. He died for a cause that he believed in, and he lived a life worth living."