Cpl. Jesse L. Thiry, U.S.M.C (KIA)

Casco's Thiry remembered as 'a real energetic kid'

A Casco man who joined the Marine Corps shortly after graduating from Luxemburg-Casco High School in 2000 is being remembered fondly in the days following his combat death in Iraq.

The Department of Defense announced Wednesday that Cpl. Jesse L. Thiry, 23, died Monday due to injuries received from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Thiry, who had been in Iraq for about a month, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Family members said Thiry had volunteered for duty in Iraq, leaving behind the safety of a stateside training assignment in Quantico, Va.

"He wanted to serve his country and protect his country," said Sue Thiry, his stepmother. "He wanted to fight for his country, so he asked for a transfer."

She said her family knew little else about how he died.

"We're numb," she said. "It's minute by minute, hour by hour."

An American flag and U.S. Marine Corps flag hung on the railings of the Casco home's front deck. Inside the farmhouse, a large framed photo of Thiry sat on the kitchen table.

Thiry was one of eight children. Most of Tuesday was spent notifying family, including Jesse's fiancee, Jamie Johnson.

Thiry's parents delivered the news to Johnson at her work.

"I knew," Johnson said. "There were no questions asked. I knew right away. I said, 'Don't say it, because I don't want it to be true.'"

Thiry was set to leave the Marine Corps in November.

Thiry and Johnson - who dated for nearly five years - became engaged in August. They planned to marry on May 14, 2005.

Luxemburg-Casco principal Steve Okoniewski said Thiry "was a real energetic kid."

Okoniewski noted Thiry participated in wrestling and track at L-C. After seeing him following his entrance into the Marines, Okoniewski said Thiry seemed to have an "air of maturity."

"The Marines seemed to be good for him," Okoniewski said.

Thiry's honors in the military include being awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

While Thiry's arrangements have yet to be finalized, Okoniewski said the school's facilities would be made available to help out Thiry's family, if requested.

Okoniewski noted two boys who are younger brothers of Thiry's presently are a sophomore and a senior at L-C.

Thiry is the first Kewaunee County resident to have been killed in the present conflict in Iraq.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.