In Memoriam

BAY CITY (WJRT) - (03/01/07)--A Mid-Michigan Marine has made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Department of Defense says 22-year-old Pvt. First Class Bufford Kenny Van Slyke of Bay City died while conducting combat operations in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq.

Van Slyke leaves behind a wife, Kortni, and a 4-month-old baby boy, Kaiden. His parents say Van Slyke died late Tuesday in Fallujah, Iraq.

He was hit with one bullet that pierced his shoulder and went through his back. His parents, Cindy and Bill Fisher, say it's not clear exactly what happened. They should know more in the next few days.

Van Slykecame from a military family. Both his parents were in the Navy. They say they always joked that it took two sailors to raise a Marine.

Cindy Fisher says Van Slyke was a wonderful father and husband, and that Kaiden was truly the light of his life.

Van Slyke joined the Marines because he wanted to support his family and do some good. He arrived in Iraq in December and had to planned to come home in the next month.

On the Fisher's answering machine, there's message for Van Slyke, saying if it was him calling, his mom says she loves him and is sorry she missed his call.

The last time Cindy Fisher spoke to her son was last week, but this brother and sister talked to him on Sunday.

Funeral arrangements are pending until Van Slyke is brought home to Mid Michigan. The family says that should be in about seven to 10 days.