1st Lt. Ronald Winchester (KIA)

(reprinted from ZWire.com, September 16, 2004)

American hero mourned First villager killed in Iraq is laid to rest

First Lt. Ronald Winchester-s flag-draped coffin preceded his family into St. Agnes Cathedral Monday morning. The Stars and Stripes were echoed on his mother-s sweater and on the pins worn on several hundred attendees- jackets. Mourners celebrated the young Marine-s commitment to God and country even as they wept over his loss.

Winchester, 25, was killed by a bomb in Al Anbar Province in Iraq on Sept. 3. The irony that his death occurred so close to Sept. 11 was not lost on his family and friends. Three years ago, Rockville Centre, the community Winchester always called home, was devastated by the loss of dozens in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. At the time, Winchester was already determined to be a Marine, and the attacks only served to strengthen his resolve to fight for the American way of life.
      He cherished a cartoon drawn by a Marine after the attacks that depicts a firefighter in the ruins of the twin towers, handing an American flag to a Marine, who says, I-ll take it from here. Winchester used that cartoon to inspire his troops. The cartoon was reprinted in his memorial program.
      There was also a quote from Winchester: You get a choice to sit on the bench or play the game. I don-t want to sit on the bench. During the service, Ronnie, as friends and family called him, was remembered as a man of action, with moral courage and a love of life.
      The homily was delivered by the Rev. James Williams, whom Winchester met while attending Chaminade High School in Mineola. Williams said his friend wasn-t about mere words and empty promises. He said Winchester set goals for himself and achieved them. Ronnie, thank you, he said.
      Several Rockville Centre residents who lost loved ones on Sept. 11 attended the funeral Mass. Winchester was also saluted by dozens of servicemen and women, veterans and local politicians, including state Senator Dean Skelos, Assemblyman Robert Barra and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi.
      A tremendous flag was hoisted above Maple Avenue for the funeral recessional to drive under, and several residents gathered on the street with flags in their hands. One man pulled his flagpole out of the holder on his house and carried it to the street. Some said they wanted Winchester-s family to know they appreciated his sacrifice.
      During his time in the service, Winchester earned the Purple Heart, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and a National Defense Service Metal.       
      Winchester lived in Rockville Centre, but attended Oceanside public schools before embarking on a distinguished academic and athletic career at Chaminade and the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduating from Chaminade, where he played football and lacrosse, he graduated from Navy in Annapolis in 2001. He continued to play football, and was an offensive lineman.
      Memorial donations in his honor can be made to Ronald Winchester Burse, c/o Chaminade High School, 340 Jackson Ave., Mineola, NY 11501; or the Naval Academy Athletic Association for Ronald Winchester Fund, c/o Football Office, 566 Brownson Road, Annapolis, MD 21402; or the 1st Marine Division Scholarship Fund, In Memory of Lt. Ronald Winchester, 410 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054.