Just so happened to be checking out your site, when I saw the Marine Corps story section. Naturally, I looked through the Afghanistan section, since it's where I fought when I was in. I noticed Lcpl Wilson's parents had posted a picture of him, and I figured I would share not only his story, but the story of all of our fallen.
In April of 2008, 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, out of Twentynine Palms, California, deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. By the end of May, 2008, we were spread out all over Helmand province, with Marines in Now Zad, Bala Baluk, Sangin, Gereshk, and even some in Farrah province. We worked hand in hand with NATO and local forces, and though our "official mission" was to "Mentor and train the Afghani National Army and Afghani National Police," we found ourselves engaged in heavy fighting on a daily basis. Between June and October of 2008, we sustained severe amounts of casualties to include 30 amputees and 20 KIA. And were called the hardest hit Battalion by the Marine Corps Times in 2008. As a Battalion, we awarded Navy Crosses to both Cpl Richie Weinmaster, and Cpl Brady Gustafson, for their conspicuous gallantry. Last I heard, the Battalion was put up for a Presidential Unit Citation, but received a Navy Unit Commendation instead.
Attached is a collage of all those we lost between June and October of 2008. Not shown, is the Interpreter, Mohammad "Peter" Abaid Dawary, whom gave his life attempting to tackle a suicide bomber out of the squad he was patrolling with. Though not a US citizen, he gave his life for the men he was with, and we honored him as a Marine.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about the men I've had the privledge to fight along side. I love every one of you, and I'll see you again some day. Rest in Peace brothers.