3rd LAR remembers fallen brother
The Marines and sailors of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion gathered with friends and family at the Combat Center’s Sunset Cinema Thursday to honor their fallen comrade Lance Cpl. Drew W. Weaver, who was killed in action Feb. 21 in Iraq.
http://www.op29online.com/articles/2008/04/30/news/news01.txt
Pfc. Zachary J. Nola
Combat Correspondent
Weaver, a 20-year-old St. Charles, Miss., native, was a member of Bravo Company, 3rd LAR, and was killed while conducting combat operations in Iraq’s Al Anbar province.
The service began with an invocation by Lt. j.g. Nathan Drake, 3rd LAR chaplain and the playing of the national anthem.
Members of 3rd LAR remembered Weaver as a living testament of the Corps’ values and for his ability to make others smile.
“He absolutely upheld the Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment,” said Drake. “He regained all that for me.”
Marines recalled that Weaver’s professionalism made him stand out amongst other Marines.
“Drew was special to me,” said 1st Lt. Christopher J. Motz, “Drew was special as a Marine. Drew was special as a warrior.”
While recalling the events of that day, Weaver’s brothers-in-arms remembered his commitment to his fellow Marines.
After confronting a group of insurgents Weaver continuously exposed himself to enemy fire in order to shout commands to the Marines he was leading and engage the enemy.
When he caught sight of fellow Marines walking into an ambush, Weaver disregarded his own safety and immediately warned the Marines of the pending threat.
Weaver’s warning drew the enemy’s attention to himself and made it possible for the other Marines to assault the enemy’s position.
Though it cost him his life, Weaver’s courageous and selfless action prevented the looming ambush.
“He was being selfless, he was being a Marine,” said Lt. Col. James R. Parrington, 3rd LAR battalion commander.
In addition to his selflessness and courage, fellow Marines also remember his smile.
“I have no doubt he saved many lives that day,” said Lance Cpl. Jeremy W. Shurtleff, scout, Bravo Company, 3rd LAR. “He was our guardian angel.”
Even as tears were shed, smiles and laughter emerged as friends remembered Weaver’s lighter side.
“He was friendly. He’d greet you with a smile.” said Samuel L. Smalley, grenadier, Bravo Company, 3rd LAR, “If you were having a bad day he’d make it a good day, and if you were having a good day he’d make it a great day.”
Lance Cpl. Weaver’s ability to brighten the lives of those around him seemed to be apparent to all those who knew him.
“He was the type of person who could walk in to a room and brighten it,” said Shurtleff.
After the service ended, the Wolf Pack quietly filed out of the theater. The stage lights remained fixed on the memorial stand in the center of the stage. Only the rifle, boots, and Kevlar adorned with dog tags remained; A symbol of Weaver’s sacrifice.
He gave his life not just for the Marines there with him that day but for the people all over the world who never had the privilege of meeting him.
“If you knew Lance Cpl. Drew Weaver, count yourself among the blessed,” said Motz.