Fuel for Thought
Veterans Day
Many of the members of my family and friends are Veterans. My stepdad served in the Marine Corps and has shared many of his stories with me. His dad was in the military as well. My grandfather and grandmother on my dads side both served. One of our closest friends, John also served in the Marines.
Today, I would like to share with you the legacy of one of my elementary school friends, USMC Lance Corporal Justin Ellsworth, of Mt. Pleasant, MI.
I first met Justin while I was attending Mecosta Elementary School, part of the Chippewa Hills School District. I was in the fifth grade. It was an awkward time in my life growing up. I was bigger than most of the kids, and was made fun of quite a bit. Justin was considered to be a "bad kid" because he was hyperactive, and a bit unruly. Then again, what 11 year old boy isn't? He stuck up for me all of the time, while others made fun of me. I remember him getting into a fight with a boy over snapping my bra strap. There were many other times that he stuck up for me as well. My parents divorced the summer between 7th and 8th grade, and I never saw him again, but he was a person that I was never going to forget. Not only did he do things to protect me from the cruelty of others, he was just a kindhearted person.
The war in Iraq began my senior year of high school. Many of my friends enlisted in the Military and were sent off to boot camp and various regions of the world. I followed their progress, as there were social media pages set up for them, email chains, and church prayer lists. I will never forget the day that the message was posted on Myspace, that Justin was coming home, to be laid to rest. The following is an exerpt from his memorial webpage. JustinEllsworth.com
"
For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Combat Engineer, 2d Platoon, Company A, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II on 13 November 2004. While conducting a dismounted combat patrol,
Lance Corporal
Ellsworth, received an initial reading on his metal detector indicating the potential for a possible improvised explosive device. He realized that the potential explosive device was only 50 meters away from the patrol base and numerous Marines were in the near proximity, he immediately focused his efforts to identify and neutralize the threat to his unit.
Demonstrating a complete disregard for his own personal welfare, he selflessly moved forward exposing himself to the potentially lethal effects of the explosive. Once
Lance Corporal
Ellsworth positively identified the location of the improvised explosive device, determined that it was not wired and it that it was in all probability a remote controlled device, he immediately sounded the warning for his fellow Marines to clear the area. Only seconds later, the
improvised explosive device
was detonated by the enemy mortally wounding
Lance Corporal
Ellsworth.
There were a total of 11 Marines within 30 meters of the detonation, and another four Marines within 30 meters.
Lance Corporal
Ellsworth courage and decisive actions placed him in a position in which he absorbed the majority of the blast and prevented further loss of life or injury to the members of his team and platoon. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions and exceptional dedication to duty,
Lance Corporal
Ellsworth reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service"
4 months after his 20th birthday, he gave his life for his country. Never forget that freedom isn't free, and may we continue to honor those who serve, those who have, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Jenny Marcu
Leased to Load1
2006 Sprinter