Marjah Marines honor fallen San Antonio Marine [Image 6 of 6]

MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN

05.16.2010

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde  

I Marine Expeditionary Force

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, honor Lance Cpl. Christopher Rangel with a 21-gun salute during a memorial service at Forward Operating Base Sher Wali, Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 16. Rangel, a rifleman with 1st Platoon, India Company, 3/6, passed away May 6 while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Moshtarak. The service included readings from the Bible, reflections from his fellow Marines and a chance for the Marines and sailors at the event to pay their final respects to Rangel. The Marines in Rangel's platoon spoke of his ability to keep morale high through his humor, competitiveness and determination. "One time at his first [combined-arms exercise, Rangel] was falling back carrying the [squad automatic weapon]," said Sgt. Jonathan Lopez, a squad leader with 1st Platoon. "I was pushing him, telling him not to give up. He told me something that motivated me to motivate him even more, 'I will never give up sergeant. I'm going to do it for you.' I will never forget that Rangel." Many Marines and sailors got emotional at the event as they said goodbye to their brother for the last time. Rangel, from San Antonio, leaves behind a wife.

• Date Taken: 05.16.2010
• Date Posted: 05.20.2010 04:54
• Photo ID: 280744
• VIRIN: 100516-M-5645B-011
• Resolution: 2850x1870
• Size: 3 MB
• Location: MARJAH, AF