Photo By Sgt. Benjamin Crilly | Marines from Delta Company, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, kneel at the battlefield...... read more read more
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Marines paid tribute to the lives and service of two fallen brothers during a memorial service at Forward Operating Base Rankel, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 2.
Cpl. Kristopher D. Greer and Gunnery Sgt. Floyd E. Holley were killed in action Aug. 8 and Aug. 29, respectively, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Holley, an explosive ordinance technician, was attached to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. The 36-year-old Marine was from Winter Park, Fla., although fellow Marines say that he was Hawaii through and through.
Greer, a combat engineer, was a reservist with Delta Co., 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, from Pebway, Tenn. Greer was activated and deployed with
3rd CEB in direct support of 3/1.
Fellow Marines described through countless stories how both Marines were family men. The two are also remembered by their fellow Marines as experts in their fields, and died clearing the way for Marines to carry on the missions at hand.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Louis C. Lee, the 3/1 chaplain, reminded the Marines, sailors and Afghan National Army soldiers that the year of birth and death are an important part on a person’s tombstone, but the hyphen represents the life they lived. Both of these Marines lived their lives to the fullest and for the safety of others.
“It is difficult to find words that are adequate to capture the meaning and impact of their lives and sacrifice,” said Lt. Col. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding officer of 3/1. “Both men were strong, and both men were beloved by their brothers who stand here today.”
Greer is remembered by his fellow Marines as a leader who led by example and one of the finest combat engineers. Greer, who also served as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown, volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan and was also the first to volunteer to serve with 3/1 during Operation Roadhouse II.
“One thing I can say, first of all, is that he will be missed,” said Cpl. Benjamin R. Ledbetter, a fellow engineer from Delta Co. “Being a firefighter in the civilian world, Cpl. Greer to us was already a hero.”
Holley also was remembered by his peers as a Marine who knew his job, conducting it without hesitation and not letting anything faze him. Marines and sailors who worked with him, barely knew him or only knew of his reputation looked up to him and the example he set.
“I am sure everyone here, working with Floyd and knowing him over the last five months, knows why his reputation would precede him,” said Sgt Matthew T. Jackson, a fellow EOD technician. “His shirt was yours if you wanted it. He was the rock for all of us, especially in (the EOD) community.”
“He was also a social hub and treated his family and friends the same,” said Jackson. “There was no difference.”
Both Marines left a lasting mark and impact on their fellow Marines through their actions and sacrifice.
Their fellow Marines will continue to honor their selflessness, heroism and sacrifice every day, as they work to bring safety and security to the people of Garmsir, said Watson.
Greer’s personal awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO-ISAF Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device.
Holley’s personal awards include the Purple Heart, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO-ISAF Medal and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.04.2010 09:45 |
| Story ID: | 55712 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 609 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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