Remembering Gunnery SGT John D. Fry.

Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry could have left the dangers of Iraq after injuring his hand last fall. But the 28-year-old Marine continued working for seven more hours disarming an explosive. Fry was working to disarm another bomb when he was killed in the Anbar province. The explosive ordinance disposal technician was assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics group, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"He laid down his life so other Marines would be safe, and he did it willingly...every EOD tech that is over there does the same thing a hundred times a day, and they don't think about themselves." -Malia Fry

I wear Gunnery Sergeant Fry's bracelet for several reasons. First, Gunny Fry was a Marine. That was the first of my criteria. He exemplified the Corps attributes of honor, courage, and commitment. Despite an injury, he continued to put himself in harm's way to save other Marines. In that particular province, EOD is working every single day, as more and more IED's are found and need disarming. It is, largely, a thankless job, yet they do it anyway. The reason is simple...they want to save lives; the lives of their fellow Marines. Second, Gunny Fry sacrificed himself so that others could live. He knew the risks, yet didn't shrink from his duty. That is what makes a hero. Third, Gunny Fry died on my son's birthday. When I requested a bracelet, I wanted a personal attachment, as well as a professional one. I hold Gunny Fry's memory most dear, and it helps me honor his memory when it's attached to a significant date in the lives of my family. As we celebrate my son's birthday, we also take time to celebrate the life of Gunnery Sergeant John D. Fry, USMC.

The war continues. We have a duty to the men and women of the US Armed Forces. Our duty is to support them, love them, and revere them. They fight in our stead. They sacrifice for our safety and security. Our servicemembers are the best and brightest of America's people, standing for justice and peace against all enemies of the United States, both foreign and domestic. I am immensely proud to have been one of them. I am equally proud to now do my duty and remember them, support them, pray for them, and encourage them. May we always remember that our freedom has a price, and that price has been paid by Marines like Gunny Fry for over 231 years.

May God bless the Fry family, and all those famillies whose loved ones have volunteered to serve. May God continue to bless Armed Forces of the United States.

Semper Fidelis,

Trooper Erik T. Wickman, #457

Washington State Patrol

Puyallup, Washington

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