LCpl Tyler Troyer - Another American Hero

Each loss of one of our troops is hard. This one is personal. LCpl Tyler Troyer went through grade school and junior high with my son, LCpl Shane Conrad. He and Shane knew just how to push it . . . and when to stop. If I got a call from the South Shore Elementary principal during 2nd or 3rd grade, I could be fairly sure that Tyler's name would come up too. At Shane's 3rd grade birthday sleepover, Tyler and Shane were not happy that I wouldn't let them camp outside (in January!) so they built a tent under an antique table, sending the table and everything on it crashing down on the floor. But, they apologized and fixed it.

They played baseball on opposing teams in high school - Tyler wearing the blue and gold of West Albany, Shane wearing red and gray to represent South Albany. But, after high school, they both wore the same uniform - that of the United States Marine Corps.

And, although they broke things in Iraq, they worked on fixing things too. LCpl Troyer, along with the other 2/2 Marines with whom he served, was no better friend to the citizens of Iraq.

Last week, a sniper took the life of LCpl Tyler Troyer as he provided security in the Kharma AO.

While home on leave last summer, my son went to Tyler's pre-deployment party. Now, he has gotten permission from his 1/7 command to extend his Thanksgiving leave so that he can be there for his funeral. He's hoping to serve as pallbearer at Tyler's memorial services next Wednesday - his final tribute to a Marine of honor and a friend who was as close as a brother.

I will pass along condolences to Tyler's family. If you want to send a note, e-mail me at deb@marinecorpsmoms.com. I will print out each note and deliver it to his parents.

Cards can be mailed to:

Posted by Deb at 11:41 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack