My walk this morning was dedicated in honor of:
Marine Pfc. Vincent E. Gammone III, Age 19 of Christiana, TN.
He was KIA Aug. 7, 2010 in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C
He was born in Mineola, NY and was a 2008 graduate of Eagleville High School. He enlisted in the Marines in September 2008
A New Yorker by birth, Vincent Gammone moved to Tennessee with his family when he was 2 years old. When terrorist cells hijacked planes and flew them into the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, Vincent became infuriated and his passion to join the military became stronger. Vincent Gammone had aspirations to join the Navy and to become a military officer once his contract with the Marines expired. His ultimate goal, however, was to become a police officer and raise a family with his fiancee, Jessica West.
PFC. Vincent E. Gammone III completed his last mission 7 August 2010 doing what his friend, Krista said he did best in high school. Reflecting, Vincent would run up to you and be your friend and talk to you even if everyone else was ignoring you. PFC. Vincent E. Gammone III was one of the first to go to the aid of another Marine who had been wounded by the escaped prisoner, who was able to arm himself during his attempted escape. John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
Vincent would have celebrated his 20th birthday 10 August 2010. “This was a brilliant young man. He not only fell in defense of his country, but in defense of his brother Marine. He went to his aid under heavy fire and lost his life,” said Mays.
What an amazing walk this morning. It started off a little cold. The temp was 45 deg. this morning. I was still able to walk 6.49 miles in his honor. Got to meet several people. I want to thank everyone who honked and waved in helping me honor this hero this morning. You all are amazing. Thank you so much.
