My walk this morning was dedicated to Marine Lance Cpl. Kurt E. Dechen, Age 24 of Rockingham, VT.
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, while attached to Regimental Combat Team 5, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
Mr Dechen died of wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq during operation Iraqi Freedom.
His hobbies included fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, working on cars, driving his corvette, being in the outdoors and being with his German Shepherd “Zoe”. He especially enjoyed spending time with his close friends
His fellow Marines and friends remembered him most for his ability to make any situation better with a smile, passion for his family and love of being a Marine.
Dechen reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., for basic training in October 2002. Upon graduation of the Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Geiger, N.C., in 2003, he obtained the military occupational specialty of 0351, assaultman. He reported to C Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division in 2003 where he served as an assistant gunner and as a team leader. In December, 2005, he volunteered to deploy with his unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
He made a difference. Honor, Respect, Remember !