Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Marine LCPL Rick J. Centanni, Age 19 of Yorba Linda, CA.
KIA Mar. 24, 2010 Operation Enduring Freedom
assigned to the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Camp Pendleton, Ca.
While growing up, LCpl Centanni loved working with a team, spending time working towards baseball and football championships. As a junior and senior in high school, he played as a line-backer on the football team and made a lasting impression on his coach. “He was a great teammate and it’s no surprise at all to me that he chose to join the one other thing with as much camaraderie – the U.S. military,” Centanni’s football coach, Bill Pendleton, said.
He always had an outgoing demeanor, funny personality, and friendly attitude. One high school friend, Andrew, remembered him by saying, “I’ll never forget Rick’s heart. He always wanted everyone to be happy. He continued this by giving his life so we can continue to be happy and have these discussions.”
His ultimate goal was to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a police officer. With this goal in mind, he chose to enlist in the Marine Reserves only 2 weeks after graduating high school, with the hope of graduating from college quickly and starting the application process as soon as possible. As an incredibly motivated individual, he was determined to accomplish his goals while protecting his country through his service.
“He loved what he was doing, and loved the guys he was with over there. He was a great kid, a great son. It’s a terrible loss, and he will be missed,” Jon Centanni, LCpl Centanni’s father, said of his only son.
We had a great 8.24 Mile walk today. We walked by Holiday Hills Lake and then headed out Miller Ave past the CCHS and made a stop at the American Legion . We then headed towards town and made a stop at the War memorial Park where we read some names on the Memorial Wall. We then headed back towards the house. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us today. I also would like to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero today. We had 134 honks today. It was amazing. Thank you.
Marine LCPL Rick J. Centanni will not be forgotten !
