Today my walk was dedicated in honor of:
Marine 1st Lt. Ronald Winchester, Age 25 of Rockville Center NY.
KIA Sept. 3, 2004 Operation Iraqi Freedom
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, CA.
He was killed just eight days after starting a second tour in Iraq.
1st Lieutenant Ronald Winchester of Rockville Center, New York lived in Rockville Centre but attended Oceanside public schools before embarking on a distinguished academic and athletic career at Chaminade High School in Mineola and the U.S. Naval Academy. He was as a solid athlete and well-liked by his peers. After graduating from Chaminade, where he played football and lacrosse, he graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 2001. He continued to play football, and was an offensive lineman. He was a mentally, physically and emotionally tough person. Ronnie was the kind of kid who would make any parent proud. For Ronald there were no endless discussions about what he should do with his life. It was always clear to him and everyone who knew him that he was born to be a Marine. He believed in the Corps, and was ready and willing to give his life to defend freedom.
Winchester grew up hearing stories of war and the brotherhood of men who band together to protect Americas freedom. His grandfather, Dominick , served in Guadalcanal during World War II. At age 2 1/2, Ronnie, as his family calls him, wore a Marine uniform to trick-or-treat on Halloween.
Other family photos show him wearing fatigues at different ages as he grew up. He told several that he had been waiting to go to the Middle East since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. His father had worked in the World Trade Center. He felt obligated to New York and all the innocent people. He was a platoon leader, in command of as many as 75 Marines, during his first tour, and the bond with his men was undeniable. He said his Marines were the best-trained young bunch of guys you would ever see. They had accomplished everything that they had been asked to do. The average age was 20 years old and weight 160 pounds soaking wet. They had trouble spelling but were the toughest bunch you would ever see, he said. Ronnie came home and spent time with his family in Rockville Centre until he was called up for a second tour in August. He looked at going back as part of his duty, and told his father, he needed to go there so they don’t come over here. Ronnie accomplished a lot in 25 years. He fulfilled his dreams, and he was with his men. He died due to enemy action at age 25.
We had a great 5.43 Mile walk today. We walked to the War Memorial Park down town and then we presented the flag for the Cruise In down town. It was a great event. Lots of old cars. I want to thank my friend Robert for walk with us today. I also want to thank all who honked, waved, and saluted. We had 224 honks. It was amazing. Thank You.
Marine 1st Lt. Ronald Winchester will not be forgotten !
Special Note: I want to thank Ad Pro Specialties for flying our beautiful colors !
