Monday, November 15, 2010

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold


Lance Corporal James Bray Stack, 20, was reported killed during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan after only one month of his first tour of duty overseas. Lance Cpl. Stack was a rifleman in India Company Third Battalion of the Fifth Marines in the First Division. Helmand is the world’s largest opium-producing region, responsible for 42% of the world’s total production.

The 3rd Battalion 5th Marines (3/5) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion, nicknamed “Dark Horse”, is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California and consists of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors. They fall under the command of the 5th Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division.

Members of 3rd Battalion are currently conducting operations in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As of November 2010, 15 of the battalion’s Marines have been killed in action. Battalions from the 1st Marine Division have been deploying to Afghanistan regularly since 2008 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (OEF-A).

Lance Corporal Stack was a national champion air pistol shooter in the 2008 Junior Olympics and a member of the Arlington International Airgun Club, based at Christian Liberty Academy. One of the firing ranges is located in the upper deck of Grace Gymnasium.

James Stack also played soccer with Christian Liberty and was named Most Valuable Player on the school’s track team. He was homeschooled with the Christian Liberty Academy curriculum while residing in Arlington Heights.

Lance Corporal James Bray Stack leaves a wife, Katelyn Landeweer Stack, also from Arlington Heights; their 1-year-old daughter, Mikayla; and his mother and father, Linda and Robert Stack.

-arlingtoncardinal.com

May Almighty God Bless this brave Marine and may God bring comfort to those who love him so.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

:-( just look at that face, the strength the courage emanates from him...

May God hold Lance Cpl Stack in his loving arms...

Aleena.B said...

I'm so sorry for their loss. It hurts knowing we lose the people we love so easily. May his soul rest in peace. And may his family especially his baby girl grow up as strong and proud of her father. I might not have known this family. But you are forever in my prayers.

Aleena.B said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it hurts to know we lose the people we love so easily and so young. May his family know, even though I may not have known you, your story has touched my heart. I would hate to lose the love of my life. Knowing he wears that uniform, makes me proud and scared at the same time.I hope and pray his family, especially his daughter grow up being as strong and brave, and know that her dad loves her. And he will forever watch over her. Even though i don't know this family. Know you are in my prayers. Godbless