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N o v. 8, 2 0 0 7
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Link to American Forces Information Service: http://ebird.afis.mil/

C o m p le te S to r ie s :
Tennessee News
Nov. 8, 2007

Marine Corps posthumously honors Marine hero

By Lela Garlington

Just over a year ago, two Marines wearing dress uniforms eased out of their government-
issued vehicles and walked up separate driveways -- one in Cordova, one in

Germantown -- to deliver devastating news to the family of Capt. Robert M. Secher.

A sniper's bullet killed Secher in October 2006 in Iraq's Anbar province. He was 33.

On Wednesday Secher's mother and father were joined by 75 family, friends and fellow
Marines, as the Corps honored Secher posthumously with a Bronze Star with Valor.
Secher was cited for leading or serving in more than 200 combined convoys and 50
mounted and dismounted combat patrols in the heart of the Sunni insurgency. The
Bronze Star is the fourth-highest award for bravery.

"Through the sacrifices of people like Captain Secher, the Anbar province is much safer
now," said Major Ben Hull after the ceremony. "The progress has been dramatic."

For both Secher's parents (pronounced se-SHER), the medal is a symbol for the love he
had for his country and the passion he felt for being a Marine, first as an enlisted man
and later as a commissioned officer.

Leaning on a cane, Dr. Pierre Secher of Germantown told the audience, "I stand here
today as a proud father whose son put duty to his country above everything else."

While it has been a year of mourning, the kindness of strangers has touched the family.

Secher told how a Marine mom wrote saying, "Thank you for raising a son that my son
looked up to. As this sad anniversary approaches, please know that Capt. Secher is not
forgotten -- he is remembered with honor." It was signed, Cheryl Gary, "A Marine Mom."

"Several days later an immense bunch of red American Beauty roses arrived at our door
with a small card that said: 'One year ago today your son saved my life. I am so sorry for
your loss. Thank you, signed James Ryan Gary.' "

After the ceremony, Secher's mother, Elke Morris of Cordova, gingerly opened the case
holding the Bronze Star. "He never loved our country more," she said. "Robert was a
privileged, privileged child. He chose to go. He followed his dreams. I was his
cheerleader."

The Dolphin (Conn.)

Nov. 8, 2007

Jets invite service members to practice

The New York Jets hosted 55 service members representing all branches of the military
Nov. 2 for the team's practice at their training field on the campus of Hofstra University on
Long Island, N.Y.

Fifteen Sailors from Naval Weapons Station, Earle, N.J. and Navy Recruiting District,
N.Y., joined members from the Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard at the New
York Jets' training field to meet the players and watch plays in preparation for the Jets'
game Nov. 4 against the Washington Redskins.

"The opportunity to witness a NFL practice does not happen everyday," said Senior Chief
Navy Career Counselor Darryl Blackmon, Assistant Chief Recruiter, Navy Recruiting
District N.Y. "For the Jets to open their doors to the military is a great example of the NFL
and the Jet organizational support for the NY area soldiers, Sailors, airman,
Coastguardsmen and Marines."

"The Jets told us this was the first time practice was opened to the military like this," said
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Willie Cisneros, Assistant Marine Corps Instructor, State
University of New York Maritime Academy NROTC. "They told us that this opportunity
was Eric Mangini's idea and that he made it happen."

"Our Jet Organization is so happy to support the military members and their families,"
said Eric Mangini, coach for the Jets. "It is a great opportunity for us to give back and
thank the men and woman of our services for all they do for the American people."
The service members were given the opportunity to talk to players, take photos and
receive signed autographs.

"It was unreal," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SW/AW) Brendan McAvoy, assigned to
NWS Earle. "I've grown up watching football and this was amazing. We got to meet the
team and interact with them and watch this train and prepare."

"This was a great honor for me," said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Dennis
Depre, Navy Recruiting Station, Patterson, N.J. "For the NY Jets to include the U.S. Navy
in their practice was an incredible honor. Professional athletes have always been role
models for me growing up. I appreciate this opportunity."

"The New York Jets were honored to host men and women from the five branches of our
military Friday," said New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. "These men
and women do a tremendous job of fighting for the freedoms we enjoy everyday. This is a
small token of our appreciation."

"We kept thanking them for the opportunity," said McAvoy. "But they were so appreciative
of what we are doing for the country. I spoke to Darrell Rivas (Jets' Defensive Back) for a
long time and he wanted to know where I've been and he was amazed at what I have
done in my seven years. They just all kept thanking us for our service."

The Jets' will recognize military service members Nov. 4 during their Eighth annual
Military Appreciation Game. Maureen Murphy and John Murphy will serve as honorary
captains for the game. The mother and brother of Lt. Michael Murphy, the Navy SEAL
recently posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, will participate in the coin toss.

Service members will unfurl a 40-yard flag during the pre-game show and the National
Anthem will be performed by Marine Sgt. Elizabeth Quinones.

Messages from deployed service members will be broadcast throughout the stadium
during the game and a number of Jets' players have recorded messages to be sent to
deployed units.
“News from the Front” (Fallujah, Iraq):
(Note: Windows Media Player is needed to view the following clips.)

For more “News from the Front” stories visit www.mnfwest.usmc.mil

Once troubled cities blossom into thriving communities

NewsFrTheFront_5-7

V i d e o Cl i p s :
(Note: Windows Media Player is needed to view the following clips.)
Fox (Los Angeles)
Nov. 7, 2007

Football team dedicates season, free time to helping Marines

071107_Fox-LA_M4M

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