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November 25, 2005
LCpl Tyler Troyer - Another American Hero
Each loss of one of our troops is hard. This one is personal. LCpl Tyler Troyer went through grade school and junior high with my son, LCpl Shane Conrad. He and Shane knew just how to push it . . . and when to stop. If I got a call from the South Shore Elementary principal during 2nd or 3rd grade, I could be fairly sure that Tyler's name would come up too. At Shane's 3rd grade birthday sleepover, Tyler and Shane were not happy that I wouldn't let them camp outside (in January!) so they built a tent under an antique table, sending the table and everything on it crashing down on the floor. But, they apologized and fixed it.
They played baseball on opposing teams in high school - Tyler wearing the blue and gold of West Albany, Shane wearing red and gray to represent South Albany. But, after high school, they both wore the same uniform - that of the United States Marine Corps.
And, although they broke things in Iraq, they worked on fixing things too. LCpl Troyer, along with the other 2/2 Marines with whom he served, was no better friend to the citizens of Iraq.
Last week, a sniper took the life of LCpl Tyler Troyer as he provided security in the Kharma AO.
While home on leave last summer, my son went to Tyler's pre-deployment party. Now, he has gotten permission from his 1/7 command to extend his Thanksgiving leave so that he can be there for his funeral. He's hoping to serve as pallbearer at Tyler's memorial services next Wednesday - his final tribute to a Marine of honor and a friend who was as close as a brother.
I will pass along condolences to Tyler's family. If you want to send a note, e-mail me at deb@marinecorpsmoms.com. I will print out each note and deliver it to his parents.
Cards can be mailed to:
Fisher Funeral Home
306 Washington St. SW
Albany, OR 97321
Posted by Deb at November 25, 2005 11:41 AM
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Comments
Fair Winds and Following Seas LCpl!
You will never be forgotten. Not by your Brothers in Golf, 2/2, or the Corps. God Speed!
It is so good Deb that Shane gets to Stand in Honor for his friend. That will be a proud moment for them both. One which will have Tyler smiling down from above while looking on! :-)
Semper Fidelis!
Posted by: JarheadDad at November 26, 2005 06:07 PM
Thanks so much for sharing your memories of my nephew.
Posted by: Tom Troyer at November 29, 2005 09:29 AM
I attended Tylers funeral today. I was very touched by the amount of love and respect shown to Tyler and his family. Mike was in my class at West Albany, and earlier this year we lost our classmate SSGT Kevin Davis, who also died in IRAQ. I wanted to do the same thing for Tyler that I did to remember Kevin. So I started a Yahoo group in Tylers honor at www.TylersDiamond.com
I hope it serves as a place to keep his memories alive for a very very long time. I find myself visiting Kevins group www.KevinsDriftboat.com just to reread the notes from friends and view the collection of pictures of him there.
I hope this brings you peace.
Posted by: Mitch Webb at November 30, 2005 11:17 PM
I am a father of Marine - I doubt you are aware of how proud we are of your life. God bless your loved ones.
Ray
Posted by: Ray Kester at December 21, 2005 09:20 AM