thedrifter
01-05-06, 07:18 AM
Sister of Marine killed in Iraq enlists in reserves
Journal-News
EVENDALE, Ohio — The sister of one of 14 Marines killed in a roadside bombing in Iraq in August has enlisted in the Marine Reserves, saying she wants to serve her country as her brother did.
"He realized we have so many freedoms. We have a debt to society," said Sarah Dyer, 17.
Her brother, Lance Cpl. Christopher Dyer, 19, was one of nine Marines from Columbus-based Lima Company killed in the bombing on Aug. 3 near Haditha, Iraq.
Sarah Dyer will graduate next week, leaving high school a semester early. To enlist at 17, the suburban Cincinnati teenager needed her parents' consent.
"Obviously in my situation, it's a concern for me," said her father, John Dyer. But he said he decided to support her decision despite his son's death.
Sarah Dyer will head to basic training at Parris Island, S.C., on Jan. 22, but her time as a reservist could end early if she receives an appointment to West Point.
U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot, a Cincinnati Republican, nominated her. He said he was impressed she wanted to enter the military despite her brother's death.
"It shows what an extraordinary person she is," Chabot said.
Dyer also is waiting to hear about a Navy ROTC scholarship that would allow her to attend one of several colleges. Her contract with the Marines allows her to forgo the reserves if she receives either.
Dyer said she plans to complete basic training no matter what.
"I feel like I have a debt because I've been able to grow up and go to church and go to school and live in an amazing place," she said. "I just want to protect that and help other people get that."
Dyer said she's not scared of being deployed.
"I know that's just because I'm naive," she said. "I think I'm at that point where I think I'm invincible. ... If the United States needs us and calls us up, we'll be there."
Ellie
Journal-News
EVENDALE, Ohio — The sister of one of 14 Marines killed in a roadside bombing in Iraq in August has enlisted in the Marine Reserves, saying she wants to serve her country as her brother did.
"He realized we have so many freedoms. We have a debt to society," said Sarah Dyer, 17.
Her brother, Lance Cpl. Christopher Dyer, 19, was one of nine Marines from Columbus-based Lima Company killed in the bombing on Aug. 3 near Haditha, Iraq.
Sarah Dyer will graduate next week, leaving high school a semester early. To enlist at 17, the suburban Cincinnati teenager needed her parents' consent.
"Obviously in my situation, it's a concern for me," said her father, John Dyer. But he said he decided to support her decision despite his son's death.
Sarah Dyer will head to basic training at Parris Island, S.C., on Jan. 22, but her time as a reservist could end early if she receives an appointment to West Point.
U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot, a Cincinnati Republican, nominated her. He said he was impressed she wanted to enter the military despite her brother's death.
"It shows what an extraordinary person she is," Chabot said.
Dyer also is waiting to hear about a Navy ROTC scholarship that would allow her to attend one of several colleges. Her contract with the Marines allows her to forgo the reserves if she receives either.
Dyer said she plans to complete basic training no matter what.
"I feel like I have a debt because I've been able to grow up and go to church and go to school and live in an amazing place," she said. "I just want to protect that and help other people get that."
Dyer said she's not scared of being deployed.
"I know that's just because I'm naive," she said. "I think I'm at that point where I think I'm invincible. ... If the United States needs us and calls us up, we'll be there."
Ellie