thedrifter
02-01-07, 09:02 AM
'True-blue American'
Reservist, 26, from Milford killed in Iraq recalled as passionate about his country
Edward L. Cardenas / The Detroit News
HARRISON TOWNSHIP -- On a cold, windswept runway at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, family members of the late Marine Cpl. Mark D. Kidd gathered Wednesday with his Marine comrades and other members of the military to meet his flag-draped casket.
As the wind ruffled their navy blue overcoats, a six-member Marine Honor Guard stood ramrod straight as the Milford native's casket was lowered from the jet.
Kidd, 26, died from a sniper's bullet Jan. 25 at a checkpoint between Fallujah and Baghdad, Iraq, said family spokeswoman Paige George. He was part of the Marine Reserve 1st Battalion 24th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based at Selfridge.
On Wednesday, Kidd made the final leg of his journey back home, flying from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to Michigan.
Among the Honor Guard was Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Lustri, who met Kidd when they both took a Middle East politics class through Eastern Michigan University. They were randomly selected to room together for the class in Traverse City, not knowing they were both Marines.
"All week long, he debated with the professor about U.S. policy," Lustri said. He described his fellow Marine as passionate about his country and driven to complete his degree. "He walked the walk."
Kidd, a 1998 graduate of Wixom Christian School, joined the Marine Corps in 2000 and was on active duty through 2005, serving two tours of duty in Iraq.
Following his discharge, he began taking classes at Eastern, cramming nearly 3 1/2 years of classes into 18 months.
"He was extremely driven," George said. Kidd wanted to go into international law and then work for the State Department, she said. Those plans were delayed in April, when his Marine Reserve unit was activated to serve in Iraq.
"(Cpl. Kidd and his family) were true-blue Americans," George said.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm ordered U.S. flags throughout the state be lowered Friday.
Survivors include his parents, Frank and Janet; and a brother, Matthew.
Visitation will be from 6- 8 p.m. today, 1-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 9455 Hilton in Brighton. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday.
You can reach Edward L. Cardenas at (586) 468-0529 or ecardenas@detnews.com.
Ellie
Reservist, 26, from Milford killed in Iraq recalled as passionate about his country
Edward L. Cardenas / The Detroit News
HARRISON TOWNSHIP -- On a cold, windswept runway at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, family members of the late Marine Cpl. Mark D. Kidd gathered Wednesday with his Marine comrades and other members of the military to meet his flag-draped casket.
As the wind ruffled their navy blue overcoats, a six-member Marine Honor Guard stood ramrod straight as the Milford native's casket was lowered from the jet.
Kidd, 26, died from a sniper's bullet Jan. 25 at a checkpoint between Fallujah and Baghdad, Iraq, said family spokeswoman Paige George. He was part of the Marine Reserve 1st Battalion 24th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based at Selfridge.
On Wednesday, Kidd made the final leg of his journey back home, flying from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to Michigan.
Among the Honor Guard was Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Lustri, who met Kidd when they both took a Middle East politics class through Eastern Michigan University. They were randomly selected to room together for the class in Traverse City, not knowing they were both Marines.
"All week long, he debated with the professor about U.S. policy," Lustri said. He described his fellow Marine as passionate about his country and driven to complete his degree. "He walked the walk."
Kidd, a 1998 graduate of Wixom Christian School, joined the Marine Corps in 2000 and was on active duty through 2005, serving two tours of duty in Iraq.
Following his discharge, he began taking classes at Eastern, cramming nearly 3 1/2 years of classes into 18 months.
"He was extremely driven," George said. Kidd wanted to go into international law and then work for the State Department, she said. Those plans were delayed in April, when his Marine Reserve unit was activated to serve in Iraq.
"(Cpl. Kidd and his family) were true-blue Americans," George said.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm ordered U.S. flags throughout the state be lowered Friday.
Survivors include his parents, Frank and Janet; and a brother, Matthew.
Visitation will be from 6- 8 p.m. today, 1-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 9455 Hilton in Brighton. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday.
You can reach Edward L. Cardenas at (586) 468-0529 or ecardenas@detnews.com.
Ellie