thedrifter
10-23-08, 06:56 AM
Stark woman in Marines dies in Iraq
Circumstances are unclear
By Katie Byard
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Thursday, Oct 23, 2008
A 22-year-old Stark County woman serving in the Marines died Sunday in a noncombat-related incident in Iraq.
Stacy Ann Dryden, a lance corporal, died at the al-Asad air base, said Midge King, a family spokeswoman.
The military notified family members Sunday of Dryden's death at the base in western Iraq.
King, a cousin of Dryden's, said the family is ''not sure yet'' how Dryden died.
Dryden, who lived in Plain Township, had been in Iraq for less than two months, after enlisting in the Marines in 2007.
''She thought the Marines were the most challenging of all the services,'' King said. ''She always wanted to try new things.''
Dryden also ''wanted to make something of her adult life,'' King said.
After graduating from GlenOak High School in 2004, Dryden worked at a fast-food restaurant and a few other jobs.
''It just wasn't a challenge enough for her,'' King said.
King said family members ''supported her [decision to enlist] completely.''
Dryden was the daughter of Thea Dryden and Ronald Dryden.
Thea Dryden wrote on an online social networking Web site: ''R.I.P. my beautiful daughter, my fiery angel, my Marine. You are loved so much Annie. I know you are watching over your brother and I. God I love you!!''
Friends and family members dubbed Dryden ''Fiery Angel,'' King said, ''because she was so sweet looking and she was a sweet girl, unless you got on her bad side.''
Recalling Dryden's ''beautiful singing voice,'' King said Dryden sang for her unit in Iraq.
Fellow Marines were so impressed, they encouraged her to enter an upcoming talent contest, King said.
Dryden sang in the choir at GlenOak, where she also was a cheerleader.
Her brother, Jake, is a junior and football player at GlenOak.
A moment of silence in Dryden's honor will be observed before the GlenOak-Perry High School football game Friday night. The game will be at Bob Commings Field at GlenOak.
Katie Byard can be reached at 330-996-3781 or kbyard@thebeaconjournal.com.
Ellie
RIP
Circumstances are unclear
By Katie Byard
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Thursday, Oct 23, 2008
A 22-year-old Stark County woman serving in the Marines died Sunday in a noncombat-related incident in Iraq.
Stacy Ann Dryden, a lance corporal, died at the al-Asad air base, said Midge King, a family spokeswoman.
The military notified family members Sunday of Dryden's death at the base in western Iraq.
King, a cousin of Dryden's, said the family is ''not sure yet'' how Dryden died.
Dryden, who lived in Plain Township, had been in Iraq for less than two months, after enlisting in the Marines in 2007.
''She thought the Marines were the most challenging of all the services,'' King said. ''She always wanted to try new things.''
Dryden also ''wanted to make something of her adult life,'' King said.
After graduating from GlenOak High School in 2004, Dryden worked at a fast-food restaurant and a few other jobs.
''It just wasn't a challenge enough for her,'' King said.
King said family members ''supported her [decision to enlist] completely.''
Dryden was the daughter of Thea Dryden and Ronald Dryden.
Thea Dryden wrote on an online social networking Web site: ''R.I.P. my beautiful daughter, my fiery angel, my Marine. You are loved so much Annie. I know you are watching over your brother and I. God I love you!!''
Friends and family members dubbed Dryden ''Fiery Angel,'' King said, ''because she was so sweet looking and she was a sweet girl, unless you got on her bad side.''
Recalling Dryden's ''beautiful singing voice,'' King said Dryden sang for her unit in Iraq.
Fellow Marines were so impressed, they encouraged her to enter an upcoming talent contest, King said.
Dryden sang in the choir at GlenOak, where she also was a cheerleader.
Her brother, Jake, is a junior and football player at GlenOak.
A moment of silence in Dryden's honor will be observed before the GlenOak-Perry High School football game Friday night. The game will be at Bob Commings Field at GlenOak.
Katie Byard can be reached at 330-996-3781 or kbyard@thebeaconjournal.com.
Ellie
RIP