Two Lejeune Marines killed in Afghanistan

[thedrifter]

Two Lejeune Marines killed in Afghanistan
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March 24, 2009 - 8:55 PM
DAILY NEWS STAFF

Two Camp Lejeune Marine corporals were killed Sunday in combat in Afghanistan, according to a Marine Corps press release.

Anthony L. Williams, 21, of Oxford, Pa., and Michael W. Ouellette, 28, of Manchester, N.H., died while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, according to the release. The Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

Williams joined the Marine Corps on June 12, 2006 and was trained as a combat engineer. He deployed to Iraq from August 2007 to February 2008. He deployed to Afghanistan in February. His awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Ouellette joined the Marine Corps on June 15, 2005 and was trained as an infantryman. He deployed to Iraq from March 2006 to September 2006 and again from July 2007 to January 2008. He deployed to Afghanistan in November. His awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Decorated Marine From Manchester Killed In Action
28-Year-Old Killed In Combat In Afghanistan

POSTED: 7:39 pm EDT March 24, 2009
UPDATED: 12:02 am EDT March 25, 2009

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- One of two Marines killed in combat in Afghanistan over the weekend is from New Hampshire.

Marine Cpl. Michael W. Ouellette, 28, of Manchester, was killed Sunday while serving in combat in Helmand Province, according to the Department of Defense.

Cpl. Anthony L. Williams, 21, of Oxford, Pa., was also killed. The Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

In 1999, Ouellette graduated from Memorial High School, where he is remembered fondly by making a lasting impression that will not be forgotten, WMUR News 9's Jean Mackin reported. The flags were flown at half-staff outside the school Tuesday.

Ouellette became a Marine on June 15, 2005, and was trained as an infantryman. He deployed to Iraq from March 2006 to September 2006 and from July 2007 to January 2008. He deployed to Afghanistan in November.

"You don't realize those conversations might be the last time you see an individual," said Memorial Principal Arthur Adamakos, who remembered the last time he spoke with Ouellette.

In 2005, Ouellette returned to the school to tell classmates, teachers and administrators that he was going to serve his country with the Marines.

"He was a great person, Mike. He'll be missed by all his friends and the teachers he had here at Memorial," Adamakos said.

Adamakos said he clearly remembers Ouellette -- even years after he graduated -- as a jovial student who would talk to everyone.

"It really brings sadness because the war and any conflict that we have overseas don't really hit us until we know it affects somebody within our community," Adamakos said. "With Mike's passing, it's really going to be a tough couple of weeks for us that knew him, that had him in class or that work with him at Memorial High School."

Ouellette received numerous awards for his service and courage that included the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

WMUR News 9 spoke briefly with the Ouellette family. Relatives said they appreciate the amazing outpouring of support, and for now, they prefer to grieve in private.

Ellie