Military says it's investigating death of Hampton Marine

Military says it's investigating death of Hampton Marine
By BOB LINK, bob.link@globegazette.com

HAMPTON — The military says the death of a Marine from Hampton is under investigation.

Lance Cpl. Cody Wanken, 20, who grew up in Hampton, died last Wednesday in San Diego.

Funeral services for Wanken are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at the Hampton-Dumont High School gymnasium with burial in the Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield.

Spokesperson 2nd Lt. Jaymie Sicking of the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton in San Diego would not release details about Wanken’s death, saying it is under investigation.

Wanken’s family told the Globe Gazette that his death was related to injuries he received last year while serving in Iraq.

He reportedly suffered eye, ear and other facial injuries in September while in Fallujah.

Wanken was a machine gunner in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

A 2006 graduate of Hampton-Dumont, Wanken joined the Marines in May 2006.

As part of his training, he attended Improvised Explosive Device Dog Training in Alabama and became partners with a black Lab named Seibert.

The son of Rick and Susan Wanken, Cody enjoyed hunting, sports and spending time with family, especially his two young nephews.

Wanken’s obituary appears on Page A12 of today’s Globe Gazette.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Ellie