RIP - Lt. Col Carazo & Maj. Weis

[itzs4m]

SAN DIEGO - The Pentagon released the names today of two Camp Pendleton-based Marines killed in combat last week in Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, 41, of Springfield, Ohio, and Maj. James M. Weis, 37, of Toms River, N.J., were killed Thursday, July 22, 2010 in Helmand Province, according to the Department of Defense.

They were members of Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Governor Schwarzenegger issued a statement today upon hearing

"The deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Mario Carazo and Major James Weis are tragic losses for this country. They devoted themselves to serving our nation with honor and integrity, and their selfless sacrifices will never be forgotten. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of these brave Marines."

In honor of Lt. Col. Carazo and Maj. Weis, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

http://www.thevillagenews.com/story/49656/
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Major James M. Weis was one of my good friend's brother-in-law, great man, a loving husband and a loving father of two.

Rest In Peace Gentlemen

[itzs4m]

TOMS RIVER — As the Marine Corps prepares to transport Maj. James M. Weis' body to California this week to be buried near where his wife and two children live, his mother is finding solace in knowing he died a hero.

Anne Weis said her son loved the Marines and understood the risks involved in fighting for his country.

"He knew what his job was, he signed up for it and he did it with the best of his ability," she said from her home in Homestead, Fla. "He's in better hands now, and I don't have to worry about him anymore."

Weis, 37, a Toms River native and decorated Marine pilot, was killed July 22 during combat operations in Afghanistan's Helmand province, a dangerous Taliban stronghold. He was providing air support for troops surrounded on the ground when his Cobra helicopter was hit by four surface-to-air missiles, Anne Weis said military officials told her. Marine Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, 41, of Springfield, Ohio, also died in the crash.

Weis was hoping to be promoted to lieutenant colonel and become a commanding officer after returning from his most recent deployment, according to a Marine who served with him.

His mother said Weis' older brother, William Scott Weis, also a major in the Marines, is in Dover, Del., site of the U.S. military mortuary, preparing to escort Weis' body to California, possibly by today. While James Weis, his wife, Mae, and his two young sons lived in Oceanside, Calif., his family is considering burying him near a San Diego harbor where Navy ships come into port, according to his mother. The funeral likely will be Monday, she said.

Weis' wife and brother could not be reached Tuesday.

Weis, often called by his middle name, Matthew, was born in Eatontown but grew up in Toms River, where he graduated from Toms River North. Anne Weis, who moved to Florida several years ago, said her son fell in love with flying while in college at Rutgers University. He joined the Marines in 1994 and was commissioned as an officer in 1996.

Weis was part of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He was on his third tour of duty when he was killed.

http://www.app.com/article/20100727/...dy-headed-home

[USNAviator]

Rest in Peace for two Marine heroes. My prayers are outbound for their families

[Danny C Smith]

Hand Salute.

Rest in peace Gentlemen and thank you for your service.

Semper Fi.

[Rocky C]

Hand Salute.

Rest in Peace Gentlemen and thank you for your service.

Semper Fi.

X2

[doc h fmf]

Rest In Peace Gentlemen,thankyou For Your Services,may God Richley Bless Their Families.

Semper Fi


Stephen Doc Hansen Hm3 Fmf

[foreverproud]

My son just called ... a quick 1 minute call with very bad reception. He told me that the Marines from MAG 39, 3rd MAW who had been killed recently had been flown back (or about to be flown back... I couldn't tell what he said exactly) to Camp Pendleton and that he would be attending the funeral. I am assuming that he meant Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo and Maj. James M. Weis. He did not mention any names, but my son is also MAG 39 3rd MAW.

He also said that he had just got back from a funeral today...but again he didn't mention any names.

My prayers go out to both families.

Rest in Peace Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo and Maj. James M. Weis. And, may I say thank you gentleman for serving so very faithfully our country and our countrymen. And, thank you as well as for being Marines that my son and other young Marines like him could look up to and aspire to be as and serve as you both have done.

American heroes both ...

[Troutzilla]