thedrifter
06-29-06, 03:33 AM
Crystal River grad recognized for valor in Iraq
The firstlieutenant, a former football and weightlifting standout, pulled a fellowMarine to safety during a firefight in Haditha. He was cited for "uncommon valor."
By MOISES MENDOZA
Published June 29, 2006
When Rick Posselt was a football star and state weightlifting champion at Crystal River High School, his football coach thought he might be destined for even greater things.
He was.
Posselt, 25, now a first lieutenant in the Marines, has been recognized for valor in Iraq. He ran into the middle of a firefight on the streets of Haditha, grabbed a wounded Marine and pulled him to safety, according to a Department of Defense release.
Although he hasn't been awarded a medal yet, Posselt has been recognized for "uncommon valor," the release said.
Friends and family say they're not surprised by Posselt's actions.
"He is totally committed to everything he does," said Posselt's former football coach, Earl Bramlett. "He's always tried to do whatever you asked of him, the best you could possibly do it."
Posselt helped lead the football team to a 36-10 record during his four years at Crystal River High School.
He also distinguished himself in weightlifting, in which he shattered a state record in the clean and jerk. He kept playing football at Delta State University in Mississippi and decided he wanted to join the Marines when he was a sophomore.
After graduating, he was commissioned into the Marine Corps. This year, he was sent to Iraq.
"You know, I was kind of taken aback by all of this, but to be honest, this is pretty typical of him," said Posselt's sister, Jackie Gioia, 26.
Gioia said that she rarely speaks to her brother because he is so busy and has so little opportunity to call relatives.
When he's free, he often calls his wife and children in Texas first, Gioia said.
"Of course, we're so proud, but these are the kinds of things that happen there in Iraq," Gioia said. "There are other Marines and soldiers that go unrecognized, too."
Posselt is scheduled to return stateside next year.
Moises Mendoza can be reached at mmendoza@sptimes.com or 860-7337.
[Last modified June 28, 2006, 19:45:21]
Ellie
The firstlieutenant, a former football and weightlifting standout, pulled a fellowMarine to safety during a firefight in Haditha. He was cited for "uncommon valor."
By MOISES MENDOZA
Published June 29, 2006
When Rick Posselt was a football star and state weightlifting champion at Crystal River High School, his football coach thought he might be destined for even greater things.
He was.
Posselt, 25, now a first lieutenant in the Marines, has been recognized for valor in Iraq. He ran into the middle of a firefight on the streets of Haditha, grabbed a wounded Marine and pulled him to safety, according to a Department of Defense release.
Although he hasn't been awarded a medal yet, Posselt has been recognized for "uncommon valor," the release said.
Friends and family say they're not surprised by Posselt's actions.
"He is totally committed to everything he does," said Posselt's former football coach, Earl Bramlett. "He's always tried to do whatever you asked of him, the best you could possibly do it."
Posselt helped lead the football team to a 36-10 record during his four years at Crystal River High School.
He also distinguished himself in weightlifting, in which he shattered a state record in the clean and jerk. He kept playing football at Delta State University in Mississippi and decided he wanted to join the Marines when he was a sophomore.
After graduating, he was commissioned into the Marine Corps. This year, he was sent to Iraq.
"You know, I was kind of taken aback by all of this, but to be honest, this is pretty typical of him," said Posselt's sister, Jackie Gioia, 26.
Gioia said that she rarely speaks to her brother because he is so busy and has so little opportunity to call relatives.
When he's free, he often calls his wife and children in Texas first, Gioia said.
"Of course, we're so proud, but these are the kinds of things that happen there in Iraq," Gioia said. "There are other Marines and soldiers that go unrecognized, too."
Posselt is scheduled to return stateside next year.
Moises Mendoza can be reached at mmendoza@sptimes.com or 860-7337.
[Last modified June 28, 2006, 19:45:21]
Ellie