In Memory OfSgt Kirk A. Straseskie

Sgt Kirk A. Straseskie, 23, U.S.M.C., born November 9, 1979, drowned on May 19, 2003. Straseskie was a Rifleman with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and deployed to Iraq. While eating chow at an FOB south of Baghdad, he saw that the helicopter coming to resupply his base was caught in a sandstorm and crashed into a nearby canal. Without hesitation, Straseskie dove into the choppy water to rescue the downed crew but was swept away by a raging current before he could reach the aircraft. For his service, he earned a Purple Heart. Semper Fi, Marine! Til Valhalla, Brother!