Marine Killed In Action Paid Tribute
Al Faw Palace, Iraq
In the continuing effort to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi local population, a new broadcast radio station was dedicated last week in the memory of a fallen Marine Officer.
Marine Corps Major Megan McClung was on press escort duty with a contingent of journalists when she was killed by an IED, which exploded and killed the public affairs officer and two other soldiers. The new Broadcast station was dedicated in her memory on December 7th.
One of the Army Officers who served with McClung was Major Joseph Edstrom, Deputy Public affairs Officer with the Multi-National Corps, Iraq. Major Edstrom wanted the new station dedicated to Major McClung since its planning and construction.
“It is humbling and fitting that people honor her for her work†said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva. Sgt. Oliva served with McClung in Fallujah and currently is stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.
“I can at times still see her smile, or hear her laugh,†said Sgt. Oliva. “She was just a good and decent person,†stated Oliva.
Several dignitaries, Major General Walter Gaskin, West Commander Multi-National Force-West, Major General John Paxton, Mult-National Force-Iraq Chief of Staff, Army Lieutenant General Ray Odierno, Commanding General of MNC-1, attended the Broadcast Station dedication,
Also attending was Major McClung’s former Commander when she was at Cherry Point, N.C., Marine Colonel Jeff Satterfield. “Megan was very giving, a servant-leader, she was truly
humble†said Colonel Satterfield.
“I truly wish that Megan and others who have given their lives so heroically could see Iraq today†said Lt. General Odierno. “She would be very pleased,†said Odierno.
