http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/4A7F998BC52A465085256F7F003F1AD0?opendocument

Marine coxswains honor fallen brother in Iraq
Submitted by: 1st Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 20051462916
Story by Sgt. Luis R. Agostini

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 4, 2005) -- "In a crowd you see him,
standing so very tall.
Not too much impresses him,

He's seen and done it all.
His hair is short, his eyes are sharp,
His smile is a little blue,
And it's the only indication of hell he's been through.
It belongs to sacred brotherhood always faithful to the end,
Walked right into battle
And walked back out again.
Many people think him foolish for having no regrets,
But having lived through things that others would like to forget.
He's First to go last to know,
Never questions why,
Or whether it is right or wrong,
But only do or die.
He walked path most won't take,
And lost much along the way.
He takes a lot of freedom,
But it's small price to pay
He's chosen to live a life off of the beaten track,
Knowing well each time he goes, he might not make it back.
So Next time you see a devil dog be grateful of all he's given,
He's given it for you.
Don't go up and ask him what it's like to be in war,
Just thank God it's your country he's always fighting for.
Thank him, too, for all the hell he's seen in cammie green,
And thank him for having the courage to be a United States Marine."

-- Read during memorial service for Lance Cpl. Brian P. Parello

The Marine coxswains of 2nd Marine Division's Small Craft Company paid their respects to a fellow warrior during a memorial service on the shores of Lake Habbaniyah here Jan. 4, 2005.

Lance Cpl. Brian P. Parello, 20, was killed in action Jan. 1, 2005, while conducting operations against anti-Iraqi forces in Iraq's Al Anbar Province.

Parello was born June 7, 1985, in Englewood, N.J. He joined the Marine Corps Sept. 22, 2003, and completed recruit training in December. He then headed off to the School of Infantry at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Upon completion of S.O.I., he received orders to Small Craft Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. He joined the company on March 19, 2004, and became part of 4th Platoon, 1st Section as 2nd team leader.

Parello was selected to become a small unit riverine craft coxswain in July 2004, in preparation for deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Once in theater, he participated in many operations, beginning with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, where he participated in numerous riverine security patrols.

His personal awards include the Purple Heart (Posthumous), Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal.

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