Here's how the family of Lance Cpl. Patrick A. Malone got the news of his death in a "non-hostile incident" in Anbar province, Iraq:
The news was delivered about 1 a.m. Tuesday - there's an eight-hour time difference between Iraq and Ocala - by three Marines in class A uniforms during a birthday party for one of Patrick's grandmothers, 86-year-old Iris Serrano, at the Malone home in Ocala.
The visit took just 10 minutes.
"We literally huddled together and hugged each other because there's not much we could do or say," (his aunt, Rosa) Ardle said, her voice breaking with emotion.
Tonight we mourn 21-year-old Patrick Malone, now lost to his family, his nation and this world. Please take a few moments to learn about his life and offer up a thought for his passing.
Lance Cpl. Patrick A. Malone, 21, of Ocala, Fla. and of the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He died March 10 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Anbar province, Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. The incident is currently under investigation.
There he is as a child, dressed for Halloween in uniform. Patrick Malone knew early on that he wanted to be a Marine. He watched his sister Jennifer serving at Camp LeJeune, N.C., and his course was set. He decided to leave Central Florida Community College to follow his dream.
"He wanted to (enlist), and he really stuck to his guns," his aunt, Rosa Ardle, told Ocala.com. "He was smart. He could have done anything else, but he wanted the infantry."
On Sept. 7, 2007, he entered the Corps.
"He never wanted to be a hero," (his sister Jennifer) Hopper said. "He just wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself. He wanted to help people. He wanted to protect people."
He was kind and funny and thoughtful, even calling home to apologize for missing the family's party for his grandmother.
The pictures of Pat at Ocala.com show much more about him than his formal Corps portrait. There he is with his car, his parents and his sense of humor:
There is little else online about Patrick Malone, at least as far as newspaper coverage. Several people who knew Pat remembered him at Legacy.com. These two remembrances stand out:
You know I can honestly say that the shock is still hard to get over. Pat worked with me at least 3-5 nights a weeks in Iraq. I just saw him less than a month ago and he was telling me all about home and his girl he was going to see. I was always happy to see he was the Marine from scouts that was on duty with me. He made me laugh and took my mind away from the crappy things. He was a great guy and I am truly sorry for your loss. Know this, he will NEVER be forgotten and will never be gone, just waiting for us and standing guard on the other side of the hill. We will join him when our mission here is done. Semper Fi.
Sgt Jimmy Thies
Wpns Company 1st Bn 3rd Marines
Jimmy Thies (Kailua, HI)
Patrick was a good friend of my daughter's. He was kind, polite and just the kind of guy I would have chosen to take my daughter to their prom... and he did. Any one who knew Patrick will surely miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends during this very difficult time. I thank him whole heartedly for his brave service to our country. Semper Fi, Patrick.
Terry Orr (Silver Springs, FL)
I very much liked these comments on myspace:
From ginny:
This young man came to me for help with some math problems when I was teaching.
I did not teach for his school, nor this subject, so when I asked why he was coming to me, he told me one of the nicest things anyone ever said about me,
"My friends said you would help me and would make me find the answers myself and you don't believe in failing. Neither do I."
Two hours with him. He was funny, worked hard, said math should be considered a foreign language.
Thank you for your service and making me a better teacher.
From kt:
Malone...you did so much for everyone you came across. I had a blast hanging out with you and I am honored to be considered one of your friends and your prom date back in the day =) thank you for everything you've ever done, because whatever it was, it was done with true sincerety.. something people today dont know anything about. you are the man, and you live on no matter what.
xoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxox katie orr
According to Ocala.com, "Patrick is survived by his parents, Neida Lucy Malone and Damian Malone of Ocala; sisters Jennifer Hopper and Andrea Pietronuto, both of New York; and his grandmothers, Iris Serrano of Ocala and Antonia Malone, of Middletown, N.J." The Patriot Guard plans to escort Malone's casket from Blessed Trinity Catholic Church to Highland Memorial Park, both in Ocala, on Tuesday, March 17.
Godspeed, Lance Cpl. Patrick A. Malone, standing guard on the other side.
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About "I Got the News Today" (IGTNT)
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor service members who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; its title is a reminder that almost every day a military family gets the terrible news about a loved one. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
The series was begun by i dunno and is maintained by maintained by Sandy on Signal, monkeybiz, noweasels, greenies, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, roses, SisTwo, SpamNunn, a girl in MI, JeNoCo and Mediaprof. If you would like to participate in writing these tributes, please contact monkeybiz.