Saturday, August 20, 2005

Local Purple Heart Marine Returns From Iraq

LCpl Stephen R. Thompson will be returning home Tuesday, Aug 23rd, following a 7 month tour of duty in Iraq. Thompson is attached to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, India Company, II Marine Division. He is scheduled for redeployment to Iraq in Feb. 2006.

On Feb 20, 2005, while on patrol in Kharma, Stephen sustained multiple injuries from an IED that was detonated within 5 feet of the vehicle in which he was traveling. While the explosion completely destroyed the vehicle (Humvee), his immediate action taken during the blast to cover the driver with his own body helped shield a fellow Marine from greater injury. Thompson was returned to his platoon following 4 days of medical treatment in Camp Fallujah.

LCpl Thompson was awarded the Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained in this attack.

Thompson completed boot camp at Parris Island, SC, May 14, 2004. He distinguished himself in the eyes of his instructors as the top recruit of 280 graduates, and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. He was awarded the coveted position of ‘Company Honor Man’ at the graduation ceremony, in addition to receiving awards for physical fitness and sharpshooting.

Subsequent Infantry training was completed at Camp LeJeuene, NC, in the fall of 2004. He was again awarded Company Honor Man and further recognized with a meritorious award for outstanding leadership.

Prior to joining the Marines, Thompson earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from The College of Mount St. Joseph, where he was also a member of the football and track teams. He is a 1999 graduate of Clermont Northeastern High School, and participated as a student athlete in both football and baseball.

Stephen is the son of Russ Thompson, of Williamsburg, and Marianne Seitz-Thompson, of Milford.

For those who would like to join the family in welcoming him home, he will be arriving at CVG airport, via US Airways, at 6:30 P.M. He will be making his first scheduled stop (his request) at Gold Star Chili at River’s Edge in Milford. Estimated time of arrival is 8 P.M. August 23.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Kyle Smithson of Smyth Automotive, River’s Edge Gold Star Chili, the Milford Fire Department, and American Legion Victor Stier Post 450 of Milford, for their coordinated efforts in welcoming home LCpl Thompson.

If you are in the Cincinnati area, come out and welcome this young man home!

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