Good evening ladies and gentlemen and fellow Marines.

My name is Sgt Campbell, and I am the squad leader for 2^nd Plt, 2^nd Sqd.  During my brief time in the Marine Corps I have had the opportunity to work with some truly outstanding Marines, Cpl Ricky Schoener and LCpl Nick Kirven were two of the very best.  These Marines made the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the freedoms and liberties that most so often take for granted.  They faced the enemy and never wavered from their duties.   The honor, courage, and commitment that Ricky and Nick displayed on May 8th are what make the Marine Corps the most fierce fighting force in the world.  I know that I speak for all of 2^nd Squad when I say that we are better Marines and much better people for having spent the last 9 months of our lives in their presence.

Ricky and Nick were the driving force behind 2^nd Squad.  They always turned a bad situation into a positive one.  During a 3 day operation in the village of Peitek, the weather was about as bad as one could possibly imagine.  After getting completely drenched by the persistent rain, it decided to start snowing. The platoon decided to move into a house to try and get warm to prevent everyone from getting hypothermia.  With everyone cold, wet, and absolutely miserable, Ricky and Nick started to tell stories to brighten everyone’s mood.  This is just an example of one of the many times that regardless of how bad things were, their positive attitudes always surfaced to motivate and inspire the Marines around them.  The scripture that the Chaplin read earlier has never read so true, “The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them” (John 15:13). Ricky and Nick loved us so much that they gave their lives to ensure our safety on the mountain that day.  We, the members of 2^nd Squad, can never begin to repay the debt that we owe to them.  They will remain in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

To honor Ricky and Nick we must continue our mission to rid the world of all terrorist activity.   We must do this to ensure that their deaths were not in vein.  This is a mission that must be accomplished whatever the cost.  Ricky and Nick believed in that mission.  They knew the risks involved and were honored to be able to be a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.  The members of 2^nd Squad will forever carry on their legacy.  To the families of Ricky and Nick, our hearts and love go out to you.  You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.  Just know that your sons are heroes.  To Ricky and Nick, we know that you are watching over us today. We are truly blessed to have been able to call you our friends, and we want to thank you for all the good times that we will carry with us the rest of our days.  We want you to know that you will be dearly missed, never forgotten, and forever loved by the Marines of 2^nd Squad.