News

Service remembers Marine killed in war in Iraq

By Sarah Malcore
Compass Correspondent

	FALLEN SOLDIER: Bishop David Zubik and Fr. Richard Getchel observe the coffin containing the body of Marine Sgt. Benjamin Edinger, surrounded by a U.S. Marine Corps honor guard exiting St. Agnes Church after the funeral service. Sgt. Edinger was killed in Iraq. (Rick Evans photo)

Sgt. Benjamin Edinger, a Marine from Green Bay who died from injuries he sustained while serving in Iraq, was remembered as a Hometown Hero and an All American Hero at his funeral.

"Someone close to the Lord in life can be in death as well," Fr. Richard Getchel told Edinger's family and friends at the funeral service Dec. 4 in St. Agnes Church, Green Bay. "Ben lived a good life and was full of spirit," said Fr. Getchel, pastor at St. Agnes.

Edinger was on his second tour of Iraq when a homemade roadside bomb exploded, hitting his vehicle on Nov. 14. He was evacuated to Germany before being flown back to the United States.

His condition appeared to be improving and he was moved out of intensive care. He was even communicating by pointing at letters when his condition took a sudden turn, surprising medical personal. Edinger died Nov. 23 at The National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., from internal bleeding caused by shrapnel wounds from the bomb.

Edinger was in Iraq for the initial U.S. invasion of the Middle East country in March 2003 and returned to the United States. He later made a second trip with the Marines' 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, a highly trained and specialized combat unit.

Bp. David Zubik, who was at the funeral, gave a special blessing.

"War brings sickness, frustration, broken friendships and broken families," Bp. Zubik said. "We thank God for Benjamin who worked to try and bring an end to war, he heard God's call."

Gov. Jim Doyle and Congressman Mark Greene sent special messages of condolence to the Edinger family. A flag that has flown over the state capitol in Madison was given to Edinger's family by State Sen. Dave Hanson to be draped over Edinger's casket.

At the funeral, a family member read to the several hundred mourners a remembrance written by the Marine's mother: "He always was ready for any challenge that was brought to him. He enjoyed his work from the technical standpoint working with computers, but he enjoyed the combat training more than anything, and that is where he wanted to be," Rose Scannell wrote of her son. "He shared his first lesson of field combat with me; never eat bugs bigger than your fist, and you'll be fine."

Edinger was a 1999 graduate of West High School in Green Bay. He attended UW-Oshkosh for about a year, then enlisted with the Marines. He planned to return to study veterinary science at UW-Madison.

"He chose the Marines, I think, because that was the branch of the service he was going to get the most challenge from," said James Downey, Benjamin's uncle. "When he set his mind to something, he did it. He was originally a computer operator and he volunteered for recon. At first, they did not want to move him because he was too valuable as a computer operator. Sitting behind a desk wasn't a challenge for him. He wanted to get out there."

Edinger has been recommended for the Bronze Star award. The recommendation for the award states: "Although mortally wounded, Sgt. Edinger continued to man his gun, fighting for air, until he was relieved of it in order to receive medical attention. Sgt. Edinger was an inspiration to those around him with his physical courage, buoyant fighting spirit, and 'never quit' attitude." A decision on the award is pending.

Edinger is survived by his older brother, Jim, 26, of Madison; his father, Montfort and his fiancée, Deanne Riemensnider of Plano, Ill; his mother, Rose Scannell and step-father Randy Scannell of Green Bay.

"One thing I did notice is the Marines tended to walk around with a little bit more pride, it seemed like," Edinger said in an article published the day before the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. "I'm not sure. It's something more within myself, but I just feel real proud wearing the nametape 'U.S. Marines' than just anywhere in general."

Edinger's family said they are proud of him and they know that he died doing what he wanted to do: serve the nation and fight for freedom.