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PermalinkTuesday, January 15, 2013
A close friend of fallen Camp Pendleton Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Verbeek decided to honor his former comrade by re-enlisting at his grave.
Sgt. Jonathan Diehm said it was his way of keeping a promise to Verbeek. The two men vowed they would always attend each other's re-enlistment ceremonies. Diehm told the Visalia Times-Delta:
“I want to continue my career for the both of us."
Verbeek was killed June 21, 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton.
Verbeek left behind a wife, Vanessa, and toddler son, Jacob.
Fresno television station KMPH-TV covered Diehm's re-enlistment at Verbeek's grave. I've posted that video up top. It is a heartbreaking, yet beautiful story. Tissues required.
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