Sgt Grit Marine Forums

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 0307-08 April 15, 2008

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties             The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.               Cpl. Richard J. Nelson, 23, of Racine, Wis.               Lance Cpl. Dean D. Opicka, 29, of Waukesha, Wis.               Both Marines died April 14 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were both assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Milwaukee, Wis.               Media with questions about these Marines can contact the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at (504) 678-4177.

May God Rest their Souls, and provide comfort to their families through the days ahead!

LCpl Dean D. Opicka was my neices' fiance. They were to be married in June 2008. Our family has now been touched by this unimaginable sorrow, one we wish we had been spared of, but wouldn't wish on another family. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dean's family, to all the people who knew and loved him so much, and also to Corporal Nelson's young wife and family. My God hold you all in the palm of His hands during your time of sorrow!

I am so very sorry for your niece, your family and other families involved!!  Please give your niece a heartfelt "hug" from me!!!