Reply #68: .

[noamnety]

Pfc. Estopinal worked for the Cobb County Parks & Recreation Department before entering the Marine Corps in February 2009. He and best friend Mitchell Gard worked together at Cobb Parks & Rec before enlisting together in the Marines, and Gard, who was not deployed to Afghanistan in December with Pfc. Estopinal, was allowed to escort his friend back home, said Mrs. Estopinal.

"He always wanted to enlist in the Marines - not the Army, Navy or Air Force - the Marines," said Estopinal’s mother. "He was a true Marine. He loved paintball and was an expert rifleman. He knew what he wanted to do."

She said her son lost his life "a year and a day after he stepped onto Paris Island” for training.

"He was not like your regular 21-year-old," said the Marine’s mother. "We was so smart and well-rounded. With both of us (parents) unemployed, he helped us out as parents. He said 'Mom, I'll take care of you.' He was such a good kid."

http://www.times-georgian.com/view/full_story/6444511/article-Pfc--Estopinal-sacrifices-his-life-in-Afghanistan


Feb 15, 2010