On 10 August 2019,GYSGT Scott A. Koppenhafer,35,of Mancos,Colorado was killed in action in Iraq when he was engaged by enemy small arms fire,the Pentagon said.The battle is being investigated.
GYSGT Koppenhafer was a member of 2nd Marine Raider Battalion,MARSOC,out of Camp Lejeune,North Carolina.He had pulled four tours in his MARSOC career,including one in Afghanistan,where he was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant,as well as Iraq.*
According to US CENTCOM,Gunny Koppenhafer was killed while on a joint mission with the Iraqi Security Forces in Nineveh Province,Northern Iraq.He was serving as an advisor to the Iraqi Security Forces as they attempt to dislodge remnants of the Islamic State in Northern Iraq.
GYSGT Koppenhafer had been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2);and the Combat Action Ribbon (2).*
The revered special operator was the third US service member to be killed in action in Operation Inherent Resolve this year.About 5,000 US troops are currently deployed to Iraq with OIR in a train,advise and assist mission.In 2018,Gunny Koppenhafer was named the 2018 Marine Special Operator of the Year for his masterful leadership that directly contributed to the defeat of Islamic State forces in Northern Iraq.He is survived by his wife and two children.*
"Nevertheless I am continually with thee:thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel,and afterword receive me to glory."
-Psalm 73:23-24
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