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Clearlake Marine killed in Afghanistan

First Lake County service member to die in Afghanistan or Iraq


BY THE PRESS DEMOCRAT STAFF

Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 10:41 a.m.

Family members of a Clearlake Marine killed in an explosion in Afghanistan Monday are gathering today to make plans for the return of the body of Pfc. Ivan Wilson.

COURTESY PHOTO
Ivan Wilson

Wilson is the first service member from Lake County to die in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Wilson was killed by an improvised explosive device, according to a source close to his family, but few other details of his death were available.

Ginny Craven, who runs a local group called Operation Tango Mike that sends care packages to troops, said Wilson’s family called her early Monday with news of his death. Craven said the military notified the family about 5 a.m.

Wilson grew up in Clearlake and was a 2004 graduate of Clearlake Community School.

He was on his second tour of duty in the Middle East, having served in Iraq from January through August of 2007, according to a proclamation issued by the Lake County Board of Supervisors on his return.

Volunteers with Operation Tango Mike, military jargon for “thanks much,” put together care packages for Wilson while he was overseas.

“We took care of Ivan for a year while he was in Iraq,” said Craven. “He was like a family member to all of us.”

Wilson joined the Marine Corps on Sept. 11, 2005, and was a rifleman in the 3rd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Division, Fox Company, according to the proclamation.

He is the 13th North Coast service member to die in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2002 and the third local serviceman killed in Afghanistan in the past three months.

Army Spc. Christopher Gathercole, 21, of Santa Rosa died May 26 of wounds from small-arms fire during combat in a remote Afghan village. Army Sgt. Ryan Connolly, 24, of Santa Rosa was killed by a bomb blast in Afghanistan on June 23.

Lake County native and human rights activist Marla Ruzicka was killed in a suicide bombing in Iraq in 2005.


Comments

  1. catzcrdl says...
    July 22, 2008 3:39:01 pm

    RE: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080722/NEWS/807220415

    I am so sorry to hear of another local soldier KIA. My sympathies to his family and my deepest respect to this young man for giving his all.

  2. ebabyspecial says...
    July 22, 2008 6:33:31 pm

    I am very saddened to hear of yet another young man KIA. My deepest sympathies & condolences go out to the friends and family. No words can console your pain and loss, this I know after loosing a dear friend of mine Christopher Gathercole KIA May 26th 2008 in Afghanistan. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers...he will be remembered and respected always. Thank you for your sacrifice Ivan Wilson. RIPFather in Heaven, watch over America's sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers and mothers, in their hour of peril. Bring them home safely to their loved ones. Wrap your loving arms around the wounded, and bring to your side the ones who have lost their lives. Let their loved ones know peace of mind from the pain of having lost those who were so dear to them. Let their children learn wisdom as they grow up without their mothers and fathers. Amen

  3. angh65 says...
    July 22, 2008 7:46:27 pm

    My deepest sympathies to the friends and family of this brave young Marine. Trust in God to give you the strength and courage needed to get through this difficult time. As a mother of another 2/7 Marine, please know that we are all thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. I know now why my son was crying tonite during his call....my heart breaks for you....ILMarineMom

  4. curmar1 says...
    July 22, 2008 8:58:25 pm

    CAT; EBAY AND ANGH..THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR POSTS...I AGREE WITH ALL THAT YOU HAVE STATED...BLESS YOUR HEARTS AND MAY THIS YOUNG HERO REST IN PEACE AND HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY MUSTER THE STRENGTH TO WEATHER THIS STORM.THANK YOU MY HERO FOR ENSURING THE STRENGTH OF AMERICA AND THE FREEDOM OF ITS CITIZENS.

  5. harpman1 says...
    July 22, 2008 9:20:16 pm

    Frater Ave Atque Vale.

    Hail Brother, and Farewell.

  6. robinfield says...
    July 22, 2008 9:44:15 pm

    Words can not express the sympathy that goes out to you for the loss of your fine, brave, son. Please know your Marine family mourns with you.
    With deepest respect for your fallen loved one,
    Mom of a US Marine

  7. meverill says...
    July 25, 2008 8:28:09 am

    My brother is in the same platoon/batallion and joined the USMC on the same date as PFC Wilson. They have served together in Iraq and Afghanistan and probably went to boot camp together. I cannot express my simpathy for you and your family. All I can say, is that your Marine will never be forgotten and thank you for the tireless efforts your Marine has made to protect our country. I hope all is well and you find peace in your Marine's courage and strength.

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