COMBAT VETERANS INTERNATIONAL
IN LOVING MEMORY
U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Caleb J. Powers
The Department of Defense announced on August 20 the death of a Marine who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Caleb J. Powers, 21, of Manfield, Wash., died Aug 17 due to enemy action in Al
Anbar Province, Iraq. Lance Cpl. Powers was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine
Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
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Mansfield, Washington -- It is the one phone call the family of a United States Soldier
hopes and prays that they will never get. However, that wish did not come true on Tuesday,
August 17, 2004 when twenty-one year old Lance Cpl. Caleb Powers was shot and killed in
Iraq. He had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Mansfield
High School in 2001. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine
Division based out of Camp Pendleton, California and had currently been serving in
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Caleb was one of three soldiers from Mansfield who are currently
serving in Iraq. He is the first Mansfield soldier to be killed in action since World War
II. While many soldiers have lost their lives while serving in Iraq, this loss is
different than all others. When a tragedy like this occurs in such a small town, it hits
and it hits hard affecting everyone. Caleb was well known not only in Mansfield, but also
by many around Central Washington, California, and by those in the military. His ultimate
dream was to be a United States Soldier in the Marine Corps. During his time in the
service, he was awarded many honors included the National Defense Service Medal, Global
War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He also became
friends with the cast and crew of the television show "7th Heaven." When Caleb
graduated from High School he made the statement, “I am one of the few, the proud…I
am a Marine.” Until his last day, that is the way he lived his life. He was one who
always had a smile on his face and enjoyed life to the fullest. Caleb died as a proud
Marine who will be missed by all. Funeral services were held on Friday August 27, 2004 at
Mansfield High School. A marker will be placed at the Mansfield Cemetery and he will be
laid to rest in October at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to:
"Raise the Flag" Fund, c/o Mansfield Booster Club, PO Box 154, Mansfield,
Washington 98830.
Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.
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