For the parents of the late Sgt. Bradley Atwell, there was gratitude and perhaps even some closure Monday, as state and local leaders gathered to remember the fallen Marine.
With about 20 members of Atwell’s extended family looking on, state Reps. Mike Karickhoff and Heath VanNatter presented a joint resolution of the Indiana General Assembly, honoring the sacrifice the aviation electrician made Sept. 14, 2012, in Afghanistan.
“I stand before you saddened and humbled,” Karickhoff said. “He was a hero, fighting for the highest cause, our democracy. Men like Sgt. Atwell guarantee our government shall not perish from the Earth.”
Insurgents launched a sneak attack on Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, and Atwell died in the firefight, protecting his fellow warriors and the base’s flight line.
At Monday’s meeting of the Kokomo Common Council, the family was finally able to receive the honors the Legislature passed in December.
His stepmother, Kimberlee Atwell, said Monday may have been the last public memorial display the family will attend.
“It does open up some wounds,” she said.
“We are really and truly appreciative,” she said. “Even though our grief is something we still feel, we know the loss of Bradley was so much bigger than us. That was so evident in the funeral process.
“I think it shows how patriotic our community is, and how heartfelt all of the community’s support has been. It encourages us, and it helps us. It allows for that closure.”
His mother, Cheryl Atwell, said she wished her son could have been present to see how much he meant to the community.
“He loved the Marine Corps, and he loved the Marines he was protecting,” she said.
Atwell’s military awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and NATO Service Medal-International Security Assistance Force.
His actions during the firefight at Camp Bastion added to his legacy.
During his funeral service at Chapel Hill Christian Church in September, Staff Sgt. Jimbo Montemayor, who served for a time as Atwell’s superior, said the attack was carried out by around 15 insurgents, who were dressed in U.S. Army uniforms. They infiltrated Camp Bastion with automatic rifles, rocket propelled grenade launchers and suicide vests, he said.
“Sgt. Atwell, at the sound of enemy fire, ran and beat down doors screaming at the top of his lungs, ‘Grab your gear, Marines, and let’s go,’” Montemayor said. “He ran towards enemy fire to engage the enemy, as any well-trained sergeant should.
“I’ve seen that intensity numerous times when he was in training,” he continued. “I can almost guarantee that he pursued the enemy without any fear of losing his life. These are the actions of a true hero.”
According to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, insurgents attacked aircraft parked on the flight line and inside aircraft hangars, destroying six jets and significantly damaging two more. Three refueling stations also were destroyed.
“Bradley epitomized the Marine Corps ethos of the honor, courage and commitment,” wrote Lt. Col. P.D. Waugh in a letter to the family, which was read at the service. “He lived it every day in the way he looked out for his Marines. You can be sure the Marines who worked and fought beside him will never forget the dedication and sacrifice that he made.”
Buried in Albright Cemetery, he left behind his wife, Danielle, who lives in Yuma, Ariz.
Scott Smith can be reached at 765-454-8569 or at scott.smith@kokomotribune.com.
Local News
Related Photos
-
IN MEMORIAM: Marine Sgt. Bradley Atwell, who was killed in action in Afghanistan, is honored at the Kokomo City Council meeting Monday by state Reps. Mike Karickhoff, right, and Heath VanNatter. Receiving the comendations are his mother, Cheryl, and father, Victor. KT photo | Tim Bath
Discussion
Atwell honored at Kokomo Common Council meeting
State leaders praise fallen Marine
- Local News
-
-
Powell looking for Little 500 win
During the course of his 72 years, Jerry Powell has done a little bit of everything.
Powell has owned a trucking business, raced sprint cars, has his pilot’s license and is now owner of a racing team. He is also a tool and die maker and produces many parts on the race cars. -
Layoffs at St. Joseph Hospital possible
St. Vincent Health announced Thursday it would be laying off employees across its 22-hospital system, which includes St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo.
-
NHS principal takes job in Lafayette
Northwestern High School Principal Al Remaly announced he is leaving the district this summer to start a new job at Harrison High School in Lafayette.
-
Helping homeless vets
As residents reflect on the tireless work of the nation’s military veterans on Memorial Day, a group of Howard County vets is concentrating on veterans without a home.
-
Police arrest 4 dancers on sex charges
Kokomo police arrest women, employed at Little Daddy's and Big Daddy's strip clubs, on warrants Wednesday accusing them of prostitiution and indecent exposure.
-
Picturing success
An unfinished mural in the halls of Kokomo High School gave senior Trevor Douglas a reason to come to school every day and a reason to aim higher in life.
-
Local districts still struggling
While there may be more money alloted for K-12 education in the budget passed through the General Assembly last month, many school districts in the area won’t see high cash bumps due to changes in the funding formulas.
-
School dollars unevenly allotted
In the budget bill passed by the General Assembly last month, there is more money allocated for K-12 education over the next two years, but that doesn’t mean every school will get more dollars.
-
Tipton County cuts part-time hours
Part-time employees with Tipton County will be taking home smaller paychecks starting July 1 after the county council voted to lower the maximum number of hours worked to 28 per week.
-
Company invests $1.1 million in Miami Co.
A Logansport-based company is investing $1.1 million to expand its operations into a facility north of Peru. The company said it will bring over 30 jobs to the county.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Powell looking for Little 500 win
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
