Sergeant Mark Bradley, a Marine hero who lost his battle for life yesterday
June 16, 2011Today’s blog was going to be about the Joining Forces Initiative, then last night I received devastating news and I knew there was no way to just go about today. On Monday, I was told by a friend at the Marine Corps League that a Marine from where we are stationed was injured in Afghanistan. The young Sergeant was on a scout sniper mission with 3/2, and he was stationed at Camp Lejeune. He suffered severe injuries from an IED on June 3. Since then, he was fighting for his life, with his young wife Samantha and family by his side. I was so hopeful, he was a miracle for surviving what he faced and I really believed with prayer this would be a happy ending.
The local veteran group was planning a fundraiser to help with prolonged medical expenses and so many people were pulling for him. Sadly, on Wednesday night he lost his life. This hero, this husband, this son, this brother, is now an angel above us and it is so completely devastating to me to think about his wife. So please, as you go about your daily routines, remember this young American hero who did so much in his short time in life and pray for his wife, left behind with lost hopes of the future with him.
This story is the exact reason I want people to appreciate everything our military does- our service members fight in a war while we are safe in country going about our daily lives. Do not ever forget the sacrifice of Sergeant Mark Bradley, his family who is now mourning his loss, and the countless other lives changed by war.
God Bless Our Troops & Their Families
Sgt Mark Bradley and his wife Samantha
UPDATE: There will be a tribute service held for Sgt Mark Bradley at the Carolina Military Vehicle Preservation Association on Saturday, June 18 starting at noon. This is a Marines' version of a tribute, celebrating Sgt Bradley's life with the things he loved to do: the gun range will be opened, food & beer will be provided and his brothers will be in attendance. The hope of this tribute is to reflect on a fallen friend. The location of the clubhouse is: CMVPA Bldg, 9773 HAWLEY RD, KENLY NC 27542. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.
Comments
bless you, sir
Our condolences, love and support to the family, and thanks for his honorable service.
S/F
Bradley
Mark Bradley
Mark was my nephew and Hero. Thank you all for your heart felt prayers. Please continue to pray for Samatha his wife. She is amazing also. Without your prayers and God this journey would be unbelieveably much harder.
Thanks to everyone !
Donald Tilley
My Marine, My Brother
Sir, My name is Gunnery Sergeant Marshall Gregg and I was Mark's first squad leader and later his platoon sergeant in his first unit: Echo Company, 2/8. Mark served as riflemean, saw gunner and finally as team leader in my last combat deployment with the unit and was one of the best infantrymen that i have ever known. He was a great man and a phenomenal Marine. His death is a huge blow to myslef and to this great organization as a whole. He is a hero and a true proffesional. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and the entire family. It was an honor to serve with such a great person. Semper Fidelis. -Gunny Gregg
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To your family
Sir, I am so very heartbroken over your family's loss. Being the wife of a Marine, and feeling that unspoken bond with my military family I cannot imagine what you are all dealing with. My only hope is that I can make sure that your family's sacrifice does not go unnoticed and that this brave Marine's heroic life is talked about. Please extend my deepest thoughts to Samantha, she is a true testament of the strength that is a military wife. God bless
My name is Sgt Ullman. I did
My name is Sgt Ullman. I did 2 tours with Sgt Bradley in 2/8 Echo and had many fun times with him in Jacksonville down to Myrtle beach. Was a great guy. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Please keep us updated on the funeral for I would like to take leave to come and show my respect to the wife and family. RIP brother, Semper Fi
Sgt. Bradley
Sgt. Ullman:
I am the editor of the Clayton News-Star newspaper in Clayton, NC. We are trying to contact friends and relatives of Sgt. Bradey to write a memorial piece for the paper, but so far have had little success. Can you please contact me ASAP: Phone (919) 264-4148 or email editor@claytonnews-star.com.
Brian Rapp
Editor
Clayton News-Star
Memorial Run
Sgt Bradley will be buried in Arlington Cemetary. There will be a Memorial Run in NC, they are working out the details but I will update everyone as I get them. His wife Samantha may be in attendance according to the event coordinator, Carolina Military Vehicle Preservation Association. Here is the link that will post any information in reference to Sgt Bradley & his family: www.cmvpa.com
memorial run
Mark isnt being buried in Arlington, his family has decided his final resting place will be next to his papa. Those were his wishes. Thank you
Service
Hello, I worked with Samantha, and our office will be closing to attend his service. I was wondering if the date and time for the service has been decided?
Please keep posted
Please keep me posted with the run. My husband is deployed with 3/2 and I know that a lot of our wives would love to run in his name. SGT Bradley will be dearly missed. My prayers go out to his family.
Prayers for the Bradley Family
so sorry for the lost of Mark. Never had the honor to meet him, but I know his father and I'm sure he was just as wonderful as Jack. My prayers are with his wife and all the family.
We are blessed the more for his honorable service!
April Martin
Sorrow for your loss
All who have or have had a loved one in harm's way share in the loss of every one. I pray the Lord comfort you in your time of grief...
Sgt Mark Bradley
Gunny Gregg's comments--No finer testimony can be given for a Marine. Our prayers are with Sergeant Bradley's wife and family, including his Marine family.
So very sorry to the family
So very sorry to the family of Sgt Mark Bradley. I am the sister of the Fallen Hero Cpl Adam Jones. Our entire family will be praying for God to comfort you and give you all strength. Adam and Mark deployed together a few years ago. God Bless You
Sam & Diana
I am so sorry for your lost. I will be thinking of you during this time. Even though we never met, I like to thank him for his Honorable service to our country. My love to Sam and Diana. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
MS - Patterson Dental
So very sad to get this post
So very sad to get this post today. Sam I want to tell you that you are a very strong young lady, as I read your posts, this was quite evident. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for you and your family as well as all the soldiers who are willing to sacrifice so much for us all. God Bless you all.
Sgt. Mark A. Bradley, USMC
Condolences to the family. Rest in Peace and Semper Fi, Brother!
HM/2 Tom Mitchell - Lima 3/5 RVN 1969
Heavy Hearts for Sergeant Bradley at NNMC Bethesda
I cannot express the heartbreak that was losing Sergeant Bradley last night. I was one of the two surgical technicians scrubbed in his final surgery on Wednesday morning. I can tell you that I never personally met this fine young marine, but we all took it very personally when we lost him. Especially those who were in the operating room that morning. All of us at NNMC Bethesda share our deepest condolences for the family and loved ones of Sergeant Bradley. I personally cannot tell you how privileged I felt to care for this warrior.
I send my prayers out to his family and his wife. Stay strong! I firmly believe that God has a special place in Heaven for these wonderful marines that sacrifice their lives for the good of the country and the good of mankind. So just imagine, he is there in Heaven and he is walking again. He will always be remembered in our hearts. Thank you Sergeant Bradley, for everything you have done.
-HM3 Miles Johnson
thank you to the medical staff
Dear Miles,
I am an RN and the mother of an Army soldier who was in Afghanistan for OEFX. It made me so proud to read your words. In so many ways they touched my heart. Thank you, Mark, Sam, and all of your family members, and thank you, all of the medical personnel who fought so hard with Mark. God Bless.
Miles, Mark was my nephew.
Miles,
Mark was my nephew. Thank you for all you did for him. My family appreciates that he never gave up and neither did his doctors, nurses, and technicians. Please continue to fight the good fight and do all that you can for the next Marine that is in your care.
Melissa Medlin
Thank You
On behalf on all Marine Corps Wives, I would like to thank you HM3 Johnson & all of the Corpsmen who take care of our Marines in their hardest times. Without you, they wouldn't be able to do what they do.
-Bianca
Thoughts and Prayers For Sgt. Bradley's wife and family
Miles,
I am praying for Sgt. Bradley's wife and family. I am a mother of two solider in the Army my youngest was wounded in Iraq in 2007. It was God and the Doctors he chose to care for my son that are the reason he is still with us today. It broke my heart to hear about Sgt. Bradley as he is a friend of a friend of ours. This is just so emotional for me as we just honored a young solider that join the Army with my son right out of high school in 2006. His life was also taken by an IED on May 2nd in Afghanistan. He and his family are friends of our family. I feel like all of these young men and women that serve our country are my children. We can never Thank them enough for all they have done and will continue to do. In my eyes they are all Heroes! In the Bible it says a good sheperd would die for their flock. I feel that the Military are the Sheperds of the USA and they proctect us their sheep. I just can't give them enough recognition for all they do to keep us Safe and Free here in their home land. People don't realize these young men and women face the fact that they may lose their lives while fighting for their country. They have all enlisted knowing that they may go to war. They weren't drafted they chose to enlist to serve us and their country. They are the BRAVE and the HEROES and deserve to be HONOR! Like the song says I would gladly Stand up next to them and Defend her still today! I am PROUD of all our MILITARY! I also would like to Thank all the Medical teams that take care of our Military. Thank you men and women of our Military for all you do! THANK YOU! Sgt Bradley For your ULTIMATE SACRIFICE! May God be holding you in his arms and watching over you now!
My Nephew
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Sgt Bradley
This just breaks my heart....thank you for sharing Bianca....may he rest in peace.
Sgt. Mark Bradley
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Sergeant Mark A. Bradley, USMC
Samantha,
My Wife and I would like to offer you and your family our condolences. May he rest in peace! My wife and I began follow your posting in FaceBook a couple of days ago.
We knew of Mark through his friend's mother who lives in Shreveport, La. She was so proud of them, and told us so much about them.
I want thank you for your service as a Marine wife as well.
You have a heart of gold! You are an awesome Marine Wife!
Felix E. Rivera
1stSgt, USMC (Ret)
This has hit so close to
This has hit so close to home. I used to work with Sam and she is a very sweet girl. I have so much more respect for her now after seeing how bravely she has handled this whole thing. It's comforting to know that Mark knew that his wife stayed by his side, even in the state he was in. As a fellow Marine wife, I can't help but cry for her. My husband and I have non-chalantly had the conversation before where he asks me if I'd still be there for him if he were badly injured. Sam is an amazing woman and wife for staying by his side until the end. He'll forever remain by her side. There's no doubt in my mind.
I believe we should all get
I believe we should all get together and try to raise money for the family.. It will not make the pain go away, but it will help the family out a great deal.. I didn't know either one of these two, but a great friend of mine was friends to them both.. He seemed like a hero to most and Samantha and Mark were so happy in love. Its hard to hear that such a young soldier lost his life, but we all know there is a hero in heaven looking down.. Please keep prayers going for his wife and family! May God bless them all with healing touches...
There is a poker run June
There is a poker run June 26th for and to raise money for his family..It will stat at 11:00am at the Pastimes bar in Clayton NC..Hope we can get a huge turn out..Would like to see thousand of bikers there
Sergeant Mark A. Bradley, USMC
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thank you
thank you so much for blogging to the world about this tragedy. i went to school with samantha and from knowing her there, i just cant imagine the heart break she and her family is going through. sam, you have my deepest condolences. you chose a great man to spend your life with but he was taken from you prematurely. i only hope that your beautiful soul will one day be mended. he is with you now in your heart and spirit. everyones hearts and prayers are going out to you and your family.
A hero
I want to take a moment to say thank you to this Heros family and to express my condolences. My prayers are with his wife and family. Your husband gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I am sure when He reached those pearly gates he heard" Well done my good and faithful servant.Mission complete welcome home! May God bring you peace and comfort.
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Sgt. Mark Bradley, USMC
I would like to give my condolences to the family and wife of Mark. I do not know him or his family. I heard of Mark's death through a friend's facebook page. I served four years in the Marine Corps and got out June of 2009, but I hate it when I hear of a troops death especially a Marine's because it could have been myself or one of my men. Again, I am deeply sorry for your loss and I want you to know that you have my prayers as well as the prayers of many other Marines past and present. Mark is a brother in arms to all of us and always will be. SEMPER FIDELIS!
- Cpl Barnes, Dusty
Never forgotten
I served in the same unit as Sgt Bradley, he will be missed. Thank you for your service Mark. My prayers go out to his family friends and wife. Please support our troops.
Sincere condolences to his
Sincere condolences to his wife and the rest of the family....Rest in Peace Sgt. Mark Bradley and Thank You for protecting us and our Country....Semper Fi....
Johnston County
I'm an old Johnston County girl and I truly am sorry for your loss Samantha. I'm also thankful for what your husband did to protect this country and my love ones. God will carry U through the valleys. Praying-Stephanie Keene
Cuba NY
The Cuba, NY Military Prayer Group and Cuba community friends are praying for Mark's wife and family. He gave his life for our freedom, and we are blessed. Help each one of us to be appreciate and thankful for Mark and so many others that have given their lives for us.
Our small community in Cuba,
Our small community in Cuba, NY, is devastated over the loss of one of our own. My son used to hang out with his brother Steven and was very close to the whole family. He served two tours of duty in Iraq himself so I know the sense of fear having a family member fighting this war. I can't even imagine the pain his wife Samantha, his mother Sherry, father Jack, brothers Steven & David and sister Gail are going through right now. The Southern Tier Miliary Support Group wants to do something to honor his memory so please contact me if anyone has further information (am_ash2@yahoo.com).
With a heavy heart-
Brian & Angela Ash
More prayers...
More prayers for the family and friends of this fine young man who bravely gave his life to keep us free and safe. I proudly fly my flag in your honor, and in the honor of all others who serve and have served.
Condolences to all who were touched by Mark in his short life. May God bless you all with peace that only He can render in this most difficult time. Many hearts are heavy right now with thoughts of you all.
Most sincerely,
Cindy (Resch) Sweet
Cuba, NY
Prayer From Michigan
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"A TRUE AMERICAN HERO"
Mark is my nephew and his aunt Rebecca and I could not be prouder of the ultimate sacrifice he gave protecting our freedom for this great country. We were fortunate enough to spend some time recently with Mark roughly six months ago when he was on leave in Florida with his wife and mother. The Marines have lost a great soldier and his wife and immediate family have lost an awesome husband, son and brother. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. It warms my heart to know that Mark touched so many lives in a positive way. GOD surely must have a special assignment for SGT Bradley in heaven. Our love for Mark will live on forever.
Randy & Rebecca Butler
I don't know you or your
I don't know you or your family but my heart goes out to a fallen hero who has done so much for our country and to keep us safe. I can't imagine what you are going through but i can only send my thoughts and prayers. As an ER nurse I deal with this emotion on a regular, you will get through this. And you will have an amazing angel watching over you and your family. Be strong .
ER RN
Sgt Bradley
R.I.P Brother, raising a glass to you, and you will be missed.
-A Brother
A valiant young man.
My condolences go to you and your family Sam. You went to school with my daughter, we met and I know you as a beautiful and strong young lady. My heart goes to you. Your husband will always be with you Sam in your heart and spirit, your in my prayers. Sonia Caldwell
2/8 Echo Co
I had the brief honor of getting to know Mark on my way out of the Marine Corps. He was a great Marine and a fun guy to be around. My prayers go out to the family for your loss. Semper Fi Mark You will never be forgotten
Sgt Ernest, Jared
Mark
The CRCS class of 2003 will never forget you Mark, we will walk again together someday brother! You are our hero! May angels surround your family right now...
Dan Gilroy
an old friend
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Condolences
Bianca, thank you for letting us know about the sacrifices of this brave Marine.
As a wife and former military spouse, my heart also goes out to Samantha.
We need to keep getting out of our comfort zones to reach out to those who get out of theirs to serve their country.
I will say a prayer for this family today.
Margot Cornelius
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