"God has a very special plan for each of your lives, and wants you to know Him personally. Remember that no problem you will ever have is too big for Him to handle. No matter what happens, God always has your best interests in mind. That means that God always does what is best for you - even when it seems hard. He loves each of you very much."

Sgt. Jesse W. Strong, USMC
Combat Engineer Battalion
K.I.A - Iraq

Lance Corporal Antoine Smith

United States Marine

Antoine had always been inspired by the heroes of WWII. He had read many books describing the war, Hitler and especially how the men died at Omaha Beach. This admiration, combined with the benefit of college tuition, compelled Antoine to enlist in the Marine Corps. He reported for duty at Paris Island, South Carolina and was sworn in as a Marine Private, First Class on May 29, 2001.

Antoine was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia as an anti-terrorist Lance Corporal. In 2002 and 2003, he served at various locations, including Alaska, Germany, Greenland and Iceland. During this time, Antoine's Company went to Omaha BEach in Normandy, France where he saw the impressions left on the beach and the graves of the brave men from WWII. This was a touching moment for him.

By 2003, Antoine had many friends that were serving overseas in Iraq, three of whom were killed in convoy attacks. When he was asked if he would volunteer to go to Iraq, he agreed for three reasons: 1) a close friend's wife said she would divorce his friend if he went to Iraq so Antoine volunteered to go in his place, 2) he wanted to earn hazard duty pay to make a better life for his mom and purchase a home of his own, and 3) he wanted to fight for freedom and make a difference in this world. He knew it was not going to be easy, but he told his mom, "Why shouldn't I go?"

In August 2004, Antoine received official orders to report for duty in Iraq. He was assigned to be a part of a security force in an infantry battalion, specifically, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. On November 15, fighting for a cause in which he so strongly believed, Antoine was killed in combat by enemy action in Iraq's Anbar province.

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