Jesse Tillery has services ahead of burial at Arlington

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. - A Camp Lejeune Marine killed in Iraq followed his brothers into the military and loved serving his country, a minister said during his funeral Saturday in Wisconsin.

Lance Cpl. Jesse Tillery, 19, of Vesper died Dec. 2 while conducting combat operations in Iraq.

"He was so proud to be a Marine," the Rev. Milt Van Natta told mourners at Baker Street Community Church.

Family friends have said Tillery was fascinated with the military from childhood and had two brothers serving with the Army - one also on active duty in Iraq and the other a veteran of two tours there.

Tillery was a member of the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Expeditionary Force based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"He idolized his older brothers, and for him to follow in his brothers' footsteps, that was something that was hugely important to them," Van Natta said.

Tillery was remembered for his love of reading, video games, his family and friends.

He possessed tremendous contentment, commitment and hope, Van Natta said.

Tillery's uncle, the Rev. Rodney Collins, said his relatives were close.

"I have the highest love and honor for the family and also for Jesse," he said.

Tillery joined the Marines in August 2005 after graduating from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids.

He joined his unit in February before receiving his first combat deployment in September.

Richard Ryan, Tillery's battalion chaplain, traveled from Iraq to attend the services. He said about 200 Marines from Tillery's company are serving in Fallujah and wanted to attend the funeral.

"Marines and sailors in that town are making a difference," Ryan said. "Do not ever forget (Tillery's) sacrifice."

During the services, Tillery's family was presented with the Purple Heart and a certificate for Tillery's honest and faithful service. Tillery had received the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Medal before the service, according to the Department of Defense.

He is survived by his parents, Martin and Kathy, brothers James and Jared and sister Joelle.

"What this family is giving to our country because they believe in our country and believe in freedom is what touched me more than anything this week," Van Natta said.

A memorial will be established his Tillery's name at McMillan Library in Wisconsin Rapids. He also will be honored with a memorial at the High Ground in Neillsville.

Tillery will be buried Wednesday in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

From the Sun News

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Jesse D. Tillery killed during combat operations