Mark D. Kidd slain by sniper

A 26-year-old United States Marine from Milford has died in Iraq, the victim of an apparent sniper attack.

Corporal Mark David Kidd, son of Frank and Janet Kidd, was killed Jan. 25 after being shot in the neck while on duty at a checkpoint between Fallujah and Baghdad, according to family spokesperson Paige George. He was transported to a hospital after being wounded and died about an hour later.

“It’s a sad day,” George said. “We are heartbroken, but so very proud of him.”
Kidd was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division in Mount Clemens.

A 1998 graduate of Wixom Christian School, Kidd joined the Marine Corps in 2000.

After serving multiple active tours of duty through 2005, he was called up to serve again last April through the Michigan Marine National Guard Unit, said George.
“And he proudly went back,” she said. “He told his parents ‘If I don’t go, someone else will have to.’ And he went with his head held up in honor.”

Kidd is being remembered as outgoing and friendly. He loved jazz music and hanging out with friends, said George, but was also “very driven.”

“His goal was to practice international law, working with the State Department,” she said. Kidd was just one semester short of earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in pre-law at Eastern Michigan University, completing three years of college in just a year and a half, she said.

Kidd was also a young man of strong faith, added Dr. Richard Alberta, senior pastor at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Brighton, the family’s place of worship. “He was a patriot and a very strong Christian,” Alberta said. “He was born of the spirit and frequently shared his faith in the Lord Jesus (with the other soldiers).

He saw his work there as much as a Marine as it was serving the Lord.”

Alberta said he frequently corresponded with Kidd, who told him of the risks he was knowingly facing and the how his religious beliefs were a source of comfort and strength. He also spoke of his disappointment that the military effort in Iraq didn’t seem to be respected in the United States. “He sensed this lack of appreciation for all the good that was happening — building schools, freeing kids they found in basements and so many other things. He’d have a real hurt in his voice,” Alberta said. “But he was really, really honored and pleased to be a part of all that.”

According to a statement issued by Kidd’s family, “Mark proudly served the U.S. Marine Corps with honor. May God continue to bless America.”

Mark Kidd had one sibling, Matthew.

Funeral services will be held at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church early next month.

From the Observer