Mark Kidd remembered

A Marine known in his Brighton-area church for his devotion to God and his country lost his life in an apparent sniper attack Thursday in Iraq.

Cpl. Mark Kidd, 26, son of Frank and Janet Kidd of Milford, was killed after being shot in the neck while on duty at a checkpoint between Fallujah and Baghdad, according to family spokeswoman 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."

Mark Kidd frequently attended services at his family's church, Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyter-ian Church in Brighton Township.

"He was a patriot and a very strong Christian," said the Rev. Richard Alberta, senior pastor. "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."

Mark 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, he 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, George said.

"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."

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

"His goal was to practice international law, working with the State Department," she said.

Mark Kidd was just one semester short of earning a bachelor's degree in pre-law at Eastern Michigan University, completing three years of college in just a year and a half, George said.

Alberta said he frequently corresponded with Mark 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 the Kidd 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 next month.

From the Argus

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Mark D. Kidd slain by sniper