Fallen Soldier: Michael Roy

Marine Corps Sergeant Michael Roy 25, of North Fort Myers, Fla.; assigned to 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He died on July 8, 2009 while on a mounted combat reconnaissance patrol acting as turret gunner in his vehicle in Khash, Nimroz Province, Afghanistan. Sgt. Roy’s convoy came under rocket propelled grenade, machine gun and small arms fire from insurgents. He was killed by a sniper in the firefight.

Sgt. Roy enlisted in the Marines just two weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, hoping he could stop al-Qaida and Osama Bin Laden. “He wanted to protect his country and wanted his children to grow up without war,” said Julie England, a longtime neighbor whose children befriended Roy.

He began his career as a rifleman at Camp Lejeune, NC, and was then assigned to the Antiterrorism Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and completed Scout Sniper training, in 2005.

He deployed in support of both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Roy is remembered for his steadfast commitment toward life, his family, and the Marine Corps.

“You couldn’t ask for a better leader as your sergeant,” said Cpl. John Wood, who served under Roy for his first two tours in Iraq.

He is survived by his wife, Amy, and children, Olivia, Mikey and Landon.