Fallen Soldier: Ross S. Carver

Lance Corporal Ross S. Carver, 21, of Rocky Point, N.C., was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and served during Operation Enduring Freedom. On September 3, 2010, he died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

A 2007 graduate of E.A. Laney High School, LCpl. Carver enlisted in the Marines the following March. He followed his older brother into the Corps, knowing full well what he would face: rigorous training that, if mastered, earns one the right to be called a Marine.

LCpl. Carver was a devoted son, husband, and father. He would go out of his way to help anyone he could. He loved life and was planning on re-enlisting. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart for his sacrifice.
"He was conscientious, a very strong student," said Gary Green, the JROTC instructor at Laney High School. “There was no doubt he was going to graduate. He could have gone to college, but I don't think that was his plan. His plan was to join the Marines.”

LCpl. Carver’s son is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.