Soldier Honored: Gregory T. Copes

Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Gregory Copes, 36, grew up in Lynch Station, VA, attended Hargrave Military Academy, and graduated from Longwood University in Farmville, VA. Prior to joining the U. S. Marines, he worked at Carter Machining in Lynchburg, VA. SSgt Copes was assigned to 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion (MARSOC), Camp Lejeune, N.C.  He began his deployment to Afghanistan in January, 2012, and was scheduled to return to the US in September.  On August 17, 2012, SSgt. Copes, along with a Navy Hospital Corpsman, was killed while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was a great Marine and an even better father, who was loved by all those who served with him.

An avid outdoorsman, SSgt. Copes also loved music and sports.  “He always loved to go out and throw the football and stuff,” said his older brother Earl.  He knew from a young age that he wanted to serve in the military.  The events of September 11, 2001, caused SSgt. Copes to officially enlist in the Marine Corps.  He served all over the world, including tours to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

SSgt Copes is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons. All of his children are Folds of Honor Children’s Fund Scholarship recipients.