Posted: 09.02.2010 03:26
News ID: 55589
COMBAT OUTPOST PAYNE, Afghanistan – Marines from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion paused at Combat Outpost Payne, Aug. 28, to honor Lance Corporal Kevin Oratowski. Oratowski was killed in action, Aug. 18. He was 23 years old.“Every time I saw him he had a smile on his face and was happy,” said Sgt. Henry Coto, a crewman with Headquarters Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st LAR Bn. “He knew how to find the bright side to everything.”
Oratowski graduated from Glenbard South High School in Wheaton, Ill., in 2005 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 2008.
He reported to 1st LAR Bn., Feb. 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in March 2010.
“I knew him since he got to the platoon,” said Lance Cpl. Jacob Guarnere, a rifleman with 3rd Plt., Co. C, 1st LAR Bn. “He was the type of person that everyone liked and could talk to.”
His fellow Marines remember him as a Marine that always made the best out of each situation, Coto added.
Oratowski was also known for helping his friends without hesitation when asked.
“He always had his doors open when someone needed to talk or just hangout,” Guarnere said. “That’s just how he was. He was a good person and will be missed.”
Oratowski’s personal awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
He is survived by his parents Stephen and Mary, his sister Carrie and brother Michael.
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