MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS -- Lance Cpl. Justin D. Reppuhn, motor transportation operator, Seaman Chadwick T. Kenyon, corpsman, and Cpl. Adam A. Galvez, Light Armored Vehicle mechanic, 3rd LAR, were posthumously honored with the renaming of 3rd LAR buildings aboard the Combat Center in dedication of their valiant actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During the ceremony, the citations summarizing the actions of the two Marines and sailor were read by Marines and sailors with 3rd LAR. The citations gave a glimpse of the heroic and brave actions displayed by the 3rd LAR Marines and sailor
During combat operations, Reppuhn’s decisive and skillful reactions to enemy fire and emplaced obstacles, while serving as lead driver of his convoy, saved the lives of his fellow Marines and sailors. He died of injuries suffered while receiving enemy fire in Fallujah, Iraq, Nov. 11, 2004.
While serving as a corpsman for Company D, 3rd LAR, Kenyon risked his life on multiple occasions to provide medical care to Marines while under enemy fire with complete disregard for his own safety. He died of injuries suffered when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Rawah, Iraq, Aug. 20, 2006.
Galvez sustained injuries when a traffic control point he was guarding was attacked by enemy forces, July 29, 2006. He was offered time to recover from injuries but returned to his platoon early after volunteering for a patrol. He rode in the same vehicle as Kenyon when the IED was triggered resulting in his death.
The ceremony honored the lives of Reppuhn, Kenyon and Galvez with the battalion’s leadership recognizing how their actions gave back to the Corps.
“It’s important that we recognize these service members for what they contributed to the Marine Corps,” said Sgt. Maj. Edward Zapata, sergeant major, 3rd LAR. “They went above and beyond in their actions and their selflessness serves as a good [example] for Marines.”
The 3rd LAR Color Guard presented the colors for the dedication ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the families of the service members were presented with flowers by the Battalion while 3rd LAR Marines stood in formation.
“I feel that this is the highest honor they could be given,” said Amy Galvez, mother of Adam Galvez. “I’m very proud of my son and I know this would mean a lot to them.”
The HN (FMF) Chadwick T. Kenyon Battalion Aid Station, Lance Cpl. Justin D. Reppuhn Motor Transport Ramp and Cpl. Adam A. Galvez Light Armored Vehicle Ramp are the official names of the buildings in honor of the service members who sacrificed their lives.
“They gave everything they could of themselves,” said Lt. Col. Matt Good, battalion commander, 3rd LAR. “May their selfless actions serve as a reminder and call to action for us to emulate.”