ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL, US
U.S. Marine Corps
LCPL, 3D BN 5TH MAR, (RCT-2, I MEF FWD), 1ST MAR DIV, CAMP PENDLETON, CA
11/10/2010, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Lance Corporal James Bray Stack was killed during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan on November 10, 2010, one month in to his first dour of overseas duty. Lance Corporal Stack was a rifleman in India Company Third Battalion of the Fifth Marines in the First Division. The 3rd Battalion 5th Marines (3/5) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion, nicknamed “Dark Horse”, is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California and consists of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors. They fall under the command of the 5th Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division. LCPL Stack was twenty years old.
Helmand is the world’s largest opium-producing region, responsible for 42% of the world’s total production and members of 3rd Battalion were conducting operations in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Corporal Stack was a national champion air pistol shooter in the 2008 Junior Olympics and a member of the Arlington International Airgun Club, based at Christian Liberty Academy. One of the firing ranges is located in the upper deck of Grace Gymnasium. James Stack also played soccer with Christian Liberty and was named Most Valuable Player on the school’s track team. He was homeschooled with the Christian Liberty Academy curriculum while residing in Arlington Heights. He enjoyed being outdoors and hunting and fishing and camping with had father and grandfather as they enjoyed his airgun expertise. James Stack was a genuine, talented Christian young man in the process of building his life’s forward direction.
While contemplating a career in the United States Marine Corps, a young man from Arlington Heights was asked six years ago if he was prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice for his country. At an early age he was interested in both the Marine Corps and in serving his country and contributing to something bigger than himself. While in Afghanistan, his unit was near a river and he was able to be in and near the water. The nearby water reminded him of time spent with his grandfather in central Illinois. This and his knowledge that he was a skilled marksman helped him approach each day as his unit received much enemy fire. His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Lance Corporal James Bray Stack leaves his wife and their one-year old daughter, his parents, and his sister.