NAPA, CA, USA U.S. Marines CPL, H&S CO, 1ST BN, 8TH MAR, (RCT-7, 1ST MAR DIV), CAMP LEJEUNE, NC FALLUJAH, IRAQ 11/27/2004
Kirk J. Bosselmann’s level of skill and daring outdoors even impressed Masai warriors.
During a family safari to Kenya four years ago, Bosselmann’s hunting, riding and outdoors prowess prompted his Masai guides to present him with a ceremonial tribal sword.
Whether he was climbing trees, heading out before dawn to go duck hunting or going full speed on the lawn mower, Bosselmann displayed a zeal for living life to the fullest.
“That kid couldn’t do anything slow,” said his father, Rainer Bosselmann.
Bosselmann, 21, of Napa, Calif., died Nov. 27 near Fallujah. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. A 2001 high school graduate, he loved the outdoors, whether he was hunting deer with a bow or foxes on horseback. At 18, he moved to California to fight wildfires, but ended up joining the Marines instead. Bosselmann even called home to say he had tried bull riding.
“It’s such a cliche to say the Marine Corps turned him into a man, but it did,” said a childhood friend, Joe Brown.
In addition to his father, Bosselmann is survived by his mother, Beverley.
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